Entrepreneurial Spirit

My journey as an entrepreneur began in my late twenties. It was ignited by Don Lapre's captivating advertisements promoting get-rich-quick schemes through small newspaper ads. I was drawn in and ended up purchasing his guide, Money-Making Secrets. I even tried my hand at a 900 psychic hotline, earning a grand total of $13, thanks to my stepdad's willingness to call for a reading.

Since then, I've dabbled in numerous multi-level marketing ventures, including Amway and Herbalife, but none resulted in success. However, the lessons I learned were invaluable.

Before the rise of the internet, I relied on a fax machine to place orders for my next venture. One evening, I was intrigued by Tom Bosley promoting a work-from-home business, which led me to invest in a starter kit, secure a business license, and attempt to sell products from a catalog. Unfortunately, I ended up spending more on the items than I made in sales, mostly selling to friends and family.

If I had been more outgoing back then, my efforts could have flourished. I genuinely loved the products and enjoyed browsing the catalog, retaining some of those items from 1995.

Over the years, I've launched various businesses, including a dental lab, a private investigations firm, and a photography studio. Currently, I run a metaphysical gift shop and healing center, which I established in 2017. Additionally, I have an Etsy store and I'm preparing to sell on eBay, while also engaging in affiliate marketing.

Thank you for sticking around to read this!

Recovering from Adversity

My significant challenges began in 2021 when I relocated my metaphysical shop, resulting in doubled rent. The county denied my business license due to zoning issues, making it impossible to operate legally. After navigating a maze of regulations, spending substantial amounts of money, and attending countless public meetings, we finally obtained our license after six grueling months without any income.

In March 2022, my life took another hit when my car was totaled by a driver who ran a red light. Although I had purchased my car outright in 2014, I ended up with a loan for a 2017 Jeep with high mileage after the insurance settlement.

Financially strained and under immense stress, I began experiencing concerning health issues, including persistent heartburn and vomiting. After an emergency room visit, I spent a week in the hospital undergoing tests, which revealed a mass pressing against my stomach, causing severe complications.

A stent was placed, providing temporary relief until the mass was diagnosed as stomach cancer, alongside colon and anal cancer. I underwent surgery to remove the anal cancer and a significant portion of the colon cancer, but I was unsatisfied with the care I received. Seeking a second opinion at the City of Hope, a renowned cancer research center in California, I was thrilled to find exceptional care.

In early 2023, I completed four rounds of chemotherapy, followed by surgery in July to remove 40% of my stomach, a small part of my colon, and a bit of my intestine. I recently finished six months of chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments.

Yay!

Surprisingly, managing rheumatoid arthritis has proved more challenging than battling cancer, especially as the side effects of chemotherapy exacerbated my arthritis. I am now beginning Retuximab infusions to help manage my chronic pain.