Bozena Zag’s story is a powerful reminder that dreams don’t have an expiration date. From a young age, she envisioned herself as a creative force—walking runways, starring in commercials, collaborating with diverse brands, and running her own show. Yet, life’s twists led her to embrace motherhood first, putting her personal ambitions on hold.

But Bozena never let go of her passions. With unwavering self-belief, resilience, and a willingness to start anew, she reinvented herself, proving that it’s never too late to pursue the life you were meant to live. Today, Bozena stands as a model, entrepreneur, and multifaceted visionary, inspiring others—especially women over forty—to take bold, courageous steps toward their dreams.

“Dreams don’t expire—self-belief brings them back to life.”

What inspired you to pivot into a completely new field later in life?

It’s a journey rooted in dreams and the unwavering desire to create a life that resonates with my true self. From a young age, I envisioned myself as my own CEO—running my own show, strutting down runways, working with diverse brands, and expressing myself through film and commercials. Those aspirations were vivid and powerful, but intertwined with another profound desire: to be a mother.

Raising my children became my priority, and I embraced that role wholeheartedly. I found joy in nurturing them, shaping their lives, and creating a loving environment. However, life often takes unexpected turns. As circumstances shifted, I found myself at a crossroads, grappling with the longing to pursue my passions while cherishing my role as a mom.

It was during this transformative period that I realized the importance of faith and resilience. I learned that belief in oneself can light the path through challenges and failures. The dreams I held onto began to resurface, whispering to me that it was never too late to chase what was in my heart. 

So, I ventured beyond modeling. I embraced new opportunities, explored different avenues, and allowed my passions to guide me. I discovered that the journey itself—filled with both triumphs and setbacks—was essential in shaping who I am. Today, I stand not just as a model, but as a multifaceted individual who believes that it’s never too late to redefine success and pursue your dreams, no matter where life takes you.

How do you identify opportunities for growth when starting from scratch?

Identifying opportunities for growth when starting from scratch can feel daunting. I often wish I had the insights I’ve gained now during those early days when I was unsure of where to begin. 

First and foremost, it starts with belief. When you truly believe in your vision and purpose—whether it’s to create something meaningful for yourself or for others—you open yourself up to opportunities. You want to create for yourself and for others to gain from.

As this belief acts as a magnet, attracting possibilities to you in ways you might not expect. Without that foundation, it’s easy to feel stuck and overwhelmed, as I once did.

Next, immerse yourself in learning. Seek out books, podcasts, and courses that resonate with you. These resources can spark inspiration and provide valuable insights. Attend masterclasses or engage in online communities where you can connect with like-minded individuals. Not every resource will resonate, and that’s okay; it’s part of the process. You’ll discover what aligns with your goals and what doesn’t.

Also, remember that rejection is not the end—it’s often just a “not yet.” Each “no” is a stepping stone on your journey. Embrace these experiences as opportunities to refine your approach and grow internally. 

Ultimately, growth comes from continuous exploration and a willingness to try new things. By following your instincts and remaining open to what resonates with you, you’ll naturally uncover opportunities that align with your aspirations. It’s about nurturing that belief and allowing it to guide you as you build your path from the ground up.

What’s one unexpected skill you’ve discovered about yourself during this journey?

One unexpected skill I’ve discovered during this journey is the power of unwavering self-belief. In moments of doubt or when faced with challenges, I’ve learned that maintaining faith in myself and my vision is crucial. This belief acts as a magnet, attracting like-minded individuals who share my passion and aspirations.

I’ve realized that no one will ever believe in my passion, dreams and desires that’s meant for me only to create.  As deeply as I do, and that conviction fuels my determination. Regardless of setbacks or failures—whether in personal endeavors or business ventures—this skill of self-belief remains unshakeable. It empowers you to rise above obstacles and adapt, knowing that resilience and faith in your journey are what truly matter. Through the ups and downs, I’ve come to appreciate that this inner strength is an invaluable asset that guides me toward greater possibilities. That is the only way to expand yourself when you go through so many failures and struggles that’s what makes you expand internally to create more, which is a very powerful and important thing to know. 

How do you encourage women over forty to take bold, entrepreneurial steps?

The first thing to recognize is that no one ever feels completely ready. Fear and self-doubt can often lead to procrastination, but the key is to push past that hesitation. 

To encourage women over 40, I emphasize the importance of belief—belief in themselves and in their vision. This foundational confidence is crucial. When you truly believe in what you’re creating, it fuels your determination to take action.

Next, I suggest taking tangible steps. Start by researching the industry you’re interested in; immerse yourself in understanding your niche. This exploration not only builds knowledge but also strengthens your conviction. Listen to Podcast that will lead to Master classes in mentors.

Remember, your passion and experiences are invaluable assets that can lead to unique insights and innovations. Embrace the journey, and don’t be afraid to take risks. The entrepreneurial landscape is rich with opportunities, and with the right mindset, women over 40 can make impactful strides. 

