I'm often asked questions about how I started my first business and what gave me the courage to leave a well-paying job. So, today, I thought I'd give you a glimpse of some of the real-life challenges I had to overcome to get to where I am today.
My story begins in 2003, when I was working as a professional meeting and special events planner. The demands of the job left me feeling burned out and unfulfilled. I knew deep down that I had the potential for so much more, but I lacked the courage to take the leap. You see, I was a single mom with four kids, three of whom were still living at home. I needed the stability of a guaranteed paycheck.
In 2004, everything changed. After graduating from college (that's a story. for another day), I made the decision to step out on my own and start a boutique mortgage business catering to sub-prime first-time home buyers, and I did it with my son by my side. The road ahead was uncertain, but I was determined to make it work. I poured my heart and soul into building a business that I believed in, and by 2007, we were planning on expanding regionally and becoming a self-funding and self-servicing lender.
But just as we were on the cusp of reaching new heights, disaster struck. The collapse of the mortgage industry in 2008 brought our business to its knees. At first, I thought it was just a temporary setback, a bubble that would self-correct. But the reality was far worse than I could have ever imagined. We lost everything, and it felt like my dreams were slipping through my fingers.
In the face of such a devastating loss, I felt lost and defeated. But I refused to let this setback define me. In 2009, I started my first online brand, Insightful Business Solutions, using transferable skills from my previous corporate positions to forge a new path forward. The road was difficult and uncertain, with no guidebook to follow. But I was determined to rebuild, to rise from the ashes and create something even greater.
The collapse of the mortgage industry was a result of a perfect storm of unsustainable lending practices, speculative excesses, regulatory failures, and financial innovations gone awry. We did our best to pivot and keep our employees for as long as we could, but ultimately, we had to close down our business. The products we had lost in the crash were never coming back, and we didn't have the lending tools to compete with 'A' paper lenders like big banks.
With no other choice but to embrace change, I entered the uncharted territory of the online business world. It wasn't easy, but I refused to let fear hold me back. I immersed myself in this new landscape, learning and growing every step of the way. It was a tough journey, filled with moments of doubt and uncertainty, but I knew I was capable of creating something truly extraordinary.
Shortly after I got started, the coaching industry popped up. I knew I needed to get certified so I sought out the most credible company I could find. You may be familiar with it... The Maxwell Leadership Development coaching program. That investment was a springboard for new opportunities for me to follow my passions to help others shortcut their path to success.
Every situation is an opportunity to learn and grow. You never know what might come from the experience. While I loved helping the clients we served in our mortgage business experience home ownership, I was just a local small-town girl serving a small community. But by taking a chance and embracing change, I was able to become a global brand that reaches people around the world. My business also allows me to work anywhere in the world with wi-fi, so I can set my own hours and live a lifestyle that allows me to build a lucrative business around the things that are important to me...like my family.
My journey has been one of resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in the power of change. I have faced insurmountable challenges, but I refused to let them define me. Instead, I used them to fuel my growth and drive me toward a future filled with endless possibilities.
To all the women entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to believe in yourself and have the courage to follow your dreams, I say this: Embrace change, refuse to be held back by fear, and chase your dreams with all the fire in your soul. The road ahead may be uncertain, but with determination and resilience, you can conquer any obstacle and create a future that exceeds your wildest dreams. Embrace change as an opportunity, not an obstacle, and watch as it leads you to a future beyond your imagination. The power lies within you—believe in yourself and take the leap. The world is waiting for the greatness that only you can bring.