Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. It demands sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering dedication. For me, it’s been a journey filled with blood, sweat, and tears—an uphill battle of creating, innovating, and sharing my dreams with the world. But as I’ve learned the hard way, one of the most painful truths about being an entrepreneur is realizing that the people closest to you—the ones you expect to support you the most—are often the quietest.
A Dream Born Out of Passion
When I first became an author, I poured my heart into writing my first book. A few people I knew bought copies, and for a moment, I thought, “This is it—people believe in me!” But as I grew, releasing book after book (now nine in total), the excitement and support faded. I transitioned into creating calendars and other unique books, but the silence grew louder.
It didn’t stop there. I ventured into new business ideas, each a reflection of my creativity and hard work. I launched a shoe line, combining style and practicality. Not one friend or family member bought a pair. I started a skincare line, offering products that were carefully curated and made with love. Again, not one friend or family member shared a post or made a purchase. The only exception? My body butters—likely because they were the most affordable option in my product range.
Strangers Show More Support Than Those You Know
One of my most eye-opening experiences has been running my online boutique. While I am grateful for the support of a few people, the majority of my customers have been strangers. Strangers who believed in my products without knowing me personally. Strangers who didn’t hesitate to click “Buy Now” or leave a kind review.
Meanwhile, the silence from those closest to me has been deafening. It’s true what they say: friends and family often don’t support you during the struggle, but they’ll celebrate your wins—or worse, your failures.
The Harsh Reality of Sharing Dreams
It’s heartbreaking to pour your heart into something and feel invisible to the people who matter most. I would post daily about my skincare line, sharing links and updates, but not one person reposted it. Not one person took a moment to amplify my voice. It made me question everything: Am I not good enough? Do they not see my efforts? But over time, I realized this isn’t a reflection of my worth or my work—it’s a reflection of how people move.
Lessons Learned in the Darkest Times
Through all the ups and downs, I’ve learned a few things:
- Support Often Comes from Unexpected Places
The most genuine support often comes from people who don’t know you personally. They see your product or work for what it is, without bias or preconceived notions. - Not Everyone Will Celebrate Your Journey
People are quick to cheer when you’re winning, but they’re just as quick to dismiss or even celebrate your struggles. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but understanding this has made me stronger. - Keep Moving Forward
This is not the end of the tunnel for me. I still have dreams, and I still have hope. My body butters taught me that there’s a market for what I create. My boutique showed me that there are people who value my vision. Every small victory is proof that I’m on the right path.
To Every Dreamer Out There
If you’ve ever felt the sting of being unsupported, know this: You are not alone. Many of us are navigating this journey in silence, finding strength in the fact that we believe in ourselves even when others don’t.
This isn’t the end for me, and it shouldn’t be for you either. Keep creating. Keep pushing. Watch the way people move, but don’t let it stop your stride.
At the end of the day, success isn’t about who supported you—it’s about the legacy you create despite the odds.
A Final Thought
To my friends, family, and followers who’ve quietly watched me struggle and fail, I thank you. You’ve taught me the importance of self-reliance and resilience. And to those who’ve stood by me, no matter how few, you’ve reminded me that even the smallest acts of kindness can fuel a dream.
Here’s to the future—to the books, the products, and the dreams yet to come.
Let’s keep moving forward.