I wasn’t sure what my first Substack post would be… I pondered but to be honest it just makes sense to speak on what I am most familiar with and what has shaped most of my adult life.
Entrepreneurship is and for me has never been a straight road. It’s full of highs, lows, sacrifices, and lots of moments of self-doubt. Add being a woman, a wife, a mother, and a Christian into the mix, and the journey becomes even more layered than a fashion girlie in NYC. BUT if you’re reading this you can somewhat relate. These are not just roles I hold; they are the pillars that shape who I am and how I navigate business and life.
Having been an entrepreneur since the age of 22 and now at 37, my journey through fashion, lifestyle, and business has been a testament to endurance, faith, and resilience. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that you can build the life you dream of, but it requires grace, discipline, and a mindset shift. Here are some key lessons I’ve learned:
1. Understand That Your Calling is Bigger Than You
When you’re juggling multiple roles, it’s easy to feel pulled in different directions. But God does not place dreams in our hearts without purpose. Your business, your marriage, your family, and your faith are not in competition! Repeat after me… “NOT IN COMPETITION!” They are all part of your greater mission. They are in fact your ministry. The key is learning how to integrate them rather than separate them.
What we are going to do: Shift your mindset from “balancing everything” to being present in each moment. When you’re working, be fully in your business. When you’re with family, be fully present with them. For example, I don’t work Saturday’s - translation I try my very HARDEST not to work Saturday’s. Its my day of rest, my sabbath and my business partner and work related stakeholders know this. I dedicate the day to my kids and husband. Everything else can wait!
2. Entrepreneurship is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
There will be seasons of rapid growth and seasons of waiting. Do not compare your timeline to anyone else’s, you have nothing to prove to anyone. Make note that some businesses take off in a year, others take ten years of consistency before they see a breakthrough. Embrace your journey, through the pain through the fear, once you cross that timeline, that moment of euphoria will be worth it.
What we are going to do: Surrender your timeline. Keep moving forward, each step is a step closer to your desired destination but trust that God’s timing is always perfect.
3. Failure is Part of the Journey
I have started and closed at least four or five businesses maybe even more, I have lost count, but something in me always keeps going, mainly my “WHY”. But let me let you in on a little secret, failure is not a stop sign! It’s actually a lesson, a redirection, and a necessary part of growth. Every failed venture has led me to something greater, refining my skills, mindset, and resilience. Whew chile, if you venture this journey, Perseverance will become your second name.
What we are going to do: Detach your self-worth from success or failure. Every setback is setting you up for something better if you stay consistent and keep learning. Fail and fail again, that is the only way to learn how to plat this game.
4. Motherhood & Business Can Co-Exist
Many women feel like they have to choose between building a business and raising a family. The truth is, both can thrive, but not always at the same time. There will be moments when your family needs you more, and there will be times when your business takes priority. Give yourself grace, be patient with BOTH sides, nurturing things takes time, the same can be applied to both areas of your life.
What we are going to do: Set realistic expectations and do not be hard on yourself when things are out of your control. I know first hand what it’s like trying to control everything, it’s unhealthy and more detrimental than you think. Some seasons require hustle, while others demand rest. Knowing when to lean in or step back is a skill every entrepreneurial mother must master. Remember If you’re empty you cannot pour out.
5. Marriage & Entrepreneurship can grow together.
Building a business can be lonely, especially if your partner doesn't fully understand your vision, works a 9-5 or is completely off with the fairies and has no idea what’s happening in the world of you! Thankfully my husband is an seriel entrepreneur like myself so we have a lot of understanding and patience for each others bs 😂. But whether your spouse does or doesn't get it, communication and support are everything. Include your spouse in your journey, share your wins, share your lows, ask their opnion and try NOT to shut down their ideas because you “think” they don’t understand. Be open minded, you never know their POV on your business could cause you to pivot. With all that said however be intentional about protecting your relationship from the stress of entrepreneurship. Take moments for yourself to avoid bringing the hard pressures of entrepreneurship into your home.
What we are going to do: Schedule time for your marriage just as you would a business meeting. Put it in a calendar and invite your spouse. Nurture your relationship the same way you nurture your career. Be intentional
6. Mental Health & Healthy Habits for Success
Entrepreneurship can be exhausting and overwhelming but yet, we still pursue it. I have had my fairshares of breakdowns, mentally, emotionally, and physically because proper care was not taken (scroll back up to point 4). Burnout is real, and success at the cost of your wellbeing is not true success. Don’t let the internet lie to you. Your mind and body are your greatest assets, and prioritising your mental health is non-negotiable.
What we are going to do:
I like to go by the 3 daily wins!
• A spiritual win: Start your day with God. Prayer, pray with Biblical scripture, devotion, and journaling (if thats your thing) can set the right tone for your entire day.
• A physical win: Move your body. Exercise releases stress and boosts clarity. Get those endorphins going at least 3x a week. Walk, run, lift, swim, just get moving.
• A mental win: Challenge your mind, learn a new skill, read, write, set boundaries and learn to say no to things that affect your mental health in the long and short run. Learn to say no in your sleep. Lol.
I really hope this post has helped and put things into some sort of perspective for a beautiful soul out there. If you’ve enjoyed this post please give it a little like or repost 🫶🏽, it’ll encourage me to keep sharing more think pieces like this.
Stay blessed always.
Lex
Really enjoy reading your posts 💕🤍