Is the American Dream Still Alive?

What is the American Dream? Many would say it is the promise of the possibility of prosperity and success. I would tend to agree with that.

Being your own boss. Working from home. Owning your own business. This is another version of the American Dream. Many people have this and many more make the attempt to achieve this.

I spent 11 years as a Makeup Artist specializing in Bridal makeup. I helped brides look and feel beautiful on their special day. In 2008, I branded my own line of cosmetics and ran Shel Cosmetics for almost 4 years. This was my American Dream.

While I worked full time, I spent my off hours trying to get Shel Cosmetics off the ground. I managed to keep the business going while I worked full time and went to school full time. I am by no means trying to justify anything. Well, at least not to you - maybe a little to myself.

The past few months have been difficult and I have had some tough decisions to make. The weight I have felt looming over me is not good for me or my family. Not all businesses survive in this economy and I am wise enough to read the writing on the financial statements before it's too late.

Today I announced that Shel Cosmetics will be going out of business. This was a very difficult decision to make and one that comes with a heavy heart, yet at the same time I feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I am proud of the businesses I have owned.

I will always be a Makeup Artist because I can create masterpieces with a little makeup and a makeup brush. I do not have to have a business card to tell me this.

There is no way to know unless you try ... I tried ... therefore, I did not fail. I succeeded.