The Loneliness of the Self-Made: My Journey with Unni Atelier

I hope everyone is doing well! Here’s my latest update on life as an entrepreneur in France.

After navigating the maze of bureaucracy and finally securing my company’s Kbis, I can formally say: Unni Atelier is out and about! Registering a company in France means you must publish a notice of incorporation in a legal announcements journal (journal d’annonces légales) in the department where the company is registered. Here's mine!

Notice of Incorporation: Unni Atelier

Little by little, Unni is taking shape. The more time I spend shaping this project, the more I get to know my weaknesses. It’s scary but also exciting because it means I get to work on them and keep moving forward.

One aspect of the entrepreneurial journey that has surprised me is how lonely it can get. Coming from a background in marketing and advertising, where most work was collaborative, this new lifestyle feels starkly different. Throughout my career, I had a support system that propelled my goals forward. Now, while that support system is still there, it doesn’t quite align with my entrepreneurial lifestyle.

In the beginning, it’s just you, your computer, and your thoughts. The struggle to stay focused is real, especially with the distractions of household chores, social media, and the endless errands and administrative tasks.

The positive side of this process is that it’s helping me notice my weaknesses in organizational skills and the need for a solid structure. As a creative at heart, I love working on fun, artistic projects. Yet, I realize my resistance often stems from the fear of dealing with new processes.

So, I’m working on addressing my loneliness and stress in this new role. Being an entrepreneur is thrilling but comes with a deep sense of isolation. Here’s why…

As an entrepreneur, the weight of responsibility rests solely on my shoulders. Unni Atelier, my brainchild, stands as a testament to my dreams and ambitions, but its success or failure lies squarely in my hands. This immense pressure can be incredibly stressful. Unlike many of my friends who work for companies, I bear this burden alone. Our struggles are worlds apart, leading to an inevitable sense of isolation.

Starting and running a business demands extensive time and effort, often resulting in long and irregular working hours. This commitment limits my social interactions and the time I can spend with family and friends, contributing significantly to my sense of loneliness. It's not just the hours but the emotional and mental investment that sets me apart. The solitude of late nights and early mornings becomes a familiar companion.

Few understand the specific challenges and stresses of running a business. Unlike employees who might have colleagues to share their experiences with, I often lack a built-in support network. The journey becomes even more solitary when there's no one to share the highs and lows with, no one who truly gets the weight of every decision I make.

Every day, I am required to make numerous decisions, many of which are critical to my business’s journey. The gravity of these decisions can be isolating, especially when I feel I cannot seek advice or feedback from others. The fear of making a wrong move looms large, and without a sounding board, the pressure intensifies.

Sharing ideas or discussing challenges with others can sometimes feel risky due to the fear of competition. This guarded approach in interactions further deepens my sense of isolation. The entrepreneurial world is a competitive arena, and vulnerability can be seen as a weakness. So, I keep my cards close, often at the expense of genuine connection.

With limited financial and human resources, I often handle a wide range of duties alone. The pressure of managing multiple roles reduces my opportunities for social engagement, making it harder to connect with others. Juggling various responsibilities leaves little room for anything else, and the circle tightens around my work.

Despite these challenges, I continue to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. Recognizing these issues is the first step toward addressing them and finding ways to connect and support each other in this journey. The road is lonely, but acknowledging the isolation is a crucial part of navigating it. It's a journey of resilience, one where every step forward, no matter how solitary, is a testament to the strength of the entrepreneurial spirit.

If you've made it this far, it means it's time to follow Unni Atelier, and why not on Insta too? Don't miss out... There are many chronicles to come!?

Later!