How Personal Struggles Shape Us as Business Owners

Hey there! I wanted to share something deeply personal...

The last 12 months have been the most challenging of my life. There have been moments when it felt impossible to balance everything—my personal life, my business, and all the responsibilities that come with both. For a while, I felt like I was barely keeping my head above water. But now, as I come out the other side, I can confidently say I am happier and stronger than ever before.

Life throws curveballs at all of us, and as business owners, it’s often hard to separate personal challenges from our professional responsibilities. We’re expected to show up, deliver results, and keep moving forward, even when everything behind the scenes feels like it's falling apart. And the truth is, no one really prepares you for how personal struggles can affect your business.

The Power of Vulnerability

What I’ve learned through this journey is that it’s okay to not have everything together all the time. For so long, I thought showing up as a business owner meant I had to be perfect, but the reality is, vulnerability is powerful. Admitting that things aren’t always smooth doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human.

In fact, being open about my challenges has allowed me to connect more deeply with my clients, colleagues, and team. People appreciate authenticity. They want to know that the person guiding them or working with them is real, just like them.

The Importance of Self-Care

During this tough year, I realized that I wasn’t taking care of myself the way I should have been. As business owners, we can get so wrapped up in the daily grind that we forget to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. But you can’t pour from an empty cup.

It wasn’t until I started prioritizing my well-being that I began to truly feel like myself again. Whether it was stepping away from work for a while, leaning on close friends and family, or even seeking professional help, focusing on myself made me a better leader, a better business owner, and a better person.

Emerging Stronger

Now, on the other side of this heavy period, I can say that the challenges I faced were tough, but they were also transformative. I’ve learned to be more resilient, more compassionate, and more intentional in both my personal and professional life. And while I wouldn’t want to relive the difficulties, I can appreciate how they shaped me into a stronger, more grounded version of myself.

If you’re going through something similar, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to take a step back, to ask for help, and to admit when things are hard. These moments don’t define your success—they’re part of your journey. And sometimes, they’re what make us better leaders and entrepreneurs in the end.

My Takeaways for Fellow Business Owners:

1. It’s Okay to Struggle: Personal problems don’t disappear when you run a business. Acknowledge them, address them, and understand that it’s okay to be vulnerable.
2. Prioritize Self-Care: Your health and well-being matter just as much as your business. You can’t be your best self for others if you aren’t taking care of yourself first.
3. Trust the Journey: Difficult times often lead to growth. While it’s painful in the moment, trust that you’ll come out stronger on the other side.

If you’ve been struggling personally while trying to keep your business afloat, I hope my story reminds you that you can overcome whatever you’re facing. It’s okay to have rough patches, and it’s okay to take a step back to take care of yourself.

The road may be hard, but it does get better. I’m proof of that. And I’m here to support you however I can.

Here’s to overcoming, growing, and thriving—both personally and professionally. ??

With love and gratitude,

Caroline