LYNN BARDOWSKI

Home: Audubon, N.J.

Past life: Business-to- business sales, business and office forms.

Why pivot: An unsympathetic boss.

Reinvention: Direct-sales firm sells candles, home decor at home parties via PartyLite.

Also: Million Dollar Party Girl offering entrepreneurial advice, especially to women.

Tough spot: After nearing $1 million in sales, firm nearly collapsed when key salespeople left. "It wasn't just a pity party. It was my pity festival."

Insight: Family, friends may not back your dream "until you make money.

I told my hairdresser.

She couldn't have been more supportive."EndText