Retirement Isn't the End: Hudson Valley/Catskills Grandmother Reinvents Her Next Chapter

ELLENVILLE, N.Y. - EntSun -- HUDSON VALLEY/CATSKILLS, N.Y. — Elizabeth Santilli entered retirement after more than four decades in the workforce with no intention of slowing down.

Santilli is the founder of LizLuv's Online Shoppe, an online store centered on faith, creativity and encouragement. She designs mugs, journals, apparel, coloring books and other products created to offer uplifting reminders in everyday life.

Her outlook was shaped in part by her mother, who left Cuba in 1959, just one week before Fidel Castro took power. Watching her rebuild a life in the United States taught Santilli lasting lessons about courage, perseverance and beginning again.

"I grew up watching a woman who had to start over build a life through determination and faith," Santilli said. "That stayed with me, and I truly believe you are never too old to begin again."

Today, Santilli is learning new digital tools, e-commerce technology and artificial intelligence while continuing to create and run her online shop.

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"I didn't grow up with this technology," she said. "We didn't even have personal computers when I started working. Now I'm learning AI, creating videos, designing products and running an online store. Sometimes I have to laugh at how much the world has changed."

Santilli also uses online video and live conversations to share encouragement, discuss the Bible and connect with others. She is now developing content about life after retirement and the possibilities that can come with this stage of life.

Her videos and live content can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/@lizluv36

Santilli hopes her experience encourages other women to consider what they may still want to learn, create or try.

"Maybe you want to volunteer, start a small business, write a book, learn technology or finally do something you have been putting off," Santilli said. "Being older doesn't mean the opportunity has passed."

ABOUT ELIZABETH SANTILLI AND LIZLUV'S ONLINE SHOPPE

Elizabeth Santilli is a retired professional, grandmother, creator and founder of LizLuv's Online Shoppe, based in New York's Hudson Valley/Catskills area. The shop combines faith-inspired products, creativity and encouragement.

Learn more at:
https://www.lizluvsonlineshoppe.com