I never expected to sell pencils. The brand I've built has grown into a $1.7 million sustainability business.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
Michael Stausholm posing with pencils
Michael Stausholm bought a pencil that could be planted by MIT students.

Courtesy of Michael Stausholm

I'm in my 40s, single, and childless, so I moved in with my 90-year-old grandma. It isn't always easy being her caregiver.

Tech Insider : Business
hand holding
The author is caring for her 90-year-old grandmother.

seb_ra/Getty Images

I became a widow in my 20s. It taught me to say 'yes' more and live every day like it might be my last.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Powerful rear view shot of a mature woman looking out of her bedroom window
The author, not pictured, lost her husband in her 20s.

Justin Paget/Getty Images

My family moved to a small town 8 years ago. It's been mostly great, but it's been hard to make friends as an adult.

Tech Insider : Business
A man sitting in bed looking out the window in the morning.
The author (not pictured) has found it difficult to make friends since moving to a small town.

Justin Paget/Getty Images

I made a Cheez-It holiday house. The frosting-and-cheese combo truly shocked me.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman making Cheez-Its holiday house

Courtesy of the author

My wife and I met at a clown convention. Our retirement plan is to be Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Tech Insider : Business
Clowns on stage performing
Eric Zander-Hussey and his wife, Kolinda, have worked as clowns since 2011.

Courtesy of Eric Zander-Hussey

My dad and sister died 19 days apart. My other siblings helped me with my grief.

Tech Insider : Business
Siblings sitting on couch
The author (third from the left on the couch) always got along with her siblings.

Courtesy of the author

I'm 46 and started doing things alone. I went to Disney World, saw movies, and dined solo without feeling bad about it.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman posing for photo
The author is in her mid-40s and has started doing things on her own.

Courtesy of the author

I divorced my husband, and 6 months later, I met my girlfriend. We are celebrating Thanksgiving with both our families this year.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Woman posing for photo
Lace Larrabee divorced her ex and met her girlfriend.

Courtesy of Lace Larrabee

My husband died in the middle of launching a business. I pivoted my career at 55 to take over, and it's helped with my grief.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Jacqueline Gathers

Courtesy of Jacqueline Gathers

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