DEAR HARRIETTE: I quit my job to chase my entrepreneurial dream of owning a bakery. It took me 20 years to save up and to get the courage to quit my stable 9-to-5 job.
I’ve been open about a year, and my bakery is failing.
Despite my best efforts, I’m barely breaking even, and some months I’m losing money. I work long hours, often seven days a week, and I’ve poured not only my savings but my heart into this business. I believe in my product, and the customers I do have are loyal, but there just aren’t enough of them to keep the doors open comfortably.
What makes this even harder is the fear of admitting defeat. My family and friends were so proud of me for finally taking this leap, and I feel embarrassed at the thought of telling them that things aren’t working out.
I don’t know whether I should keep pushing and hope things turn around or accept that this dream may not be sustainable and walk away before I lose everything. How do I know when it’s time to hold on or when it’s time to let go?
— Life of an Entrepreneur
DEAR LIFE OF AN ENTREPRENEUR: Most entrepreneurs have ebbs and flows in their cash flow. Before you give up, go to your local Small Business Administration office or business council. Often, you can get free business support and even referrals for emergency funds. Actively seek out help before you give up.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My 9-year-old daughter has dyslexia; it has been difficult for her academically. Every night, she cries when she has to do her reading homework because she keeps getting words mixed up.
I’ve tried to get her extra help by taking her to a dyslexia learning center, but she cries when she has to go there as well. She tells me it makes her feel “stupid” and different from the other kids.
I do my best to encourage her and remind her that she’s smart and capable, but nothing I say seems to stick. Lately, she’s started saying she hates school and worries that she’ll never be good at reading. She’s even begun comparing herself to her classmates and asking why learning seems so easy for everyone else.
I’m torn between wanting to push her to keep getting the support she needs and worrying that I’m making things worse by forcing her into situations that cause her so much distress.
How can I help my daughter build confidence and learn to cope with her dyslexia without making her feel overwhelmed or ashamed?
— Dealing With Dyslexia
DEAR DEALING WITH DYSLEXIA: Your public school system should offer specialized programming and support for your daughter. Additionally, your daughter may need the resources of a specialized school to cultivate her abilities while in the company of other students who are learning to manage their challenges.
If her current school is not properly equipped, you can research specialized schools in your area — even if they are private schools — and petition the local school system to pay for her to go there. It may take a large effort, but you may be able to get her the support she needs at no extra expense.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
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