Tales of the Reluctant & Bereaved Entrepreneur

Stories from a woman who begrudgingly started a business after her sister died unexpectedly

I firmly believe that the bereaved don’t have to do anything. I mean, I do think they have to pursue some basic steps to take care of themselves and not actively hurt others. I’m talking more about the legacy work that often comes after death. When, in the name of their deceased loved ones, people start foundations, non-profits, scholarships, 5K runs, memorial luncheons, concerts, balloon releases, writing memoirs, hiking really far and for many days, etc. If you want to do any of these things, that’s wonderful (except for the balloon release!), but it easy to feel guilty about the way you do or don’t publicly maintain your loved one’s legacy.

We’re designed to root for triumph over tragedy and expect a happy ending. I wouldn’t be surprised if people are thinking that it’s wonderful that I’m turning my pain into action. I don’t see it that way. I’m doing something that I think needs to be done, but I also believe that it would be totally OK if I weren’t doing it. Starting a business is hard and so much of the back end stuff is so dull or difficult or both. Like how it just took me two hours to figure out how to add a drop-down feature to our menu bar.