This month turned out to be one of my busiest and most successful yet. Looking back at 30months since launching this business, I'm struck by how the journey resembles nothing like I imagined. What I've learned is that success builds quietly in the background while you're busy showing up day after day. The "overnight" wins were actually months in the making.
In this newsletter, I'm sharing my 10 most honest takeaways from this journey - not the polished LinkedIn version, but the real, sometimes messy truth of building something from scratch. Whether you're just starting out or well into your own business adventure, I hope these insights resonate.
Let's dive in...
- I don’t have all the answers. Starting out, I believed I had everything figured out. Over time, I realized that entrepreneurship is less about certainty and more about adapting to constant change.
- I don’t have one playbook for all startups. I have methods. Every business is unique. What works for one startup might completely fail for another. Learning to chart my own course has been both challenging and liberating.
- Not everyone is ready for an outside marketing team. I’ve learned that timing is everything. Some businesses aren’t ready for external help, and forcing it can lead to wasted energy and resources.
- Not everyone is the right fit. Whether it’s collaborators, clients, or advisors, alignment in vision and values is crucial. Saying “no” or "not now" has been as important as saying “yes.”
- Switched from managing teams to managing tasks. In my FT days, I managed teams and strategies. Now, as a solopreneur, I’m back to managing tasks — everything from strategy to execution.
- Building your audience is brutal but necessary. Growing an audience from scratch has been one of the hardest parts of this journey, but it’s essential for long-term success.
- Failure is my great teacher. Mistakes have been my best lessons — whether it’s launching too early, misjudging market needs, or trusting the wrong process.
- Imposter syndrome never fully goes away.. Even after years of experience, self-doubt creeps in. The key for me has been acting despite it.
- The power of community. While solopreneurship can feel isolating, connecting with like-minded friends and creators has provided me invaluable support and fresh perspectives.
- Flexibility is everything. Plans rarely go as expected..The ability to pivot quickly has been my greatest asset in navigating my daily work.
Bottom line - I couldn't be where I am today without going through each one of these lessons..So greatful for being able to do the work I love.
