Why so many people begin a creative path later in life?

On the first day of my recent student Elena’s lampshade course, who travelled from Spain to learn with me, we got onto this really fascinating topic, why so many people decide to start a creative path later in life. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to share it with you, as I have witnessed this so often over the last 17 years that I could probably fill a whole book with the stories I’ve heard while teaching.

Since 2008, when I started teaching, I’ve had the privilege of being the person many people start their creative journey with. Each student brings their own story, their own dreams, their own reasons for stepping into something new.

People spend decades in jobs that might be secure, successful, or respected, but often, they leave a part of themselves behind. Somewhere along the way, they start reflecting, thinking, ‘Have I really done what I wanted? Is this it? Is there something more for me?’

And that’s when the shift happens. They want something deeper, something that’s truly their own. Not just a job, not just a routine, but a creative life, a path where they can make, craft, and express themselves in a way that’s meaningful. It takes courage, especially later in life, to say, ‘I’m going to follow this, even if it’s unfamiliar or different from what I’ve always done.’

That’s why people travel from all over, sometimes across countries, just to learn a skill, to explore a side of themselves they’ve always dreamed of. And seeing that, witnessing people reconnect with their creativity, their independence, and their sense of freedom, it’s incredibly inspiring. Honestly, it makes me feel so grateful for my work, because I get to be part of that journey, even in a small way.

Until next time,

Moji x