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I come from a long line of smal business owners. My great grandmother had her own sewing business. With thirteen children and a bed-ridden husband, she had to do something. No one ever knew that the clothes her kids wore she had made herself. I can even remember watching her make my aunt try on the new bra she had just done! Catheleen hated it. Standing in the middle of the living room, in front of her 12 brothers, with this thing on over her dress. The boys had a field day with that one. Looking back, it is funny to realize that she was the only one who never owned her own business. Shse grew up, got married and was quite content to be a stay at home mom. All the other kids started some business or another as soon as school was done for them. None of them went to college. One started a used car lot. His sons run it now, along with a interstate truck stop complete with restaurant and hotel. One has a tree trimming business that he still runs with his sons and grandson. Another did roofing and siding. His son got his contractor’s license and builds houses now. My mother was a professional artist until she passed away in 2003. She sold her gallery right before her death. And then there is me. I had a profitable home party plan, a clothing store, and even a bar. If that wasn’t enough to sober you up, I don’t know what is.
But every one of these people, including myself, did it without getting a loan. No one was there to hand us anything, either. We were taught that if you want something, you work for it. The harder you work, the better your chances of keeping it and taking care of it. I try to teach that to my children every day. It is hard to say no sometimes, but I want them to feel that sense of pride and accomplishment when, at the end of the day, they can say, well done.
It’s not easy in this day and age to start any new venture. Most everyone has learned that in order to get ahead of the rat race you have to be in your own business. You either own it or are the middle man. Because those are the only two that are getting rich. I always have tried to cut out the middle man as much as possible. There are a few necessary evils. Lawyers, accountants, some suppliers. But most of the time, with a little research, you can get what you want with the click of a mouse.
Isn’t technology grande? Now you can have your own shopping mall. Your own bookstore can carry all the books you want. The automotive store only caters to your brand of vehicle. The local specialty shops stock your favorite food items. Just with the flick of a wrist.
So why haven’t you started your own business?
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