My husband and I were laid off at the same time. Instead of panicking, we started our own business that now has 600 employees.

Marina Larroudé doesn't want her kids to take over the business.

Courtest of Larroudé family

• Marina Larroudé and her husband Ricardo started their shoe company after being laid off.
• Today, they have 600 employees in the US and Brazil.
• They talk about business constantly — until their two kids ask them to stop, they say.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Marina and Ricardo Larroudé, cofounders of Larroudé. It has been edited for length and clarity.