My business partner decided to leave the business. There. I said it. You’d be amazed at how many times I had to re-write that sentence. It’s a tough thing to write on paper, or say out loud or truly admit. Even though we both knew it was coming.

When we started our online magazine back in spring 2012, we had a total of four partners. Only three made it to signing day in front of our lawyer. Only two made it to 2014. Only one rang in the New Year with founder and owner after her name.

I’m that one.

In early 2011 when I started to dream, I called a friend to brainstorm. She helped me think through the process a bit but at the end of our conversation that day she said, “Leslie, you don’t need me or anyone else to start this idea. You can do it alone.”

My husband told me the same thing. And while I was humbled by their confidence in me, I knew I couldn’t. Not yet. I needed to learn and grow and find inspiration from others. Inspiration came in fall 2011 when an acquaintance contacted me with a similar idea of her own. And that’s when the dream became a reality.

I’m not sure of a lot of things in this life. But I am positive God leads us where we need to be even when we can’t wrap our brains around the reasoning. It’s tough to say goodbye to my final business partner. We were close. We spent hours upon hours working on the site each day. Many times those hours would have been better spent on laundry or with our families or on another job or two. But something brought us back each time.

But for each of my friends and partners to whom I’ve had to say goodbye, their heart wasn’t in it. They believed in the concept, and they knew it could become something outstanding, but it wasn’t their dream. It was my dream.

It’s always been my dream.

My passion for this business continues to grow. Each obstacle leaves me determined to find a solution. I know in my soul that I’m meant to continue this path. And although I don’t know the final result, I know the journey is supposed to be mine.

As I embark upon a new year as the sole owner of a dream, I recognize now that my friend was right. I can do this alone; I just needed their guidance before I could blaze my course. I’m not sure why God chose me to be in their lives but it’s becoming clear to me why they were in mine. Each one taught me strength and courage, determination and passion. Each one led me to this point in my career.

My hope is that someday I can repay the favor. It’s a big deal to find people who help you fulfill an idea. But perhaps it’s even more important to be the one who guides the path. Take a look at the people in your life. How and why are they there? Why are you there? There’s a reason for all of it. Sometimes it just takes a bit of time before the answer is made clear.

Thank you Jen, Heather and Peggy. I couldn’t have done this without you all.