My Aunt Refused to Lend Me Money for My Business, But I Still Got What I Wanted

When I was just a regular worker, slogging away like everyone else for a measly wage, all my relatives, for whatever reason, absolutely doted on me. Theyd invite me to every family gathering, and were always ready to lend a hand if I needed it.

Eventually, Id had enough of that life. I decided to build my own business from scratch, but I didnt have any start-up cash. My parents had died in a car crash when I was nineteen, so I couldnt turn to them for help.

My aunt had married a wealthy man. I thought, surely, she could give me a hand. But I was wrong.

My aunt insisted that starting a business was much too risky, so she refused to invest any of her own money. You know, I dont really blame her. If I were in her shoes, Id have probably made the same choice. It was her decision, I understood it, and I didnt take it personally. A bank wasnt an option for methe interest rates were terrifying, well beyond what I could possibly afford. I had to pinch pennies on everythingeven foodtake on extra work, and save every spare pound for my business.

Before long, my mind became much clearer. I knew exactly what kind of business I wanted to build, what it would take, and how much capital I needed to get things off the ground. I was dead set on it; there was no going back. Id dreamed of running my own business since I was a boy, and now, slowly but surely, I was getting my shot. The only thing that really stung was my aunts jokes. Every time I turned up anywhere, shed have a laugh and shout:

Well, look whos here, the big business tycoon! Were honoured to have him at our table.

When I finally managed to reach my goal and open my own agency, all my relatives, especially that aunt, immediately kept their distance. I didnt waver though. My determination was stronger than ever. Eighteen months later, Id opened several more branches across London.

Thats when my aunt rang me. She said her son was headed to university and needed help with money and accommodation. Now divorced, she couldnt even find a job that paid the bills, so thats when she remembered me.

Naturally, I refused to help. I had big plans to open branches in other citiesit would cost a lot, and her son wasnt exactly my priority. After my refusal, my aunt disappeared from my life entirely. Not that shed been in touch in years, anyway

Now, my branches are up and running, the business is thriving, and my cousin is still living off his mother. None of the other relatives want to take him in or help outmy aunt had pushed them all away before anyway.

Looking back, Ive learned that determination can take you further than any handout ever willand its often the people who laugh at your dreams who come asking for help once youve made them come true.