Today we welcome Jo McIntosh, a very inspiring woman over 50 whose business has taken her from Australia to France to New Zealand.
We asked Jo some questions for our inspiring women over 50 series on Lifestyle Fifty, and here’s what she had to say.
What prompted you to start your business?
With the sale of my store ‘Rustic French Living’ which I operated from an old church in Australia and plans to be in France and New Zealand, I started a business called My French Door which then became Linen & Stone.
Linen and Stone is a doorway for people to buy authentic French homewares, original up-cycled designs, and also experience staying in a medieval French village called Chauvigny.
What traits to you think you need to be a successful small business woman?
Three things are important in my view : Consistency, honesty and integrity.
If you weren’t doing what you do now – what work or business would you be working on instead?
I’m not really sure! I love what I’m doing now!
What tips do you have for starting a small business?
- Network with like-minded people and work together.
- Do small courses offered by business support organisations.
- Revisit and re-evaluate your goals, mission and ideas regularly and change focus or direction if need be.
Bespoke French Village Experience Accommodation
Friends and I have bought and renovated an old French village house in Chauvigny which is now a base for our trips to France and also available for guests.
If people want to get in touch with you or book a stay in Chauvigny at your renovated house, how can they contact you?
Bespoke French Living Experience on Facebook
Thanks Jo!
Ultimate Packing List for International Travel
I would love to visit France someday, the photos were beautiful. Thanks to both of you ‘(the two Jo’s!) for sharing this story. I agree that being willing to change direction and focus as a business owner is one of the keys to success. #MLSTL
Thanks Candi. Yes, I agree with your thoughts – to change a hobby into a business means focusing on the business aspect 🙂
There is seriously nothing more inspiring than someone who follows their dreams. And in France. Le sigh…
Hi Jo, yes I agree, and Jo works really hard at it too 🙂
France is somewhere I’d love to go and that house looks lovely. I love that Jo has followed her dreams and expanded on them along the way! Very inspiring.
Hi Deb, I’d love to see Jo’s house in France one day, and go stay – how about you?
How inspiring! Motivation in following your dreams! This area of France sounds fantastic!! I really enjoyed reading article 🙂
Hi Barbie, I know – this area of France looks divine 🙂
I really enjoyed meeting Jo and reading about her business. I love people with a passion and it’s obviously working out well! Pinned for #mlstl
Thanks for popping by Debbie. Glad you enjoyed Jo’s post 🙂
I love visiting her “church” in Boyanup Jo and our DIL always buys something when I take her for a browse if they’re visiting. My friend Carol supplied the homemade cupcakes for sale for morning teas and her baking is to die for.
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
Hi Leanne, I know Jo’s ‘church’ of beautiful shabby chic French artefacts was so lovely – it’s still there isn’t it run by Marie I believe.
Ooh somewhere else to visit in France! Yay!
From what Jo has to say, it’s a gorgeous part of France 🙂
Yep, we too! Chauvigny looks divine hey Leonie!
From even before Rustic French Living I was one of Jo’s best customers! She’s so inspired us with her passion, that my husband and I too have followed in her footsteps. We are following our dreams of eventually retiring in our restored French home in Chauvigny.
Hello Julie, I’m so happy to hear your story – wow that’s wonderful. And yes, Jo is so inspiring in many ways. By the way, I’d love to hear how you go with your retirement dream in Chauvigny 🙂
Joanne is the most inspiring and hard working woman I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I have followed her from Rustic French Living days to her travels in France and look forward to spending a week with her in 2021. Awesome Jo.
Hi Tanya, oh that’s wonderful – what a fantastic week to be looking forward to. And you’re right, Jo is inspiring and hard working. Her products are just fabulous too – have you checked out her new website?