The Emotional Side of Starting a Fashion Business

emotional side of starting a fashion business

We talk a lot about the things you need to consider before you start a fashion business. And sometimes we even talk about what you don’t need to start your fashion business. But we rarely talk about one aspect of starting a business that can determine whether or not you succeed.

The emotional side of starting a fashion business.

Do you think much about the emotional side of being an entrepreneur or small business owner? I know I didn’t before I started. Though I wish I had.

I’ve always looked at myself as a bit of an introvert, viewing the time spent alone in my home office working on my business as being very appealing. It wasn’t until I started and some time passed that I realized just how lonely is can be. You’re often…

  • All by yourself
  • Trying to figure out the answers to questions that shouldn’t be that difficult to answer
  • Frustrated by the uncertainties
  • Wishing you had someone to talk to

Entrepreneurship is lonely. The need to be around others who understand what you’re going through is important.

Too much time spent alone and struggling to gain traction with your business can seriously make you feel like giving up might be the best option. But it’s not. I promise.  Other people are going through what you’re going through. You are not alone in this. 

Give yourself permission to feel lonely, make an effort to leave the office (aka your apartment) from time to time, and find a support system, whether that’s fellow designers or some friends and family who you can call upon when you just need to talk.

I know it’s tough. I know it’s scary. I know it’s frustrating. But I promise it’s worth it.

 

Image via Chris JL

Nicole Giordano

Nicole is the founder of StartUp FASHION, an online resource and community supporting for independent designers around the world with building their businesses. A deep love for the craft of fashion paired with an adamant belief that success is defined by the individual, led her to found StartUp FASHION, where she helps independent designers and makers screw the traditional fashion business rules, create their own paths, and build businesses they truly love. More than anything else, she’s in the business of encouragement and works every day to remind makers and designers that they have something special to offer the world and that they can, in fact, do this thing!