Why Being an Entrepreneur Sucks

Is being an entrepreneur the best job ever, worst job ever - or both? 

On my third episode of My Best Worst Job Ever podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tai Beauchamp - award winning TV host, producer, co-founder of BROWN GIRL Jane - Fine Fragrance brand , and serial entrepreneur - dropped the serious truth bomb that being an entrepreneur isn't all it's cracked up to be. 

So how do any of us deal with the fact that the jobs that we’ve chosen aren’t always as glamorous as we thought they’d be? 

For Tai, it comes down to what’s in your mind. From her Morning Mindset movement to maintaining balance and adaptability, creating structure, balance, adaptability, and purpose are key to moving ahead with grace, growth, and even more success. 

Lesson #1: Connection Matters In our increasingly digital world, Tai stresses the importance of human connection. Her success with "Morning Mindset" hikes illustrates the hunger for human connection. What started as casual hikes in LA grew rapidly: "When 32 people show up the first time... then the second time 66 people show up... and then when I did it again in February, 108 people showed up." This connection was not only necessary, but profitable—leading to partnerships with brands like Lululemon and Bumble.

Lesson #2: Find Your Balance (or at least try) The "all-consuming" nature of entrepreneurship that Beauchamp mentions can be both a strength and a weakness. While passion drives success, it's crucial to establish boundaries and create structure. She shares her own system: "On Tuesdays and Thursdays I take those days for meetings with Brown Girl Jane. It's Monday and Wednesdays for Tai Life media, and then Fridays are my thinking day." By shifting our focus from the endless “to-do” list to the “What am I going to do today” list, we can actually get more done without that all-too-common feeling of “brain scramble” that so many of us experience.   

Lesson #3: Know Your Why Despite the challenges, Beauchamp continues her entrepreneurial journey because it aligns with her purpose of elevating and inspiring women, especially women of color. In Beauchamp's words, she works to cultivate "the fortitude and the resource and the courage to continue on this journey, to generate considerable revenue and wealth so that we can support others and ourselves and build for our families to come." In support of Tai’s passion, I’ve chosen to release this episode during Black Business Month to hopefully bring more visibility to and support for Black-owned businesses.

As a lifelong business owner, I’d agree that being an entrepreneur is like riding your favorite roller coaster that you also are operating and maintaining and getting other people to get on board. This ride makes your heart sing and stomach churn in equal measure; pushing you to your limits while also giving you the opportunity to create something meaningful. 

But no matter what career path we find ourselves on, just remember that real success is all in our minds.