2.
Re: Single mom needs help starting business Dec 16, 2008 3:47 PM
I'm familiar with both of the artists you mentioned. As you no doubt know, Ms. Brown spent five years working in low-level jobs at galleries and displaying her work at street fairs. Eventually she posted her portfolio on a website and began selling a few products there, but it was still another four years after that before she really made any money or attracted the attention that led to the licensing agreement that caused things to take off. Today, you're basically where she was 17 years ago as an artist.
My point is this -- if you're really serious about the business/career you described, you may be better served by a long term plan that moves you in that direction every day. It doesn't have to be in giant steps -- enough little steps for enough days in a row can get your anywhere you want to go.
With that strategy in mind, the question you ask everyday is not "How can borrow $12.3K?" but rather, "How can I take care of myself and my children for another 24 hours, AND move one step closer to my goal?" As Elite1 pointed out, ANYTHING legal and moral that allows you to do that is acceptable at this point.
To answer the question you asked, my honest opinion is no, there is probably not a
legitimate lender that will offer you a loan right now. You noted that it's not your fault your credit is bad, and that your ex caused it -- but a banker will figure that you made the decision to marry him, and will recognize that being in business for yourself involves several equally significant decisions (most of which you have no prior experience with). What guarantee does a banker have that you'd make sound decisions on those issues? (How do YOU know you would?) That's the challenge you face.
I truly believe that driving toward your goal day by day, rather than borrowing money and putting up a shot from half-court, would give you the skills, experience, and resources you need -- and the very best chance of getting your finances back on track and achieving your dreams.
I wish you the very best.
