Michelle Lyman spent more than 35 years in the medical device industry by helping to develop products that improved and even saved lives.
She worked on everything from esophageal stents to bone density measuring equipment. Her work contributed to innovations that made a tangible difference for patients. For decades, engineering defined her identity, routine and sense of accomplishment.
“It felt amazing,” Michelle said. “I got to see how the whole process works and help to develop those products from beginning to end.”
Yet, as she approached her late 50s, Michelle realized that the career she had poured herself into no longer aligned with the life she wanted.
What began as a small side business eventually became the catalyst for a complete reinvention that brought her renewed purpose, deeper joy and a powerful message for others who are navigating life after turning 50.
A surprising pivot
About five years ago, Michelle’s life took an unexpected turn when a friend introduced her to a brain health supplement. With her science background, Michelle was intrigued by the research behind it and decided to give it a try.
That single decision opened the door to a new world of beauty and wellness products that Michelle quickly fell in love with.
“I started using skincare products and haircare and all these beauty and wellness products and decided to start sharing that with others so I can help people again, just in a completely different way,” she explained.
Michelle discovered that her engineering mindset, curiosity, appreciation for innovation and desire to help people translated naturally into this new field. She began educating others about skincare, structural aging and the importance of protecting skin from environmental stressors, including blue light from screens.
“What I didn’t realize was that blue light is actually more damaging to your skin than the sun,” she said. “You want to take care of your skin no matter where you live.”
Her business grew steadily, and Michelle found herself mentoring others who wanted to earn free products or build a side income. She enjoyed the teaching aspect, community and opportunity to help people feel confident in their own skin.
But something deeper was happening, too.
The role of personal development
Michelle’s entrepreneurial journey introduced her to personal development. It was something she had never fully explored during her engineering career.
She discovered books, workshops and mentors who helped her to understand her strengths, wiring and human design. The more she learned, the more Michelle realized how much she had changed.
“As an entrepreneur we learn and, if we’re not doing personal development, then it’s not going to go very far,” she said. “You need to work on yourself first.”
Michelle didn’t teach personal development directly, but she shared the books and ideas that shaped her growth. She found joy in helping others to discover tools that might change their lives as well.
“You really don’t know how you can impact somebody else’s life just by sharing something that you found that could benefit them,” she explained.
Her business wasn’t just about skincare anymore. It was about building confidence, empowerment and possibility. Then came her book.
A new voice
Michelle was invited to contribute a chapter to “Six Figure Chicks – Global Edition.” It is a book featuring 10 women sharing how they reached a six‑figure income through corporate work, entrepreneurship or a combination of both.
The mastermind behind the series, Mel Carr, encouraged women to tell their stories honestly so others could learn from their roadblocks and breakthroughs.
“If I hadn’t done the personal development or had this business, I don’t know that I would have gone outside of my comfort zone to that extent,” Michelle explained.
The book launched as an international bestseller. Michelle was proud not only of the accomplishment, but of the courage it took to share her journey publicly.
“It’s really good to be able to bring your voice or stories out there so that others can benefit by it,” she said.
Her story, however, was still unfolding.
A life-changing decision
Two years ago, Michelle was laid off from a startup when the company ran out of funding. The sudden loss of income was jarring, and she returned to corporate work for stability. But as time passed, she realized the job no longer fit her life.
“It really didn’t align with my life anymore,” she said. “I wanted to be there more for my son instead of trying to rush out of work so that I could just make it to his baseball game on time.”
Michelle and her husband had adopted their son after marrying in her early 40s. At 58, she wanted to show him what was possible when someone followed their dreams. She wanted him to see that reinvention was not only allowed, but encouraged.
“I want to show my son that he can do anything he wants to do,” Michelle explained. “I want to show him what life could be like if you just do the things you want to do.”
Leaving corporate work required careful financial planning. Michelle had always been diligent about saving and investing, thanks to lessons from her parents. But, when she finally sat down with a financial advisor, she realized she was closer to her retirement goals than she expected.
All the hard work she had been doing was finally paying off, she noted.
Her father supported her decision, telling Michelle he could see how much thought she had put into it. Her friends were proud and her business community encouraged her, too.
“I put in a lot of thought, contemplation and trying to figure things out from a financial standpoint,” she said. “Then, I finally came to the decision, ‘Okay, now’s the time. I can do this.’”
She stepped away from corporate work and opted for a completely new direction.
Living with intention
Today, Michelle is focused on her wellness business, writing and her family. She offers complimentary AI-powered skin scans to help people understand their skin health and simplify their routines.
She also continues mentoring others who want to build a business of their own. Michelle is embracing a lifestyle that feels aligned, joyful and meaningful.
“I don’t have to be tied to that identity of that particular income source,” she explained. “It just didn’t make sense anymore.”
Michelle believes people over 50 have far more potential than they realize. She encourages anyone feeling stuck or misaligned to explore what truly lights them up.
“My biggest advice is to follow your dreams,” she said. “Don’t think that you’re too old to start something new and to pivot.”
She knows firsthand how easy it is to stay in a job out of fear, habit or identity. But she also knows how liberating it is to step into something new.
“Life is too short,” she explained. “There’s no reason to hold back and wait for the right moment. It’s never going to be the right moment.”
Michelle’s story is a reminder that reinvention is not only possible after 50. In fact, it may be exactly what leads to the most meaningful chapter of all.
Advice for finding purpose after 50
Michelle’s journey offers several lessons for anyone seeking more meaning in their life.
“First, pay attention to alignment. If something feels off, explore why,” she explained. “If it’s not aligned, then find the thing that is aligned and do that.”
Second, invest in personal development. Books, mentors and workshops can reveal strengths and possibilities you never knew you had.
Third, don’t underestimate your financial foundation. Michelle encourages people to understand their savings, investments and retirement goals in order to truly know their options.
Fourth, surround yourself with positive people. Supportive friends and mentors can make reinvention feel less daunting.
Finally, remember that age is not a barrier.
“Just because you’re in your 50s does not mean that you can’t pivot or do something new,” she said.
Michelle’s life today looks nothing like it did five years ago. It is fuller, freer and more aligned with who she has become. She hopes her story inspires others to embrace their own second half with courage and curiosity.
For more information
People can connect with Michelle on these platforms:
- Facebook = www.facebook.com/mdl0423
- Instagram = www.instagram.com/michellelyman23
- LinkedIn = www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-dawn-lyman
The book Michelle is featured in, “Six-Figure Chicks – Global Edition,” is available on Amazon and in other bookstores.
