Face The Fear, Ladies

Okay, I'll begin by telling you that I've been divorced for about 5 years, have an amazing family and by anyone's standards, I have a wonderful life.

I worked in the film industry for almost 9 years for my ex-husband's company. But when we split, I had the dire task of figuring out just what else I was supposed to do, having worked in that industry for his company for the duration of our relationship, here I was, having to think about finding a job. A what? I was totally clueless. Where would I start? I'm the first to admit that I'm probably not going to receive 'employee of the month' honors anytime soon, and the thought of actually having a boss makes me cringe (I'm definitely the "I only have two hands, do it yourself" type of employee).

Considering all of these things, I realized that it was probably best that I start thinking about starting my own business. But what kind of business was I going to start? What did I know about running a business? What did I know how to do? Granted, I could fold laundry, and change a mean diaper, but who was going to pay me for doing that? I was terrified. What was I going to do? What if what I did was a flop? Worse yet, what if this endeavor was a success?

Anyway, one day I returned from a shopping trip with a black handbag amongst my treasures. When I took it out of the shopping bag, my daughter looked at me and said, "Another black handbag? What's up with all of the black handbags?" Okay. I'm a self-confessed handbag junkie, but when I was shopping for a handbag, all I could find were black bags and I had more black handbags than I cared to admit to. I told my daughter that what I'm looking for essentially is a really unique handbag. Something that people will stop me on the street to ask, "Where did you get that handbag?", but I can't find it. To which she replied (and she was 10 at the time), "If someone doesn't already make it, why don't you make it?" My thought was, "Me? Make a handbag?" Can I do that?"

I thought about my daughter's suggestion for about a month. After which time, I decided to go ahead and start my company designing and manufacturing handbags. I studied fashion design when I was younger, and I couldn't think of any reason that a handbag would be more difficult to make than a dress. Decision made!

I started my first company in November, and by February, I had 23 stores who were carrying my product. I designed and drafted the pattern, found the fabric, manufactured the products, and I did it all alone. I work at home for the bulk of the time and it's a ton of work, but I'm happy with it.

Looking back now, I can't figure out exactly what it was that I was so afraid of. I just knew that I was terrified, but decided to go ahead and do it anyway. Turns out, it was a wonderful decision. I'm my own boss, I'm running the show. I enjoy it so much, that I've started another company doing something else that I love. Yes, most of the time life is hectic, but I absolutely love it.

Debbie Burgin has been divorced for 5 years. She discovered upon the exit of her ex-husband, that her divorce was actually for the best. She's discovered that post-divorce, she and her children are happier, and more relaxed in their lives. She runs two of her own businesses, http://www.warnerdigitalmedia.com, and http://www.debbieburgin.com, and counsels other divorced women to "Face the fear! Get out there, and live life!"

---

Enterprising Route is to Go Your Own Way

DON'T talk to me about education for entrepreneurs. They're pouring... Read More

Angel Investors: 7 Online Business Plan Scams and 1 Real Deal

We've all seen the hype: "We'll put your plan in... Read More

The Danger Of Hate

As you have shown an interest in starting a business... Read More

Cut to the Quick - What is an Entrepreneur? The Inside Story

Enjoying the title of entrepreneur is a hollow feeling.If you... Read More

Book Yourself Solid: The Simple Selling Process

As a service provider you may not want to think... Read More

Health Insurance for Solo Entrepreneurs

One of the most important benefits employed people enjoy is... Read More

Dream It, Create It, Become It! Design a Dream Board

Have you ever heard of "Dream Boards" or "Treasure Maps"?... Read More

Are You An Entrepreneur?

With all the buzz about everybody being an entrepreneur these... Read More

If It Was Easy Everybody Would Do It

Q: I started my business about a year ago and... Read More

Six Degrees of Separation

Through just five or six intermediaries, you could be linked... Read More

The Cockroach Test

Let me ask you a question? Imagine I would offer... Read More

Something From Nothing, With Something To Share

Betrayal, it can hit you like a load of bricks... Read More

The Deal is in the Details

What Startups Need to Get a Business Loan, Part 2In... Read More

Do You Have What It Takes?

I think it's fair to say that not everyone is... Read More

Bring That Difference To Your Business!

Romans had a phrase for this- First among Equals.Online marketing... Read More

Success Secret - How To Find Million Dollar Opportunities

They're really are powerful million dollar opportunites everywhere.Ok, let me... Read More

Is Now the Right Time to Become An Entrepreneur?

A number of economic changes are magnifying the role of... Read More

How Entrepreneurs Make Money Selling Global Brands On and Off-line

Did you know that thousands of companies from all over... Read More

Traits of The Successful Entrepreneur

Want to know why certain people succeed and others don't.... Read More

Self-Esteem and the Entrepreneur

Isn't it funny how people think that being self-employed is... Read More

New Rules

Last week I was working with one of my small... Read More

Herb Filled Pillows Make Over a Million Dollars

Lauren Rosenstadt was a single mom working at a herbcompany... Read More

Oil Change Guys History; Part III

Studying the history of franchise companies is interesting is watching... Read More

Securing Second and Third-round Venture Capital Financing

Widget sales are booming ? the competition is scrambling, demand... Read More

Have You Been Thinking About Owning Your Own Business? Or Becoming An Entrepreneur? Part 1

Almost every day, I talk with people who want to... Read More

Methods of Generating New Ideas for Entrepreneurs

Summary: Even with a wide variety of sources available, coming... Read More

Needs Versus Wants For Entrepreneurs

How often do the words "I need" come out of... Read More

What Qualities Do Franchisors Need?

When I got into business I wanted to build a... Read More

Designing a Comprehensive Franchise Company Computer System

One of the most important management tools a franchised company... Read More

An Entrepreneur Is

An entrepreneur is an innovator. She sees a need in... Read More

How To Get More Clients and Customers; Dont Sell Be of Service

Whether you are just starting your business or focusing on... Read More

Salon Marketing Using Wireless Broadband Internet Access

Our client in Chicago did, located right outside downtown too...a... Read More

Business Startup Checklist

Use this comprehensive checklist to plan each step of your... Read More