What’s the most challenging part of starting over in a competitive industry like fashion?

Starting over in a competitive industry like fashion can be incredibly challenging for several reasons. 

First, the sheer number of talented designers and trends makes it tough to carve out a unique niche. You really have to create something that resonates with both your passion and the audience. If you don’t love what you’re doing, it’s hard to sustain the effort required to succeed.

Second, gaining visibility is a major hurdle. Before even launching a brand, you often need to navigate the world of modeling agencies and establish connections. It can feel overwhelming to figure out where to start, who to approach, and how to get noticed. 

The uncertainty of not knowing who to reach out to—whether it’s photographers, influencers, or potential collaborators—can be daunting, especially if you’re not already immersed in the industry. Overall, it’s about balancing creativity with strategic networking, which can be tough for newcomers.

How do you approach networking and building community as a late-stage entrepreneur?

As a late-stage entrepreneur, networking and community building are crucial for continued growth and innovation. Here’s how I approach it:

Engage in Live Events: actively participate in industry events and conferences. Speaking opportunities allow me to share insights and showcase my work authentically. It’s about being visible and relatable.

Authenticity is Key: I focus on being honest about my journey, including my challenges and pivots. 

This transparency helps build genuine connections with others who may resonate with my experiences.

Strategic Outreach: I send targeted emails to podcasts, CEOs, and influencers in my field. My pitches highlight who I am, what I stand for, and how my work aligns with their audience.

Continuous Learning: I invest in master classes and training sessions. This not only enhances my skills but also expands my network with like-minded individuals seeking to grow.

Travel and Explore: I make a point to travel to places where I can learn and connect with others in my industry. These experiences are invaluable for building relationships and discovering new opportunities.

By proactively taking these steps, I create a robust network that supports my vision and helps me navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.

How do you maintain motivation when progress feels slow?

When progress feels slow, I take a moment to pause and sit still. It’s easy to get caught up in panic and anxiety, but I’ve learned that these feelings can hinder progress even further. I remind myself that I can’t force things to happen; instead, I trust that what’s meant for me will eventually come.

I believe that if something isn’t aligning, it’s simply redirecting me toward something better. Embracing this mindset helps me remain calm during stagnation. I acknowledge that starting from the bottom again is part of the entrepreneurial journey.

Ultimately, maintaining motivation comes down to belief. I focus on the conviction that something will eventually break through, even if it’s slow. Being still allows clarity to emerge, and I’ve found that when I let go of anxiety and complaints, opportunities begin to surface. This approach has significantly helped me navigate the ebb and flow of entrepreneurship.

What tools or resources were game-changers in your career reinvention?

The most transformative resource in my career reinvention has been investing in myself internally. This mindset shift was the foundation of my growth. Here are some key elements that made a significant impact:

Self Belief: The first game changer was truly believing in my passions and visualizing my goals. This belief acted as a magnet, attracting opportunities and resources that aligned with my aspirations.

Mentorship: I sought out mentors who had the tools and knowledge I needed. Their guidance provided clarity on what steps to take and how to navigate challenges in my career. Learning from their experiences was invaluable.

Mindset Shift: I realized that my mindset was everything. Being open to new ideas and willing to learn created a space for growth. When you’re actively looking for opportunities, you become more aware of the resources and people around you.

Networking: As I focused on my goals, I began to meet individuals in my desired industry. These connections led to collaborations and introductions to others who could further guide my journey.

Continuous Learning: I invested time in courses and workshops that expanded my skills and knowledge. This commitment to learning not only increased my competence but also reinforced my belief in my potential.

Ultimately, it all circles back to belief—believing in yourself and your vision is what attracts the right mentors and resources. Taking action, staying open-minded, and pursuing your passions leads to transformative opportunities that can redefine your career.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking it’s “too late” to start a business?

Oh my goodness, it’s never too late—like, ever! I used to think that starting a business or pursuing my dreams was something for the young. I began modeling at a later age, and then I added entrepreneurship on top of that. If I can do it, anyone can!

Believe in Yourself: The first step is mindset. You have to truly believe it’s never too late. Repeating this to yourself can help shift your perspective.

Focus on Your Passion: No matter your age, there’s a wealth of opportunity out there. Find what you’re passionate about and pursue it relentlessly.

Ignore the Noise: I don’t even know why anyone would listen to those who say it’s too late. Why are we putting an age limit on our careers? Who made them the boss of your dreams? You are your own creator and your own boss.

Practice Daily Make it a habit to remind yourself that it’s never too late. This mindset practice is crucial for building your confidence.

Explore and Accelerate: Sure, it takes time to build a business. Nothing is ever easy; if it were, everyone would be coasting. But there’s so much we can create and achieve! 

Ultimately, it’s about taking that first step and believing in your potential. It’s never impossible, regardless of your age or circumstances. 

So go for it!