The Blooming Solopreneur

Betsy Block
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Explore the benefits of a side hustle, learn tips and tricks to kick fear and doubt to the curb, and boost your inner happiness. Come find inspiration to explore your true purpose, rediscover your identity, and make midlife your best life.

  1. Sep 22

    #29: Grave Tending: The Side Hustle You've Probably Never Considered

    Have you ever heard of a grave tender? Until 2017, I hadn't either. Today, gravesite beautification is still one of the primary services I offer through Serene & Green—and it's work I find incredibly meaningful. Grave tenders are essentially cemetery visitors for hire. We visit gravesites on behalf of people who can't—or simply prefer not to—do the work themselves. That might mean tidying and weeding, planting flowers, delivering a wreath on a holiday, safely cleaning a headstone, or simply showing up on a meaningful date and sending a photo afterward. And I've come to realize that what my clients are really paying for isn't the flowers or the weeding. They're paying for the peace of mind that comes from knowing someone showed up. In this episode of The Blooming Solopreneur, I'm taking you behind the scenes of this unusual little corner of the service-business world. We'll talk about: What grave tending actually involves Why families hire grave tenders Why cemeteries don't necessarily provide these services themselves Four reasons grave tending can work particularly well as a side hustle Why you don't need hundreds of customers to build a sustainable business The personality traits that matter more than gardening expertise Who may—and may not—be well suited to this work I'll also share a few examples from my own clients that illustrate why this work means so much more than simply maintaining a piece of ground. Could grave tending be a fit for you? I've created a free Grave Care Business Fit Check to help you think through whether this kind of work fits your interests, temperament and current season of life. Visit betsyblockblooms.com/fitcheck to get your copy. Want to take the next step? Enrollment for the Fall 2026 cohort of Peaceful Profit: How to Start and Build a Sustainable Grave Care Business opens September 29. This four-week online course covers the things I wish I'd known when I started Serene & Green in 2018—including how to set up your business, create and price your services, find your first clients, and build a grave care business that's sustainable for you. The Fall cohort begins October 12 and includes two live Zoom Q&A sessions. Join the waitlist for early-bird pricing at betsyblockblooms.com/waitlist. And if grave tending isn't for you—but someone popped into your mind while listening—I'd love for you to share this episode with them.   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: 🌟 Freebie: Grave Care Business Fit Check https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/fitcheck 🌟 Join the waitlist Peaceful Profit: How to Start and Build a Sustainable Grave Care Businesshttps://www.betsyblockblooms.com/waitlist 📩 Connect with Betsy hello@betsyblockblooms.com 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

  2. Sep 15

    #28: What If Happiness Isn’t the Goal?

    What if the goal of this next chapter isn’t simply to be happy? A recent New York Times opinion piece by Mark Edmundson, “There’s Something Better Than Happiness,” got me thinking about our cultural obsession with comfort—especially as we approach retirement and later adulthood. I don't agree with everything in the piece. I believe deeply in rest. In doing nothing. In beach chairs, naps, leisurely mornings and afternoons with absolutely nothing productive to show for them. But I also know that some of the times I've felt most alive haven't been the times I've been most comfortable. They've come when I'm learning, experimenting, making something, solving a problem or stretching myself in a new direction. I call that productive discomfort. In this episode, I explore the difference between pleasure and fulfillment—and why I think a rich life has room for both. I also talk about the value of having a “project”: something you've chosen for yourself simply because you're curious about where it might lead. Your project could be learning Italian. Building a garden. Taking up pottery. Training for a 5K. Volunteering. Starting a podcast. Launching a side hustle. For me, one of those projects involves 220 peony plants growing in a field in Maine—and not a single bloom to show for it yet. As I approach retirement myself, I'm realizing that I don't want the next 20 or 30 years to be one long vacation. I want less pressure, certainly. More rest, absolutely. But I also want curiosity. Challenge. Purpose. Things to look forward to. In this episode: Why comfort and engagement aren't the same thing My idea of “productive discomfort” The difference between things that feel good and things that make us feel good about our lives Why having a project can give us anticipation, connection and a sense of progress How my own long-term Maine flower project is already adding something meaningful to my life Why a side hustle is only one of many ways to build an interesting, self-directed next chapter So yes—plan the vacation. Sit on the beach. Read the novel. Take the nap. Rest is never wasted time. But maybe comfort doesn't have to be the destination. A question to take with you Do you have a project right now? Not a chore or obligation. Something you've chosen because you're curious about where it might lead. Send me a DM @betsyblockblooms and tell me what you're pursuing. I'd love to cheer you on. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: Mark Edmundson, “There’s Something Better Than Happiness,” The New York Times 🌟 Grab my freebie:“Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey”https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy hello@betsyblockblooms.com 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

  3. Aug 25

    #27: Don’t Waste the Waiting

    Sometimes the big dream has to wait. Maybe your job is too demanding to launch the business you've been thinking about. Maybe financial responsibilities mean retirement isn't realistic yet. Maybe family commitments are taking up most of your time and energy. There are seasons when waiting is actually the wise choice. But there's a difference between waiting passively and preparing actively. In this episode of The Blooming Solopreneur, I'm sharing what I learned from my own “waiting room era.” At 50, I desperately wanted to leave my career and pursue work that felt more fulfilling — but as the primary breadwinner with two school-aged kids, that wasn't a realistic option. So I started preparing for a future I couldn't pursue yet. That period eventually led me to discover grave tending, learn the skills I would need, and launch Serene & Green — my first side business. In this episode, we'll talk about how you can use your own waiting season to: Learn what Future You will need to know Experiment with your dream on a smaller scale Capture your ideas, questions and progress along the way Prepare yourself so that when the opportunity arrives, you're ready for it And I'll leave you with one question: If you knew for certain that your dream was going to happen three years from now, what would you start learning or practicing today? You may not be able to make the big move yet. But that doesn't mean you can't make any move. Don't waste the waiting. Turn your waiting room into a classroom.   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: 🌟 Grab my freebie: “Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey”https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy hello@betsyblockblooms.com 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

