Every journey has its struggles, dreams, and turning points. Mine is no different—but it’s one I’m proud of. Looking back, I never imagined how much I would grow by the time I earned my bachelor’s degree and ventured into entrepreneurship. This is the story of how I made it through college and took the first steps toward building my own small business.
The Beginning: A Dream and Determination
Coming from a humble background, higher education was not just a goal—it was a challenge. I knew early on that if I wanted to build something meaningful, I had to work hard, stay consistent, and believe in myself, even when things got tough.
College life was a mix of excitement and pressure. Balancing classes, assignments, and part-time jobs wasn’t easy, but every day taught me resilience. I studied late into the night, made sacrifices, and often felt like giving up—but I never did.
The Turning Point: Graduation Day
The day I received my bachelor’s degree was one of the most emotional moments of my life. It wasn’t just a certificate—it was a symbol of every sleepless night, every challenge I overcame, and every person who supported me along the way. I didn’t just earn a degree; I earned the belief that I could achieve whatever I set my mind to.
Finding My Purpose: The Business Idea
While studying, I developed a passion for creativity and solving problems. I started noticing gaps in the local market—things people needed but couldn’t easily find. I began jotting down ideas, researching trends, and learning the basics of business through YouTube videos, free online courses, and advice from mentors.
Eventually, I decided to take the leap and start a small business. It wasn’t a massive launch or a viral success story—it was just me, an idea, and a lot of heart. I started with what I had—small savings, basic tools, and a vision.
Building My Small Business: The First Steps
Starting a business from scratch meant wearing many hats—owner, marketer, customer service rep, and sometimes delivery person. I faced self-doubt, financial limits, and slow days. But every sale, every happy customer, and every lesson kept me going.
I focused on building a brand that stood for honesty, quality, and community. Slowly, word spread, and I started seeing the fruits of my efforts. No, it wasn’t overnight success—but it was honest, steady growth.
What I’ve Learned So Far
- Education is powerful – It opens doors, but what you do with it matters more.
- Failure is part of growth – You’ll make mistakes, but that’s where real learning happens.
Start small, think big – Don’t wait for the “perfect” time. Start with what you have and grow along the way.
- Believe in yourself – Even when no one else does, your self-belief will push you forward.
Looking Ahead
I’m still learning, still growing, and still building. My small business may be small today, but I have big dreams for tomorrow. And every step of this journey—my degree, my struggles, my small wins—has shaped me into who I am.
To anyone out there who’s just starting: don’t be afraid. Your story is powerful. Keep going. Keep believing. And one day, you’ll look back and be amazed at how far you’ve come.