Raising a family and giving back to the community is what motivates me; I see being a business owner as my only path to truly achieving this balance.

I walked into the office and quit my job. I had a wonderful career trajectory, but I wanted something different. I had gone from working as a junior level employee to building a department and team. On paper I had a great job, but when I looked in the mirror, I was not happy with my current situation.

I've always dreamed of being an entrepreneur. Many people would call me ambitious, but it isn't ambition that drives my determination. Raising a family and giving back to the community is what motivates me; I see being a business owner as my only path to truly achieving this balance.

When I looked at my situation, I had a rude awakening. I realized that I did not have any more time to waste if I truly want to achieve this goal. My husband and I are about to start a family, so the time is now.

I've been a full-time entrepreneur now for the past five months. I've gone down this road before, but for the first time, both my husband and I are working together on the business full-time, throwing all of our resources to make it work. We've given ourselves no other option but to make the business work.

I live, work and sleep out of my apartment now. I strive each day for “ramen profitability.” Each small win is a step forward, and although the job is tough each day, I know that I am working towards my dream.