  4. Jul 28

    #26: I Thought I Was Building a Business… What I Was Really Building Was a New Life

    For the past eight years, I thought I was building a side business. I was learning how to find clients, price my services, host workshops, and grow Serene & Green. But looking back, I can see I was building something much bigger. I was building evidence. Evidence that I could create opportunities for myself. That I could earn income on my own terms. That I could solve problems I'd never faced before. That I could reinvent myself. And most importantly… That I could trust myself. This episode is a little different. It's part life update, part reflection, and part announcement. After nearly 40 years of W-2 jobs—and 17 years at Shipley—I've decided to leave my fundraising career at the end of this year. People keep congratulating me on my "retirement." But that's not how I see it. I see it as the beginning of a new chapter—one where I get to build a business and a life that truly fit who I am today. If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to start something new, or if a side hustle is really "worth it," I hope you'll give this episode a listen. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: 🌟 Grab my freebie: “Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey” https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy hello@betsyblockblooms.com 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

  5. 11/25/2025

    #25: Joy in a Jar: How a Flower-Fueled Mission Took Root

    Let’s go back - way back - back to the very beginning of my passion for flowers, from my great-aunt Ethel’s snapdragons to the tiny backyard garden where it all began. You'll hear how this love of blooms eventually led to the creation of my floral business and my discovery of the Growing Kindness Project—a nonprofit dedicated to spreading joy through flowers. As a proud Growing Kindness Ambassador, I share how I’ve adapted the mission to fit my life and schedule, and why giving flowers away continues to bring me just as much joy as growing them.  In this episode, you’ll learn: How early memories shape our passions The origin story of the Growing Kindness movement Three ways you can get involved—whether or not you grow flowers How giving can be a healing, empowering act (and good business energy! Resources Mentioned: Become a Growing Kindness Gardener Growing Kindness Podcast More about my floral work: sereneandgreen.com   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: 🌟 Grab my freebie: “Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey”https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy hello@betsyblockblooms.com 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

  6. 11/04/2025

    #24: From Ladder to Lattice: Finding Freedom in Midlife Work

    In this episode of The Blooming Solopreneur, I dive into a powerful shift in how we think about work, aging, and purpose. Inspired by a recent talk from Australian author Bec Wilson, I explore the idea of our 50s and 60s as Prime Time—not the end of our working years, but the beginning of something intentional and fulfilling. You’ll hear: How I turned down a top job to lean into flexibility and fulfillment The difference between the “old” and “new” shape of life Why a side business can be the perfect tool for creating choice The concept of trading the ladder for a lattice What work can really mean in this chapter of life Whether you’re dreaming of freedom, craving purpose, or just wondering what’s next, this episode is for you. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: Bec Williams + Prime Time https://www.primetimers.net/ Prime Time: The handbook for those in the prime of their life🌟 Grab my freebie: “Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey”https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark📩 Connect with Betsy hello@betsyblockblooms.com 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

  7. 10/28/2025

    #23: Start Small, Serve Big: Why In-Person Services Are the Smartest Way to Begin

    In this episode, Betsy shares why she believes that personal, in-person service businesses are the ideal starting point for midlife women ready to dip their toes into entrepreneurship. Drawing from her own experience starting Serene & Green—a gravesite care business launched with just the tools in her garage—Betsy walks through the four big reasons service-based businesses offer flexibility, low startup costs, and meaningful human connection. If you’ve been overthinking your business idea or worrying that AI will replace your opportunities, this episode will remind you that your hands, heart, and creativity are your greatest assets. What You’ll Learn Why service-based businesses are the fastest and most flexible way to start How low overhead and minimal tools can make your first steps risk-free The hidden power of direct customer relationships (and how they grow your business naturally) Ways to build flexibility and freedom into your work schedule Ten reflection questions to help you brainstorm your perfect service idea   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: Serene & Green https://www.sereneandgreen.com/ 🌟 Grab my freebie: “Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey” https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy hello@betsyblockblooms.com 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

  8. 10/07/2025

    #22: The Bright Side of Solopreneurship: 7 Unexpected Rewards

    Being a solopreneur can be tough—but it’s also deeply rewarding. In this episode, I’m sharing 7 of the most meaningful and often overlooked rewards of building a business on your own terms. From flexibility and confidence to rediscovering joy and purpose, these lessons have shaped my journey—and might just inspire yours. If you’re a midlife woman considering a side hustle or in the early stages of building your business, let this episode remind you: it’s not just about making money. It’s about becoming the version of yourself you were meant to be. What you’ll hear in this episode: How solopreneurship gives you flexibility and ownership of your time Why personal growth is baked into the entrepreneurial journey The impact of role modeling passion and purpose for your family How building your own thing increases confidence and joy Why making values-aligned decisions is the best part of business 🔗 Listen now and tag a friend who needs a dose of encouragement!   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 LINKS + MENTIONS: 🌟 Grab my freebie: “Ignite Your Spark: 5 Questions to Guide Your Side Hustle Journey” https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/spark 📩 Connect with Betsy hello@betsyblockblooms.com 💻 Website https://www.betsyblockblooms.com/ 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyblockblooms/

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Explore the benefits of a side hustle, learn tips and tricks to kick fear and doubt to the curb, and boost your inner happiness. Come find inspiration to explore your true purpose, rediscover your identity, and make midlife your best life.

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