This as-told-to essay is part of Lonely at the Top, a series that examines the link between wealth and loneliness. It is based on a conversation with Lisa Johnson, award-winning business strategist and CEO. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Eight years ago, I was in £35,000 of debt, or around $44,800 USD. I had toddler-aged twins and had just gotten remarried. We were struggling to afford rent and had to meticulously budget for food.

I'd decided not to return to my job as a personal assistant, as the pay was less than the cost of childcare. I looked into starting my own business and decided to set up a wedding planning company on a whim. I liked parties and naively saw wedding planning as an extension of that.

It failed at first because I knew nothing about business. Since I di

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