When One Door Slams Shut, Another One Swings Wide Open
Picture this: you’re six months pregnant, have a stable job, and life feels relatively sorted. Then, boom—your employer decides to “reorganize,” and you’re left holding a severance package and a panic button. For most people, this is where the meltdown starts. For Sabre Mrkva, co-founder of Bright Stripes, it was where her entrepreneurial journey began.
Let’s not sugarcoat it—losing your job sucks. But the truth is, some of the most successful entrepreneurs didn’t leap willingly into the unknown; they were pushed. Sabre’s story of turning a major setback into an epic comeback is the kind of gutsy entrepreneurial tale that reminds us all why resilience matters.
The Door That Slammed Shut
Sabre had a decade of experience in product development, working with her now-business partner, Eric von Stein. They were the creative dream team at a major arts and crafts company, churning out fun, colorful products kids loved. But corporate life came with layers of bureaucracy, watered-down visions, and decisions driven by spreadsheets instead of passion.
Still, when Sabre and Eric were let go, it wasn’t the clean slate they’d imagined. Sabre was pregnant, staring down an uncertain future. Instead of panicking, she leaned into an idea they’d toyed with during carpool chats: starting their own company, free from corporate red tape.
The Door That Swung Open
Here’s where the magic happened: Sabre and Eric didn’t overthink it. They didn’t wait for a perfect business plan or investors. They got breakfast, then got to work. The very next day, they filed for their LLC.
Why? Because when one door slams shut, sometimes you don’t have the luxury of standing around sulking in the hallway. You find the nearest window and climb through it. Sabre knew they had the skills, the drive, and, most importantly, a vision that wasn’t watered down by middle management.
“Wouldn’t it be great if we could just make items where the vision was pure and the crafts were pure? No plastic crap, no unnecessary fluff—just real, thoughtful products,”
And just like that, Bright Stripes was born—a brand that’s now in over 1,200 stores and known for high-quality, eco-conscious DIY kits that kids and parents adore.
From Fired to Freedom
This isn’t just a feel-good tale; it’s a roadmap. How many of us have found ourselves stuck in jobs that no longer fit? That corporate safety net can feel comforting, but it’s also the thing keeping us from swinging for the fences.
Sabre and Eric’s story is a reminder that the end of one chapter is just the start of another. You don’t have to have it all figured out to start. In fact, most entrepreneurs will tell you that the figuring out comes in the doing.
When Sabre and Eric launched Bright Stripes, they weren’t experts in importing, warehousing, or logistics. They were experts in their vision—creating thoughtful, screen-free, hands-on products kids could be proud of. Everything else? Google University and learning on the fly.
What Entrepreneurs Can Learn From a Slammed Door
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- Clarity Comes in Crisis
Sometimes, you need the safety net to be ripped away to realize what you’re capable of. Sabre and Eric had talked about starting their own company for years, but it wasn’t until they were let go that they found the clarity (and urgency) to go for it. - Action Beats Perfection
They didn’t wait for the stars to align or their business plan to win awards. They filed the paperwork, started consulting, and learned as they went. Progress, not perfection, is what builds businesses. - Lean Into What You Know
They didn’t reinvent the wheel; they took what they knew—kids’ crafts—and did it better. If you’re thinking about starting something, ask yourself: What do you already know? What problem can you solve with your unique expertise? - Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Sabre credits much of their early survival to leaning on their network. From logistics to sales strategies, they tapped into trusted friends and colleagues to fill the gaps in their knowledge. Being an entrepreneur doesn’t mean doing it alone.
- Clarity Comes in Crisis
Why This Matters for Entrepreneurs
Sabre’s story isn’t just about crafts and cute kits; it’s about showing up when life throws you a curveball. It’s about resilience, scrappiness, and betting on yourself even when the odds feel stacked against you.
Entrepreneurship isn’t always a bold leap. Sometimes, it’s a messy scramble out of necessity.
So, if you’re reading this while sitting on a corporate call that feels like it’s draining your soul, consider this your sign. Maybe you don’t need to wait for the door to slam shut. Maybe it’s time to nudge it closed and open your own.