I've always wanted to be my own boss, and now I'm doing it. It's great to wake up in the morning and have my child-care business in my own home. Every morning it's the same routine: Wake up at 6 a.m., prepare breakfast and snack for my students at 6:30, prepare materials and activities at 7, drop off my daughter at school at 7:15 and open my doors for my students at 7:30.

Having my business in my home saves me money on gas because I don't have to commute. However, I did see a slight rise in my electric and water bills. Being my own boss is great for many reasons: I make the rules and policies, I have no one to answer to, I have no employees  and I get to work out of my own home. However, it does get lonely sometimes being around children all day without any adults to talk to.

But I find solutions, and it's nothing I can't handle. On some days, when the children are taking a nap, I'll make a quick phone call to my boyfriend or another friend just to make small talk. One major pitfall of having my own business is paying my own medical and dental insurance every month. If only I could get free medical and dental insurance, that would be great!

I'm still working on getting the word out about my child-care business. I've been posting new fliers around the community, advertising on Craig's List and by word of mouth. It's an ongoing process that will continue until I am fully enrolled.

I'm still hanging in there and always being positive even on the toughest days. I'll keep you posted on what happens next.