Reading this reminded me of what the late Steve Jobs said:

You can't connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect the dots looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future

And in your case, the dots somehow connected and you not only found your niche but also business partners, lifelong friends and a life partner. Plus you get to keep your freedom too. There are certainly lots to be grateful for. Glad to hear that everything fell into place and you now have a bigger mission in life. All the best!