My Updates

I know I have been derelict in writing this blog, but that is not because I have nothing to say. On the contrary, I have much to update. I actually been reflecting about this blog – and my journey – a lot lately.

A year ago this time, I registered the domain name, everysixminutes.com, after returning to New York from a week-long vacation in the Grand Tetons. I made up my mind during that vacation that I would quit in July. I was excited and scared — in equal parts — about my future.

I am once again excited and scared, but much more excited than scared this time.

As of July 1, 2011, I became owner and full-time operator of a dog daycare business in Brooklyn. With the help of my husband, who gave me wonderful advice, practical help and invaluable emotional support, we made the purchase. I even drafted and negotiated my own purchase agreement. (It was one of the hairiest deals I have ever done, but that is another story for another day.)

Finally, I have officially taken the first step to start my “thing” – to become the most trusted and loved dog daycare provider across New York City.

I have been working 12, 13-hour days every day for the past week, including over the long weekend. I am exhausted by the end of the day, stinky and dirty, but happy. Gone is the dread. I can’t wait to get up in the morning to go to my store to see the dogs, to learn about the business, and to be hands-on. I have so many ideas I want to execute to improve the business — the dog handling, the customer service, employee satisfaction, as well as the bottom line.

The second and equally exciting piece of news is that my husband has quit his job. He’s wanted to build and run his own venture for many years and now he’s finally doing it. I am so proud of him that he is pursuing his passion. Unlike me, he already knew the direction he wants to pursue when he gave notice.

When I was deciding whether to quit BigLaw, my husband and I agreed that I would make my decision independent of his career situation. This is something he insisted. Then, a few months into my “post-law” journey, his desire to go out on his own one day started becoming a concrete possibility. I wanted to be supportive, but, honestly, I was having a tough time with it. Coincidentally, around this time, someone commented on my blog about this very issue — my ability to rely on my husband’s income — and I tried to answer as candidly as I could.

The discomfort of facing a dried-up cash spigot was non-trivial, but, eventually, I was able to support my husband whole-heartedly. (Again, another story for another time.)

My husband and I may be crazy, but we are both enlivened and cautiously optimistic. It is not easy being an entrepreneur (not to mention two in a single household), but we embrace it and help each other. We will tighten our collective belt, sacrifice the little things in life, march forward, and pray for a little luck on our side.

As I continue on this journey of discovery and as I transition into being a small business owner, I will continue to blog. I may blog more erratically in the next month as I devote myself to learning and running the business, so feel free to subscribe to get the next post right in your inbox .

Stay tuned!