By Lou Carlozo

At an age when others might ready for pre-retirement, some folks pass age 50 determined to start a new life in the business world - and succeed beyond their rosiest business plan projections.

Reuters spoke with four entrepreneurs who have created successful businesses after 50.

And take note: Three of the four leaders featured here are women, having shattered the twin glass ceilings of gender and age.

Though some of these folks did well in their former lives, others had to think creatively to start their businesses.

Jill Boehler, for example, used seed money from her son's college fund, while Carol Gardner offered pieces of her business in exchange for essential start-up services.

Read on for their interesting, real-life stories.