I Was Fired by My Parents — And It Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me
Yes, you read that right. I was fired by my parents. But before we get to that part of the story, let’s rewind a bit—because this is also the origin story of BookWise Solutions & Beyond LLC, and how I turned an unexpected ending into the start of something even better.
Growing Up in the Business World—Literally
Like many college students, I was on the hunt for a “normal” part-time job—something like hostessing or waitressing—to earn some extra money while in school. At the time, my parents owned and operated multiple preschool centers, and my dad made a suggestion that would end up changing everything:
“Don’t go get another job, I want your help.”
So instead of slinging plates, I went back to working for my family’s business. I had grown up in the childcare industry, and just that summer before school, I was a lead infant teacher at one of their centers. But now I was stepping into the corporate office—a whole new world.
Was I qualified? Absolutely not.
But was it the best decision ever? Without a doubt.
Learning by Doing—The Real Business Education
Working in the office, I got a crash course in entrepreneurship. I learned how to run payroll, manage bookkeeping, and handle a mountain of administrative responsibilities. It was hands-on, trial-by-fire training, and while I didn’t know it at the time, I was laying the foundation for what would become my future business.
So yes—thank you, Mom and Dad.
When the Business Shifts, So Does the Team
As time went on, my parents began to lose the love they once had for the childcare industry. It’s a tough space—rewarding, yes, but emotionally and financially exhausting. They started selling off their centers, going from seven thriving locations to just two.
And with fewer centers came fewer resources—there just wasn’t room in the budget for a full corporate team anymore.
So… I was fired.
By my parents.
When One Door Closes…
To be fair, it wasn’t personal. But it was still jarring. That chapter of my life closed, and with it, my role in the family business.
But honestly? It was the best thing that could have happened.
Our personal relationship improved dramatically. Funny how separating family from business will do that.
The Stay-at-Home Shift (and the Identity Crisis)
For a while, I tried out the stay-at-home mom life. And while I love my son more than anything, I quickly realized it wasn’t fulfilling me in the way I needed. I had spent my whole life working—and not just working, but building, managing, problem-solving. I missed it.
So I started looking for jobs.
I had the experience, I had the education—but I kept getting passed over. Applications went unanswered. Interviews led to dead ends. It was discouraging.
Then someone said, “Why don’t you start your own business?”
I laughed. I come from a long line of entrepreneurs. I knew how hard that life could be. The stress. The hours. The unknowns. I didn’t want that for me, and I didn’t want it for my family.
But then my husband said something simple—and kind of brilliant:
“Just try. The worst that can happen is you fail.”
So, I enrolled my son in part-time preschool and decided to give it a shot.
Enter: BookWise Solutions & Beyond
And just like that, BookWise Solutions & Beyond LLC was born.
Since then, it’s grown into something I never could have imagined. I’ve built a business that lets me serve others, do meaningful work, and show up for my family in ways I never thought possible.
I've grown—not just professionally, but personally.
As a business owner.
As a partner.
As a parent.
As me.
And none of this would have happened if I hadn’t been fired by my parents.
The Takeaway?
Sometimes the best beginnings come disguised as abrupt endings.
Sometimes being pushed out is exactly what pushes you forward.
And sometimes, the path you never thought you’d take… is the one that leads you home.
If you're an entrepreneur with a similar "accidental origin story," I see you. And if you're still in the messy middle, just know that growth often starts where comfort ends.