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Lessons on Entrepreneurship, Authenticity, and Growth
Heather Ewing • November 30, 2024
It's Heather here, and I'm excited to share a heartfelt conversation between me and my friend, Ashley Quinto Powell. We both have unique stories in the world of entrepreneurship, and we want to take you on a journey through our experiences. In this blog post, we'll reflect on the challenges we've faced and the lessons we've learned along the way. So, let's dive into our candid conversation about authenticity, the value of experience, and overcoming obstacles in the entrepreneurial world.
Our Journey into Entrepreneurship:
I started my entrepreneurial journey in my mid-thirties, while my friend took the plunge in her early twenties. In my case, I had a few early businesses that, looking back, might have been better off as hobbies. Nevertheless, these experiences quickly revealed our strengths, weaknesses, and what it truly takes to run a successful business.
She sold her apartment and cashed in her 401k to fund her first business in her early twenties. We admit that youthful hubris led to some misguided decisions. But like me, she emerged from that experience with invaluable lessons that would shape our future endeavors.
The Value of Authenticity:
In a world where many people create facades to project a certain image, both of us believe that authenticity is a game-changer. We pride ourselves on being direct and straightforward in our approach to business. We want you to know that you get what you see with us. Our authenticity has been a cornerstone of our success, and we believe it can be for you too.
The Importance of Experience and Mentorship:
Our early ventures weren't without their challenges. We both acknowledge that a lack of mentorship and resources made the road tougher. While we don't necessarily recommend this path, we recognize that the steep learning curve can be an accelerator for those who persevere. Finding the right mentors and having a solid plan can make a significant difference in your entrepreneurial journey.
Overcoming Failure:
We've both faced failure in our careers, and we're not ashamed to admit it. My first business didn't go well, and my friend experienced a spectacular failure. These setbacks were difficult to overcome, but they provided us with the resilience and determination needed to succeed in our subsequent endeavors.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
So, what advice do we have for you, aspiring entrepreneurs? First and foremost, take time for self-reflection. Identify your strengths, weaknesses, and what you genuinely want. Hard work is non-negotiable in entrepreneurship, but don't be swayed by the myth of endless working hours and burnout. Find the right mentors and create a solid plan for your journey.
Conclusion:
In closing, We want you to know that authenticity, resilience, and staying true to yourself are essential in the world of entrepreneurship. Our stories serve as a testament to these principles. We hope that by sharing our experiences, you can gain valuable insights for your own entrepreneurial journey. Remember, it's not always about the destination, but the lessons learned along the way that truly matter. So, here's to your entrepreneurial success!
Learn more on these topics on Episode 10
of the
Heather Ewing: The CRE RUNdown podcast with Ashely Quinto-Powell.
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