So, You Want to Start a Business?
Spoiler: It’s hard. But you should still do it.
I can’t pinpoint the exact day I wanted to be a business owner. It wasn’t one of those lightbulb moments — I just always knew. Even as a kid, I was brainstorming business ideas (shoutout to the 5th grade cookie cake company my friend and I started complete with handmade brochures). The minute I turned 12, I got my first job, and from that point on, I started paying attention. Watching. Listening. Noting what I’d do differently if I ever had my own.
Spoiler: I have. Multiple times.
I’ve owned businesses in the fitness space, the food world, virtual tech, and now apparel. Some have worked. Some have not. All of them have taught me the same lesson on repeat:
Consistency is louder than talent.
Showing up every day matters more than what you know.
People think owning a business is either luxurious and six-figure-y plus or scrappy and ramen noodles-y. And while both can be true, most of the time it’s the weird middle. The space where you’re not quite “making it” but also definitely not giving up.
What They Don’t Tell You About Starting a Business:
It’s hard. Like, actually hard.
Let me say that again. IT IS SO FREAKING HARD.
It’s sacrifice. It’s early mornings, late nights, earning less now for the possibility of more later. You’ll have people who cheer for you and people who low-key hope you don’t outgrow them. Some people won’t get it. Some people will think you need a “real job.” That’s fine. Let them.
You also have to deal with the weird stuff. Like:
Thinking your friends will be your biggest customers (lol)
Feeling like an imposter in every business meeting
Wondering if you should quit and get a W2 job
Realizing branding is cool, but sales is survival
So, if You’re Thinking About Starting Something..
Do it.
Seriously.
But keep it quiet at first. Don’t announce it to everyone while you’re still building. People love to offer opinions when you’re in your vulnerable idea stage. You don’t need input — you need action.
Start small, but think big. Build an emergency fund. Don’t spend months picking your brand colors. Focus on your offer. Serve people well.
And if you’re a woman reading this—know this: there will be rooms where you’re the only woman. Take up space anyway. You don’t have to prove anything. Be kind. Be sharp. Be brave.
Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely. A thousand times yes.
Because no 9-5 will ever give me the rush of building something out of nothing. No boss will ever pay me what I know I can earn on my own. No “normal job” will give me the creative freedom, flexibility, or sense of limitless potential that entrepreneurship does.
It’s harder. It’s lonelier. It’s riskier.
But it’s mine.
And I’d choose that every time.
What are you going to build?
– Nicole 🖤