Starting Your Own Business
Read and practice vocabulary with this graded reading passage
Reading
When Maria lost her corporate job during the economic crisis, she decided to turn her passion for baking into a business. It wasn’t easy, but three years later, her bakery is one of the most popular shops in town.
“The hardest part was the beginning,” Maria says. “I had to write a business plan, apply for a bank loan, and find a good location. I had no experience running a business.”
She started small, selling cakes from her kitchen and delivering them to local cafés. Her reputation grew through word of mouth. Customers loved her unique recipes, especially her chocolate lavender cake.
After six months, she had saved enough to rent a small shop. She invested in professional equipment and hired two employees. “Managing people was a new challenge,” she admits. “I had to learn about contracts, taxes, and insurance.”
The financial pressure was intense at first. “There were months when I could barely afford to pay the rent,” she says. “But I believed in my product and kept going.”
Today, Maria’s bakery has five staff members and a growing online business. She also teaches baking classes on weekends.
“My advice to anyone thinking about starting a business: do your research, start small, and don’t be afraid to fail. Every mistake is a lesson.”
Key Vocabulary
| Word | Type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| invest | v. | put money into something |
| reputation | n. | what people think about you |
| financial | adj. | related to money |
| employee | n. | person who works for a company |
| afford | v. | have enough money for |
Comprehension Questions
- Why did Maria start her business?
- How did she build her reputation?
- What challenges did she face as a manager?
- What advice does Maria give?