The Fearless Founder
Starting and growing a business is HARD. Really hard. Before launching my first business, I had no prior business or industry experience. But, I’ve always loved a good challenge and if the business was a success or a flop, at least I’d earn a real-life MBA (tears and near-panic attacks included). It’s been a steep learning curve for me, filled with lots of uncertainty, rejection, and failure. But there have also been some amazing highs and truly triumphant moments that make it all worth it. It’s gotten a bit easier the second time around, now that I have more experience and learned from my past mistakes. I’m sure I’ll make plenty of new mistakes, but I’m okay with that. These days I let myself fail gently, gracefully, and bravely. I really do believe that every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow and you’ll only get better and wiser each time. I’m also working on being kinder to myself. I think it’s natural for entrepreneurs to put insurmountable pressure on themselves, but it’s important to remember that being hard on yourself isn’t going to get you any closer to achieving your goals. Your wellbeing, community, and happiness are equally important to your success and should be in balance with your entrepreneurial pursuits.
What I’ve learned so far:
A supportive community that you can lean into is a MUST!
Leverage and constantly grow your network
Ask. For. Help.
Try, try, try again…and then consider pivoting
Don’t get distracted by & caught up in the awful comparison game
Be open to feedback, but take only what you need
Self-care/stress management is key, i.e. exercise, meditation, therapy
Enjoy the process and evolution of you and your business.
Companies I’ve started:
Science-backed skincare focused on the regenerative benefits of calcium.
Sustainable candles, thoughtfully designed.
Business interests:
Sustainability: Consumer goods, supply chain, & design
Health & wellness products/services
Cannabis & its application in therapeutics
Edtech
Additional Info:
Cornell University - Women’s Entrepreneurship, Certificate
The Wing, Member
Female Founder Collective, Member
All Raise Seed Bootcamp, 2019 cohort
YCombinator Startup School, Participant