I thought you might be interested in hearing my story because I truly believe it’s never too late to change careers, follow your passions, or start a new adventure.
For 30 years, I worked as a veterinarian. I started out working for others, then built my own practice from scratch. Over 18 years, I grew it into a multi-million-dollar business with 17 staff, before selling it. That was the moment I hit the big “5-0” and began reflecting on my life … and my legacy. My kids had finished high school, so I thought, now’s the time to finally follow my true passion — music.
I’ve played the piano my whole life as a hobby, but I wanted to take it further and make it my career. I didn’t want to spend my entire life in one job, retire at 60, and then just coast through the rest of my days. So, at 51, I went back to university to study a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Piano Performance. I graduated in 2023 with the highest GPA — which felt like a big win, not just for me, but for women (who are still underrepresented in jazz) and mature-age students. It just goes to show that it’s never too late to learn something new and excel at it!
Sure, studying at 51 was a lot more intense than when I first started my Bachelor of Veterinary Science at 17, but that’s part of the fun, right? Things do get harder with age, but that’s what makes the journey even more rewarding.
While I was studying at JMI (The Jazz Music Institute of Australia), I also started my own jazz group, Larman & Brothers, and we’ve been playing all over Brisbane. But the most exciting project I’ve been working on is opening my own jazz club right here in Brisbane. There’s currently no privately owned jazz club in the city — just one community club, The Brisbane Jazz Club. Meanwhile, Melbourne and Sydney have several. My goal is to bring jazz to a younger audience, showcasing its improvisation, complex harmonies, and unique rhythms. I know I’m biased, but I truly believe jazz is a genre that deserves more love!
After 18 months of searching, I found the perfect venue in Fortitude Valley and purchased it with the funds from selling my vet practice. The renovations have been a long and challenging process (over three years) — there have been plenty of hurdles with permits, licenses, and plans — but we’re almost there. The club is set to open in March 2026. It’s a secret speakeasy-style jazz club with live music, delicious food, cocktails, wine, and a large selection of bourbons, all wrapped in a 1920s Art Deco theme.
You can follow our progress on Instagram and Facebook here:
https://www.instagram.com/rubyjazzclub/
https://www.facebook.com/therubyjazzclub/
Our website: https://www.therubyjazzclub.com.au/
And my jazz groups’ page: https://www.instagram.com/larman_and_brothers/
It’s been quite a ride, and honestly, I wouldn’t be able to do it without the sale of my vet business. But to me, this venture is less about making money and more about following my dreams. It’s about enjoying the journey and doing what I love. We’re not expecting to get rich — we just hope to break even and, of course, not lose money!
I think my story is proof that no matter your age, it’s never too late to change careers or chase your dreams. At 57, I’m about to dive into a whole new business adventure. Wish me luck!
