(Notice: I write this whereas on vacation with my household in Phuket and I’m full of gratitude as I replicate while scripting this…)
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For those who’d requested me 5 years in the past if I ever needed to be an entrepreneur, my reply would have been an instantaneous, direct no—perhaps even a “by no means.”
I’ve all the time been an “establishment” woman, transferring between company life and the company world.
I labored exhausting, climbed the ladder, and loved the consistency of a pay cheque and company perks.
However then I had youngsters, and every thing modified.
My company life didn’t permit me to be the mum I needed to be. It compelled me to replicate on my work and query each side of it.
If I couldn’t be there for my youngsters once they wanted me and I wasn’t rising professionally or personally—what was the purpose?
Enjoying with new know-how like AI, purely out of curiosity, opened my eyes to a world past the standard 9-to-5.
It helped me realise that I may do extra whereas being current for my youngsters. My intestine even informed me I may earn extra if I set my thoughts to it.
After two years of mulling it over, experimenting with facet hustles, and investing in programs, communities, and training, I lastly took the leap into solopreneurship in January 2024.
Now, one 12 months in, I can confidently say I want I’d began sooner!
Right here’s how my 2024 went and what I’ve discovered alongside the way in which:
Breaking out of the company mould is tough.
When your work has outlined you for thus lengthy, answering the query, “What do you do?” with confidence each to your self in addition to the skin world, can really feel not possible.
Even now, one 12 months in, I’m nonetheless debating what my “title” must be.
Am I a web based entrepreneur? A solopreneur? An AI strategist? An AI educator? I bounce between these descriptions of myself relying on the day and who I’m talking to 🙂
What I’ve Realized: It doesn’t matter what you name your self. What issues is figuring out what you’re good at, how you utilize it to serve your viewers, and who your viewers is. All the things else will fall into place.
Operating your individual enterprise is hard. You’re not simply the CEO; you’re the admin, accountant, marketer, and IT help.
Whereas there’s loads of enjoyable in constructing your corporation, there’s simply as a lot mundane, time-consuming work—and nothing ever goes precisely to plan.
What I’ve Realized: In case your mission and objective aren’t sturdy sufficient (ie your WHY), your corporation received’t stand the take a look at of time.
For me, my mission is to create work I get pleasure from whereas attaining time and monetary freedom to be the mum I wish to be.
The aim of my enterprise is to empower feminine enterprise homeowners to make use of AI and new tech to 10x their productiveness at a fraction of the price, to allow them to focus extra on what issues most to them.
On the toughest days, I remind myself of those objectives.
I received’t lie, on the tough days, I nonetheless query my resolution to start out my very own enterprise, however inside minutes, I do know that going again to a 9-to-5 isn’t an possibility I would like.
Plus, I remind myself that because of the unbelievable help of my husband, I *get* to do that. I’ve no possibility however to succeed.
I’ve all the time been nice at technique and consistency, and barely want another person to carry me accountable.
However mindset? That’s been unchartered territory for me; one thing I’ve by no means actually considered in my company life.
Imposter syndrome. Limiting beliefs. Shortage mindset. Cash mindset. Fears of uncertainty.
These are very actual challenges, and should you don’t deal with them, they are often paralyzing.
What I’ve Realized: The journey is isolating and also you want help. Encompass your self with like-minded individuals who will cheer you on, it doesn’t matter what.
I’m a part of 4 communities of entrepreneurs on comparable journeys, and I depend on them each day to assist me push by the unhealthy days, all of the self-doubt and remind me why I selected to take this path.
This 12 months, I’ve taught feminine founders and coaches methods to use AI to raised perceive their companies and create content material that maximises their on-line visibility.
I married my background and experience in digital communications and my enthusiasm of AI to launch my companies to like-minded ladies entrepreneurs.
In 2024, I hosted 58 workshops with over 1,000 attendees and generated $22,000 in income (not revenue)—from one thing I really like doing and am nonetheless studying about.
What I’ve Realized: In case you have a ability, you’ll be able to flip it right into a enterprise within the information economic system. New know-how like AI makes it quicker and simpler than ever, with minimal funding. There are not any limitations to entry; you simply must take step one.
You’ll be able to strategise, analysis, be taught and work with coaches all you need. However you’ll solely uncover what works by taking constant motion.
What I’ve Realized: Take motion, even when it’s scrappy. It simply must really feel proper to you, after which go for it. Don’t overthink it. You’ll get your solutions by taking motion.
Don’t worry about having every thing sorted tech sensible for instance; the primary time I offered one thing was with a Google doc and a Stripe hyperlink. I nonetheless don’t have a correct web site, nor do I’ve a enterprise identify, or perhaps a emblem.
I’ve nonetheless been in a position to run 58 workshops and two group programmes this 12 months. From that messy motion, I’ve found what my viewers needs and what I’m good at instructing.
If I hadn’t taken motion and put myself and my companies on the market, I’d nonetheless be caught, attempting to determine what to do subsequent.
You both win otherwise you be taught, and that’s it.
As I step into 2025, I really feel each nervous and excited.
However extra excited as I take one other leap ahead in direction of designing my work round what I really like doing and my life as a mum and spouse.
For those who’re contemplating solopreneurship, my recommendation is easy: Take the leap. You don’t have to have all of it discovered. Simply begin. Even when it’s on the sidelines.
Thanks for being right here and a part of my journey. In case you have any questions, reply to this e-mail or go away a remark, I reply to each one 🙂
