EP #92: Living the Island Life in Midlife with Marla Martinez

If you’re a woman over 50 running a business and wondering why it feels harder than you expected — even with all your experience — this episode is for you. In this solo episode, before pausing for a few months, the Women in the Middle® Entrepreneurs Podcast, Suzy Rosenstein, names the often-invisible challenges midlife women face when building businesses, including menopause, energy changes, technology, caregiving, shifting relationships, and evolving family roles. This isn’t about hustle or pushing through. It’s about understanding the bigger context you’re operating in — and releasing unrealistic expectations about capacity, productivity, and growth in midlife. Suzy also shares why she’s choosing to pause the podcast and what she hopes listeners carry forward into their next chapter of business and life. In this episode, you will learn: What really gets in the way for midlife women entrepreneurs Why entrepreneurship feels different after 50 — and why that makes sense How menopause, sleep disruption, and fatigue affect business capacity The impact of caregiving and “sandwich generation” responsibilities What happens when partners and friends are retiring — and you’re not Grandparent guilt and unspoken role expectations The real issue: mismatched expectations about midlife women’s capacity A more honest, sustainable definition of success in this season Why the podcast is pausing — and what remains true moving forward

Today’s episode is with Sheri Moise. Sheri is a woman in the middle entrepreneur who uses astrology with marketing and planning in business as a strategic data source for clients. In this episode, you will learn: How astrology can help you align your business with the cycles that shape your success. Midlife clarity is an advantage. By this stage, we know what matters and have nothing to prove. That makes it the perfect time to rebuild business structures around sustainability, not speed. Success flows when you honor timing. Working with cosmic cycles rather than pushing against them helps women reduce stress, increase confidence, and finally see consistent results from their effort. Astrology is a strategic tool, not a shortcut. It’s a measurable, repeatable data system that helps entrepreneurs make intentional business decisions, especially around planning, visibility, and launches.

Today’s episode is with Yifat Jovani. Yifat is a woman in the middle entrepreneur who’s running a business that blends online courses and coaching with in-person wardrobe consultations and shopping guidance. In this episode, you will learn: How to embrace style, confidence, and power in midlife. How to unapologetically celebrate who you are. How to honor yourself every day and live fully aligned with who you truly are. How to love your body as it is now.

Today’s episode is with Shawna Hicks-Cranston. Shawna is a woman in the middle entrepreneur who had to re-think parts of her business after her husband died. In this episode, you will learn: How to navigate an unexpected business pivot after the loss of a spouse. How a franchise allows our guest to have a better work life balance. You can own your own business and still take a vacation. Why you should share the knowledge and grow your business, team, and community connections.

Today’s episode is with Michele Perron. Michele is a woman in the middle entrepreneur who’s a nutrition and addiction coach who offers a unique option for drinkers other than sobriety, finally. In this episode, you will learn: How to help drinkers with alcohol moderation & recovery nutrition. The importance of hope in the face of adversity. How developing resilience helped coping with divorce, bankruptcy, single parenting, completing a PhD, and a new career. How to have belief in yourself even when you don't really know for sure & how to trust that things will work out no matter what.