Starting my own business was the last thing on my mind until I was laid off from my job as a preschool teacher. I was given just four days' notice that I was losing the job I had had for 5½ years. What was a single parent to do?

But just days after I was told the bad news, I had a plan . . . a plan that would change my future for the better. My plan was to work part-time (I found a job a few days later) while starting a day-care business in my home.

Exactly one week after losing my job Feb. 13, I received my Wheel of Fortune check in the mail. Yes, I was a Wheel of Fortune contestant and winner. I appeared on Wheel of Fortune on Nov. 17, 2008, with my best friend on "Best Friend's Week in Hawaii." We won a total of $114,550. I thought to myself, "what perfect timing. It couldn't have come at a better time."

After I decided to open my own business, I discussed the idea with close friends and family. I got full support from everyone.

One of the first things I did was call the Department of Human Services to get an application. I had to:

• Get a TB test
• Renew my CPR certification
• Get a physical examination from my doctor
• Get a general excise tax license
• Write an operations policy and contracts and
• Contact a public health nurse I could turn to if I had any health questions
• Contact a nutritionist to help me plan healthy and nutritious snacks and lunch.

In the meantime, I've been turning my family room (a spare room in my house) into a day-care facility, and making sure everything is childproof and safe for children ages 15 months through 5 years old.

I've also been taking classes every Tuesday night on how to start my own day-care business.

I've used some of my Wheel of Fortune winnings to buy a few things for my day care, such as shelves, a child-sized table, curtains and teaching supplies. Most of the things I need I already have from being a teacher.

A social worker from the Department of Human Services has inspected my house and reviewed all my paperwork. I passed with flying colors! I'll get a temporary license, effective June 1 through September 30. He'll come back to do another inspection and, if everything goes well, he'll issue a one-year license.

I thought being laid off was the end of the world, but for me it's just a new beginning and better opportunities.