3 On Your Side: Banker To Designer
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Since the financial crisis first began millions of people across the country have lost their jobs. Many of them still haven't found work. But as 3 On Your Side consumer reporter Jim Donovan finds, for a lucky few the shakeup was a godsend.
In a time of recession, they're reinventing themselves.
Including a laid off banker who found out she's really an entrepreneur.
Christine Marchuska has always had a passion for fashion, but never thought she'd see her own name on the label.
"It's a lot of hard work. I didn't think it would happen overnight. I didn't think i would have the success I would have," said fashion entrepreneur Christine Marchuska.
Especially because she had no experience at all. She was a banker on Wall Street, until she was laid off.
That's when she decided to make a fresh start, doing something she loved. She took a sewing class and "C. Marchuska" was born. It's a line of environmentally friendly fashions, using materials like hemp and organic cotton.
"I wanted to make sure it included all these different aspects I'm passionate about; fashion, the environment, philanthropy," said Marchuska.
She sells her clothes online and through a network of small retailers and though she doesn't expect to be profitable for several more years, she has no plans to head back to banking.
"I wasn't particularly ecstatic about finance at the end of my career. I enjoyed it, it was easy to take the paycheck," said Marchuska.
But now she's enjoying what she believes will be a more fulfilling future.
Career experts say this is a growing trend. More and more people who have been laid off, are finding ways to go in business for themselves. There's a good chance though you'll end up working more hours, and get paid less.
But in the long run, some are finding it could end up being well worth it.
