The Reality Check: My Journey to Starting a Business. Part I

Embarking on the journey to open my own business was a decision filled with excitement, ambition, and a hint of uncertainty. Like many aspiring entrepreneurs, I eagerly dove into the plethora of online resources, devouring articles, watching tutorials, and scrolling through countless videos promising the keys to success in the world of online entrepreneurship.

Among the myriad of advice, one prevailing message echoed louder than the rest: starting a business online was easy. It seemed like everyone had a secret formula for overnight success – promising riches with minimal effort, minimal investment, and minimal time commitment. The allure of this narrative was undeniable, and I, like many others, was drawn in. But as you quickly discover, the journey to opening a business is far from the effortless endeavor portrayed by many self-proclaimed gurus.

Filled with enthusiasm and armed with these supposed shortcuts to success, I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey. I envisioned myself effortlessly navigating the world of e-commerce, creating a thriving business from scratch, all while maintaining my current commitments and responsibilities.

However, reality hit hard, and it hit fast. Contrary to the rosy picture painted by the online gurus, building a business from the ground up proved to be anything but easy. The initial excitement soon gave way to frustration as I encountered the harsh realities of entrepreneurship.

First and foremost, the notion that starting a business required little to no investment was quickly debunked. While the barriers to entry may be lower in the digital landscape compared to traditional brick-and-mortar ventures, there were still costs involved – trademark registration, website hosting, product development, marketing expenses, the list seemed endless.

Moreover, the idea of effortlessly devoting just an hour a day to my business was nothing short of a myth. As I soon discovered, building a successful business demanded not only time but also dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to push through challenges and setbacks. Having a full time job and starting up a new business on my own, meant and continues to mean waking up VERY early everyday, studying for an hour before going to the gym, then going to work, getting out of work, prepping and having dinner, continue to work on the business, taking Lily out for her before bed pee and then to bed.... FINALLY! ahh and lets not forgetting working over the weekends too.

The first harsh reality I encountered was the necessity of establishing a legitimate business entity. Contrary to the notion of simply jumping into selling online with no formalities, starting from step one required the creation of a recognized business entity. This not only served to legitimize my venture but also provided crucial protection against potential liabilities down the line.

Choosing where to establish my business became the next hurdle to overcome. While many may opt to register their business in their state of residence, my status as an expat opened up new possibilities. After careful research, I discovered states that offered favorable conditions for foreign entrepreneurs.

But perhaps one of the most underestimated aspects of starting a business is choosing the right name. While it may seem trivial, the significance of a unique and trademark-free business name cannot be overstated. Ensuring that my chosen name was not already in use or trademarked by another entity became a crucial step in establishing my brand identity.

Trademarking my business name proved to be a lengthy and costly process, but one that was essential for safeguarding my brand's exclusivity and protecting it from potential legal disputes. While the investment may be significant, the peace of mind that comes with knowing my brand is uniquely mine is priceless.

The most disillusioning aspect of my journey was the realization that success did not come overnight. Contrary to the overnight success stories touted online, building a sustainable business required patience, resilience, and a willingness to learn from failures along the way.

Despite the initial setbacks and disillusionment, my journey to entrepreneurship has been one of growth, learning, and self-discovery. Through the trials and tribulations, I've gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of running a business, honed my skills, and developed a newfound appreciation for the resilience required to succeed in the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship.

So, to anyone considering embarking on their own entrepreneurial journey, I offer this piece of advice: while the allure of overnight success may be tempting, remember that building a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Be prepared to put in the hard work, stay committed to your vision, and above all, don't be deterred by the inevitable challenges that lie ahead.

In conclusion, starting a business may not be easy, but the journey is undoubtedly rewarding. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the grind, and let your entrepreneurial spirit soar. After all, the path to success may be filled with obstacles, but with determination and perseverance, and a healthy dose of realism.