Overcoming Fears and Embracing the Unknown
The only constant is effort & time. Nobody guarantees you success by simply walking the path. It's a scary path that requires faith, perseverance, and determination for those who seek to walk it.
I have faced many fears and doubts along my entrepreneurial journey.
Deciding to found a fashion-tech startup with the ambitious goal of connecting African fashion to the global market was not an easy decision to make.
Leaving a very successful corporate career to build a startup is not a decision you make lightly.
It is one that is usually accompanied by a rush of excitement and fear.
For many entrepreneurs, the path to building a business is fraught with uncertainty and doubt.
Today, I want to share my story about overcoming fears and embracing the unknown.
The Birth of Pashione
I had very little fear when Pashione came to life.
The moment I decided to start, I threw all my worries away.
However, the years leading up to January 2023, when I finally decided that I was ready to launch, were filled with concerns and uncertainties.
My major fears were typical of any aspiring entrepreneur:
- Funding: Where would I get the money to fund the business?
- Revenue Generation: How long would it take before Pashione started generating revenue?
- Sustainability: What would happen if we managed to build it? Could we sustain it?
- Execution: Can I make the business work as envisioned?
Every founder/entrepreneur understands what I am talking about.
After all, you're trying to build something from the ground up with no assurance of success.
The only constant is effort and time.
Nobody guarantees you success by simply walking the path.
It's a scary path that requires enormous faith, perseverance, and determination for those who seek to walk it.
These questions haunted me, but they also fueled my determination.
Fear is not a sign to stop but to prepare thoroughly and push forward.
My Turning Point
The key to satiating my worries was in the incredible support system I had.
From the moment I shared my vision for Pashione, I was fortunate to have the best resources and people by my side.
Each person who engaged with the project shared the vision, values, and importance of our goal.
This collective belief and dedication significantly reduced my fears.
The impressive talent that joined our mission was a constant source of inspiration, as their expertise and unwavering commitment enabled me to focus on building the brand without being paralyzed by fear.
We run a very collaborative ship.
Embracing the Unknown
As we’ve progressed, the only lingering concern has been funding.
Of course, this goes without saying, for every startup.
Securing additional capital to fuel Pashione's growth is a continuous process, and I've shifted my perspective: I now view it as an opportunity for strategic growth, rather than a source of fear.
I've adopted the mindset that if we stay focused on doing the right things and executing our plans diligently, the funding will eventually follow.
I was extremely fortunate to meet so many brilliant and experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders who took the time to share their wisdom with me.
Whether it was advice on refining our strategies, insights into overcoming challenges they faced, or simply words of encouragement during turbulent times, their guidance was invaluable.
Every interaction allowed me to step back, gain another perspective on the obstacles, and consider approaches I may have yet to consider.
This helped strengthen my resolve to push forward when the entrepreneurial road got bumpy.
I'm deeply grateful to have connected with so many generous minds who saw the potential in Pashione and were willing to share their knowledge.
Their support and belief in what we’re trying to accomplish has provided me with the fortitude to challenge doubt.
Slowly but surely, each lesson learned helped shape Pashione into the platform it is today.
Through this journey, I've learned several key lessons about overcoming fears and embracing the unknown.
I’ll end today’s newsletter with 4 things.
1. Support Systems Matter:
Surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision and are willing to support you through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship is crucial.
Don't be afraid to lean on them when you need to.
2. Mindset is Important
Fear is a stepping stone. Instead of letting fear hold you back, use it as a catalyst for growth and learning. Face your fears head-on and watch your confidence soar.
3. Learning Never Ends
In those early stages of striking it out as an entrepreneur, you quickly realise how much there is to learn and how invaluable the insights of others who have traveled this road before you can be.
You must remain endlessly curious and open to adapting based on new information.
The minute you think you have all the answers is likely the minute your startup hits a roadblock it can't overcome.
I have learned quite a lot from my team members- from sitting in the various meetings we have held and listening and observing them share their ideas and opinions, I have been able to enter their world.
For instance, my knowledge of social media has increased for someone with zero background online, simply by being around a lot of younger people, Gen Zs as would be a more fitting descriptor, and listening in as they come up with media and marketing strategies.
Today, I can tell you what’s trending on social media and we’ll talk about it for minutes.
On a more serious note, adopt a student mindset, stay curious, seek knowledge, and embrace new experiences to continuously improve and refine your skills and perspective.
4. Resilience is Key
You will have bad days.
I expect to have bad days.
I know that my journey will not all be a bed of lovely roses.
The path is hardly ever linear, meaning plans and strategies will need to bend and adapt repeatedly as we hit roadblocks.
In those moments, it's resilience, grit, and mental fortitude that would make the difference.
The ability to weather the storm is what separates those who succeed from those who don't.