When we picture starting a business, we often think about the freedom, the flexibility, the dream life. But rarely do we hear about the messy middle, the chaos, the doubts, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with building something from scratch.
Last week, I gave a speech at a networking event about this. I stood on stage and peeled back the polished layer that so many entrepreneurs feel pressured to maintain. As a public speaking coach and communication trainer, I’m used to helping others show up with clarity and confidence. But this time, I wanted to show the cracks, not just for authenticity, but to create a connection. Because so many of us are silently struggling behind the scenes.
Let’s talk about it.
The Truth About Starting a Business
Here’s what you don’t see on Instagram:
- Second-guessing every decision
- Wondering if you should give up and just get a “real job”
- Watching other people’s success and feeling like you’re miles behind
Starting a business, especially as a woman, means carrying so many invisible weights. You’re not just the CEO, you’re the admin assistant, the marketing team, the tech support, and sometimes, the cleaner too. You’re learning communication skills, branding, finances, social media, and your own emotional triggers, all while smiling through Zoom meetings and trying to look like you have it all together.
No wonder we feel burnt out. No wonder our mental health takes a hit.
The Rollercoaster of Emotions
Entrepreneurship isn’t a straight path. It’s more like a theme park ride: one moment you’re full of ideas and motivation, and the next you’re stuck in a loop of imposter syndrome, decision fatigue, and comparing yourself to people who are five years ahead of you.
I’ve worked with many professionals through my confidence in business coaching, and this is one of the most common themes: feeling proud and not-good-enough at the same time.
You get a win, your first client, your first sale, a compliment on your work and suddenly, everything feels worth it. But then… it’s followed by silence, or rejection, or tech issues, or a client that ghosts you. And you’re back to questioning it all.
That emotional flip-flop is normal. Exhausting, yes but also part of the process. Hustling 24/7 leads to burnout, not brilliance.
There were moments in my own journey where I genuinely asked myself, “Am I cut out for this?” I remember working a part-time job while growing my business, juggling sessions, content creation, coaching, and admin and still worrying about money, visibility, and whether it was all adding up to anything.
Here’s the truth: it was. Even when it didn’t feel like it. Even when no one could see the work I was putting in. That slow, quiet persistence? That’s the foundation of your future success.
Women in Business: Let’s Change the Narrative
We need more honest conversations about what it takes to build something from the ground up. Especially for women in business, who often face additional pressures from societal expectations, family roles, imposter syndrome, and systemic challenges.
When I gave that speech, I saw heads nodding, eyes watering, and people coming up to me afterwards saying, “Thank you for saying it out loud.”
That’s why I do what I do.
Because your voice matters. Your story matters. And the more we speak up about the hard parts, the more we give others permission to keep going.
Watch the Full Speech
If any of this resonates with you, the late nights, the doubts, the dreams you’re still fighting for, I invite you to watch my full speech on YouTube. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s here to remind you: you’re not alone in this journey.
And if you need support with your voice, your confidence, or your communication, let’s talk. Whether you’re pitching, presenting, or pushing through the fear of being seen, I’m here to help you speak powerfully and authentically.
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