When you scroll through Instagram, starting a business can seem ideal, with flexible hours, creative freedom, doing what you love, and making money on your own terms. Whilst those things can be true, there’s a whole other side that people rarely talk about the part that happens behind the scenes, when no one’s watching.
I’ve learned a lot on my journey as a business owner, and today I want to share the parts no one really prepares you for the raw, real truths of what it actually takes to build something from the ground up.
1. It’s More Emotionally Demanding Than You Think
Starting a business is an emotional rollercoaster. One day you feel on top of the world because something finally clicked, and the next day you're wondering if you’ve made the biggest mistake of your life.
There’s doubt, imposter syndrome, burnout, comparison, and moments where you genuinely wonder if it’s worth it. No one tells you how much mindset work you’ll have to do just to keep going.
2. It’s Rarely Instant Even With Hard Work
You can work harder than you’ve ever worked in your life and still not see results right away. That’s because business growth takes time, patience, and consistency. You’re not just selling a product or service you’re building trust, credibility, and an actual brand.
There were many months in the beginning where I questioned everything and often felt like I was wasting my time because I expected quicker results. Now I know slow growth is still growth and it often builds the strongest foundations.
3. You’ll Wear Every Hat
Founder, marketer, customer service, admin, accountant, social media manager, designer… the list goes on. I have learnt a lot of skills along the way. If you have the budget you can outsource but most of us don’t. You will be learning as you go often googling things at midnight just to figure it out.
The upside? You become resilient, resourceful, and really good at figuring things out. But it’s not always glamorous.
4. Your Personal Life Might Shift, Too
One thing I didnt realise was how much starting a business would impact my personal life. Relationships may shift. Your schedule might no longer fit into other people’s expectations and when you're pouring everything into your dream, not everyone will understand why you're “always working” or turning down plans.
It can feel isolating at times but it also shows you who truly supports your growth and understands your vision.
5. There Will Be Wins — But You Have to Celebrate Them Yourself
In a traditional job, promotions, bonuses, and praise often come from a manager. As a business owner, you are the one who has to acknowledge your own progress. That’s why celebrating small wins matters so much they keep you going when no one else sees how far you’ve come.
Whether it’s your first sale, getting stocked in a new store, launching a website, or even just showing up consistently online it all deserves to be recognised.
6. Not Everyone Will Be Supportive
This one hurts, but it’s true: not everyone will support your decision to start a business. Sometimes it’s subtle like eye-rolls, backhanded comments, or lack of interest. Other times it’s more direct people questioning your choices and this can hurt, especially when it can come from people in your own family.
Often, it comes from those closest to you, which can be the hardest to process. But their doubts don’t define your potential. Surround yourself with people who do believe in you and become your own biggest cheerleader in the meantime.
It's Hard, But It's Worth It
Starting a business is not easy and it’s not always as shiny as it looks online. But it is one of the most empowering, transformative things you can do.
You’ll discover your strengths, build resilience, and create something that’s truly yours. There will be hard days, slow seasons, and unexpected challenges but there will also be purpose, freedom, creativity, and pride like nothing else.