Since I was a young girl, family, friends, and teachers often asked me, “Marian, who do you want to be when you grow up?” My answer to this question often failed to meet their expectations. I vividly remember one particular family gathering when my uncle asked me this perplexing question. I could feel the heat rising in my face. My cheeks burned with embarrassment as I realized my entire family was anxiously waiting to hear my response. With a mix of excitement and nervousness, I finally said, “I want to be a baker.” In an instant, my family burst into laughter at my dream of becoming a baker, teasing me about how I’d probably end up with frosting in my hair and a dozen burnt cookies. As their laughter echoed in my ears, a heavy weight of discouragement settled in my chest, making me question if pursuing my baking dreams was really the right choice for me.
Self-reflecting, I began to understand my family valued traditional professions over creative careers. Since everyone in my family pursued the traditional 9 to 5 job, it was only natural for them to see that as the standard for success and fulfillment. Before I knew it, I had internalized their expectations, as I sought their validation in my aspirations. The desire for their approval slowly dimmed my enthusiasm for baking, leading me to question my passions and what genuinely brought me joy.
Gradually, I began to explore more “acceptable” career options. As I considered these new options, I found myself inspired by my parents’ careers. My mother, a passionate teacher, often shared stories about her students’ successes, filling me with admiration for her ability to shape young minds. Her experiences made me realize the profound impact one could have through education, planting a seed of interest in teaching within me. At the same time, my father, an industrial engineer in the automotive industry, also captured my admiration with his innovative work. His ability to solve complex problems and create practical solutions not only impressed me, but also sparked my interest in pursuing an engineering career. I reassured myself that I could grow to appreciate these fields, believing that the stability and respect they provided would compensate for my desire to follow a more creative path.
Despite my constant effort to align myself with traditional careers, I never felt a genuine connection to them. Every time I envisioned myself working as a teacher or engineer, I experienced a sense of emptiness, lacking the excitement or passion that I craved in a career. The pressure to conform to family beliefs and societal norms weighed heavily on me, but eventually, I decided to no longer ignore my own desires. I defied the expectations placed upon me and took ownership of my future. This decision sparked a journey of self-discovery, where I truly began to explore my passions.
Through my journey, I encountered an incredible opportunity to start a small business with my sister, which ignited a vibrant excitement within me. As we brainstormed ideas and mapped out our vision, I felt a rush of passion for entrepreneurship that I had never experienced before. Together we poured our hearts and creativity into every aspect of the business. Each small success fueled my enthusiasm, reinforcing the idea that I was finally on the right path. As our business began to thrive, my family took notice. Even though at first they were doubtful of our choices , they gradually recognized the dedication and effort we were investing. Their support grew as they observed our growth and success. Having gained my family acceptance, I felt validated not only in my entrepreneurial pursuits but also in my decision to forge my own path. Embracing this journey allowed me to connect with my true self, transforming my relationship with my family, and reaffirming my belief in the power of following one’s passions.
Now, I finally feel a sense of clarity about who I want to be when I grow up. My experiences in entrepreneurship have sparked a passion that I am eager to explore further, particularly by combining it with my love for baking. I envision opening a charming coffee shop that serves delicious pastries and fosters a sense of community. The thought of creating a space where people can gather, enjoy freshly baked goods, and savor expertly crafted coffee fills me with excitement. This venture feels like the perfect blend of my interests and aspirations, and I am passionate about making it a reality.