From Disillusionment to Discovery: 12 Things Entrepreneurship Taught Me

In the last two years of my entrepreneurial journey, I faced some of the darkest moments of my life. A poignant experience in 2022 marked a significant turning point, revealing the stark reality that my self-worth had become inextricably tied to my financial success.

Every attempt at growth, every plan I made, began with great promise only to unravel into disillusionment and despair. Each failure to meet my own expectations—and those of others—plunged me deeper into a mental breakdown. I realized that my mood, my self-esteem, my entire sense of worth was dictated by the state of my bank account. When it flourished, so did I. When it dwindled, I felt worthless.

This realization forced me to confront a painful truth: my relentless pursuit of entrepreneurial success was not my true calling. It was a path burdened with undue pressure and unrealistic expectations. The more I strove to prove my worth through financial success, the more I found myself engulfed in despair. I had to let go. It was the only way to break the vicious cycle that was consuming me. In losing everything I thought defined me, I discovered my true worth and purpose for this season of my life.

As I navigated through this tumultuous period, I began to unearth valuable lessons that not only shaped my entrepreneurial journey but also transformed my life. These 12 lessons became my guideposts, helping me rebuild with a renewed sense of purpose and resilience.

1. You Can’t Control Others' Opinions, Only Your Integrity

One of the most difficult lessons I’ve learned is that no matter how hard you try, you can’t control what others think of you. Some people who were part of my failures will hate me because of how my mistakes impacted their lives, and they’ll believe I did it intentionally, even if that’s far from the truth. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I realized that the only thing I could control was my integrity. Through every mistake, I’ve held onto my values, knowing that integrity is my most valuable asset.

2. Own Up to Your Mistakes

The entrepreneurial journey is filled with highs and lows, and I’ve made my fair share of mistakes along the way. There were moments when I thought the people affected by my bad decisions would never forgive me. But surprisingly, some of those same people were the ones who offered me a second chance. They saw beyond my failures and believed in the greatness within me. This taught me the importance of owning up to my mistakes. Transparency and honesty can rebuild trust and show others—and yourself—that you are not defined by your failures.

3. Moving Forward Requires Letting Go

I’ve learned that moving forward often requires letting go of the things that no longer serve you. There were times when I felt like quitting was the only option, but I chose to press on. This resilience led to the rebirth of the She Did It! movement and the creation of a sustainable business model. However, this growth didn’t come easily. I had to let go of old habits, toxic relationships, and even some business ventures that weren’t aligned with my true purpose. Sometimes, things need to get worse before they can get better, and letting go is a critical part of that process.

4. The Only Thing You Owe People Is to Love Them

In both business and life, I’ve encountered all kinds of people—some supportive, others not so much. I used to think I owed people more than I could give, but I’ve learned that the only thing I truly owe anyone is love. This doesn’t mean letting people take advantage of me, but it does mean treating everyone with kindness and respect, no matter what. It’s a lesson that has shaped how I interact with others, both personally and professionally.

5. The Sifting Prepares You for the Shifting

Entrepreneurship has taught me that sifting and shifting are integral parts of growth. There have been phases in my journey where I had to sift through what was truly important in both my business and my life. This process wasn’t easy, but it was necessary to prepare for the major shifts that would eventually take place. The sifting allowed me to refine my focus, making the shifting—the pivotal changes—more impactful and meaningful. I’ve learned to embrace these phases, knowing they’re essential for moving to the next level.

6. People Will Come and Go, and It’s Okay

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that not everyone will stay with you on your journey. At first, it was difficult to accept that some people would come into my life, play their part, and then leave. But I’ve come to understand that it’s okay. I had to learn to give people permission to do what’s best for them, without taking it personally. Not everyone is meant to be with you for the long haul, and that’s just a natural part of life and business.

7. The Journey from Entrepreneur to CEO Is Not for the Faint of Heart

Transitioning from being an entrepreneur to becoming a CEO has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life. I’ve had to face the daunting responsibility of ensuring there’s enough revenue not only to pay myself but also to support my team. There were times when the weight of this responsibility felt overwhelming. I learned that steady, intentional growth is crucial to avoid getting in over my head. It’s not just about building a business; it’s about leading one with vision and strategy. The journey is tough, but it has shaped me into the leader I am today.

8. Make Your Health a Priority—Especially Your Mental Health

There was a time when I was so focused on my business that I completely neglected my health, both physically and mentally. I learned the hard way that you can’t pour from an empty cup. The stress of running a business took a toll on me, and I realized that if I didn’t start prioritizing my health, I wouldn’t be able to sustain my business. Now, I make it a point to take time for myself, to rest, recharge, and take care of my mental health. It’s a non-negotiable part of my routine because I’ve learned that my business can’t thrive if I’m running on empty.

9. Resourcefulness Is an Entrepreneur’s Best Friend

In my journey, I’ve faced countless challenges where things didn’t go as planned. Whether it was a lack of resources or an unexpected obstacle, I had to learn to be resourceful. Resourcefulness has become my best friend in business. I’ve learned to pivot when necessary, to find new ways to solve problems, and to make the most out of limited resources. This skill has been key to my survival and success as an entrepreneur.

10. Don’t Focus on Quenching Small Fires

Early on, I would get caught up in trying to solve every little problem that came my way. But I quickly learned that this approach was unsustainable. Entrepreneurship is full of distractions, and there will always be small fires that need quenching. However, if you focus too much on them, you’ll lose sight of the bigger picture. I’ve learned to prioritize what’s truly important and to let go of the rest. Not every problem deserves my attention, and I’ve become more strategic in choosing where to invest my energy.

11. You’re Gonna Have Enemies—Have the Courage to Be Disliked

As I’ve grown in my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve inevitably made some enemies. Not everyone will agree with my vision or my methods, and that’s something I’ve had to come to terms with. I’ve learned that having the courage to be disliked is crucial for success. I can’t please everyone, and that’s okay. I’ve focused on those who support me and let go of the need to be liked by everyone. This has given me the freedom to stay true to myself and my vision.

12. You Can’t Take Everyone with You

I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that not everyone is meant to accompany me on this journey. As I’ve climbed the ladder of success, I’ve realized that I can’t take everyone with me. Some people simply aren’t aligned with my vision or my values, and that’s okay. I’ve learned to focus on those who are, and to let go of the rest. This wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for my growth and for the success of my business.

I hope that as you consider my journey, you see that entrepreneurship is far more than just business success; it’s a path of personal growth, resilience, and self-discovery. I’ve learned from my failures, embraced change, and, most importantly, stayed true to myself. The road has been anything but easy, but the lessons I’ve learned along the way are invaluable. I’m moving forward with joy, accepting and celebrating that the journey itself is just as important as the destination. Every challenge, setback, and victory has shaped me into the person I am today, and for that, I’m grateful!

Love,

Kareen