Laid Off In 2008? Start a Business In 2009

February 2009

In May 2008, Christine Marchuska fell victim to the financial crisis and lost her job after working in the finance sector for six years, she went after her passion and started Marchuska, an eco-friendly clothing line in New York., with her brother, Justin MArchuska. A few months later, she launched the women’s line c. marchuska on her own. “I love fashion and have a strong love for the environment,” she says, “so I wanted to figure out a way I could tie that together.” Marchuska started the venture within months of being laid off. She landed her products on the shelves of retailers, developed an e-commerce site and now projects 2009 sales of about $100,000. “Everyone’s feeling the tough times right now,” says Marchuska, 28. “It’s not one industry or one country that’s suffering. But if you’re going to try something and you can afford to, now is definitely the time to go for it. “