Mary Tennyson, 63

Mary Tennyson, 63

Old career: Software executive
New venture: Tote bags

Tennyson gives the term "momtrepreneur" new meaning: She developed the StashAll line of special tote bags after her mother fell and broke her hip—carrying a purse while using a walker was throwing her balance off. Tennyson credits WomenSage, a membership group for women in the second half of life, for encouraging her to produce more bags for the masses. She also got useful startup advice from SCORE, which partners with the Small Business Administration. The StashAll line will available in January. Tennyson is thinking big: "My goal is to get on QVC," she says.