Regrets of the Past: What Business Should I Have Kept?

While the world is filled with endless opportunities, sometimes we let go of businesses that could have led to significant success. One such example is my journey with the tattoo business, which I started in 2001 and had to walk away from in 2005, only to learn a few months later that I was very sick.

Loading the Soapbox: My Tattoo Business Journey

In 2001, I was young, energetic, and filled with a passion for tattoos. I decided to take the plunge and start a tattoo business. I invested everything I had, both financially and emotionally, into this venture. However, the business did not start off as smoothly as I had hoped. After a few challenging years, I believed I had finally turned a corner in 2004, with steady growth and increasing client satisfaction.

Walking Away: The Breaking Point

By the time I made the decision to walk away from the tattoo business in 2005, it felt as though I had weathered all the storms and had finally reached a place of stability. Little did I know, my health was the real storm that was brewing beneath the surface. The decision to leave the business was made with the best intentions, aiming to allocate more time to attending to my health. It was a choice born out of necessity rather than regret.

Discovering the Truth

Months after I had left the tattoo business, reality started to set in. I felt increasingly unwell and made the decision to see a doctor. The diagnosis that followed was a wake-up call: I was seriously ill, and my health was insurmountable. Looking back, the choice to leave the tattoo business could be seen as a missed opportunity, and I often find myself asking, what business did you wish you had not sold?

Lessons From the Experience

After this experience, I learned several valuable lessons. First, health should always come first. Opting to leave my business to prioritize my health, while necessary, taught me that my true portfolio includes more than just money or businesses. balances health and business.

Second, questioning oneself and understanding the potential value of a business is crucial. Ignorance is not always bliss. Had I been more aware of the possibility of my illness, I might have reconsidered my decision to close the tattoo business. Recognizing this realization, I often take a step back and evaluate my actions with a critical eye, ensuring that I make informed decisions that benefit my long-term health and happiness.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on this experience, I am left with a profound sense of what could have been. It serves as a reminder that businesses we abandon might have been capable of much more. While it is important to prioritize our health, we should also carefully consider the potential long-term consequences of our decisions to protect the aspects that hold real value in our lives. In the ever-changing world of business, it is crucial to strike a balance between passion and prudence.

Ultimately, my experience with the tattoo business and my subsequent illness have shaped my perspective on the importance of health and the value of time. By prioritizing these aspects, we can ensure a more fulfilling and sustainable journey in our personal and professional lives.