My family told me my job was safe & ‘recession-proof’ – but I gave it all up and now I’m a self-made millionaire
A SELF-MADE millionaire shared how she gave up her secure career path to pursue her dream.
Monique Rodriquez, 39, quit her nearly 10-year nursing job that was “recession-proof” to launch natural haircare brand Mielle Organics.
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The entrepreneur shared how a tragic moment in her life prompted a shift in her professional focus.
“It took something pretty traumatic for me to realize what my true purpose and ultimate calling was,” Rodriquez said CNBC do it.
“And that was in 2013 when I suffered the loss of my son.
“I was eight months pregnant.
“It was a high risk pregnancy and unfortunately my son died as a result.”
After she quit, Monique started making hair care products in her kitchen.
The businesswoman shared how she “used up” her savings to service the fledgling company.
“Every time I received my salary, my nurse paychecks, my husband’s bank account, and my husband’s paychecks went into the company,” she revealed.
“So we had to sacrifice our life situation and couldn’t do the things that our friends did.
“[We were even] We take our 401,000 and use it all to invest in the business.”
After a busy year of networking and money-grabbing, the couple got a loan and went on to land their first retail partner, Sally Beauty.
What started as a humble experiment has grown into a multi-million dollar company, filling the shelves of over 100,000 stores across the United States
Monique spoke about how a few words of wisdom from her significant other continue to inspire her despite all that she has already achieved.
She said: “He’s always giving me great advice, [the best being]: Success is not owned, it is rented – and the rent is due every day.
“Don’t be complacent, don’t get comfortable and never feel like you’ve made it.”
“Because when you come to this place, there’s always someone trying to take your place.
“You have to keep working and trying as if you know [your spot] is not guaranteed.”
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