Most people don’t know this about me, but I never intended to start my own business. My parents ran their own business for over 45 years. Though it was quite successful, they worked very long hours, commuting two hours each day. My brother and I were often left on our own to fend for ourselves.
While I’m grateful for their success and credit that experience with making me very independent, replicating their experience was not something I wanted for my own life.
But when my first child Adam was born, I spent many days at home taking care of him while he was sick – not getting paid at my job – and still having to pay for daycare. I realized something had to change.
My Dad was the one who suggested that I start my own business. In protest, I said I thought it would be too hard, would take too much time away from my family, and wasn’t all that inspired by the idea. He pointed to my son Adam crawling around on the floor and said, “That’s your inspiration for starting your business.”
Nearly eighteen years later, it turns out he was right. Not only has this business allowed me the flexibility to be there for my boys, but it’s also allowed me to create meaningful work for wonderful clients.
One such client who is an inspiration to me is Linda, who was motivated to start her own business many years ago. Linda has been a pioneer in the accounting world – particularly as one of the first all-female tax agencies in the Washington, DC area. I loved how willing she was to share the details of her very colorful life on camera, hoping to encourage her grandchildren to maybe one day take over the business, but more importantly, to understand their grandmother’s life choices.
Linda’s Grandma Ball inspired her to be independent. My Dad inspired me to start my own business. As you look around the table at Thanksgiving next week, think about who at that table inspired you to do something great, and maybe give them an extra thank you for their kindness.
I hope you spend time with cherished loved ones this Thanksgiving holiday.
