Transparency exists in retail and how companies are run. But, why aren't we transparent about the day-to-day life of being an entrepreneur?

When I saw a post on Instagram that said, “Entrepreneur; fancy word for a crazy person following their dreams,” it immediately resonated with me. I question my sanity relatively often and also consider searching job posts on LinkedIn on a weekly basis. But then, I remember the great parts of being an entrepreneur.

Making my own schedule is fantastic. I meet tons of new people on a weekly basis. I'm continually pushing myself to new limits and learning new skills. So much in fact that I find it excruciatingly hard to summarize what I do and put it on my resume — another reason why I don't search for jobs.

Yesterday, I saw a post on LinkedIn (from another BossBabe writer) for an article titled, The Psychological Price of Entrepreneurship. Written by Jesica Bruder, the caption says, “No one said building a company is easy. But it's time to be honest about how brutal it really is — and the price so many founders secretly pay.”

I immediately posted the article in one of my facebook networking groups that is a safe space for female founders to network, learn, vent, and not feel alone in their business. The problem is that from the outside being an entrepreneur looks impressive. But, if you're not doing it yourself, you have no clue about what the day-to-day looks like. It can be rough. And sometimes tedious. And most of the time it's isolating.

Entrepreneurs work long hours, sacrifice their personal time with friends, family, and with themselves to bring their ideas to life. We work tirelessly to reach our goals, and after each goal is met, it's on to the next one. When I was running my activewear line, I had to tell myself that each win, while it's minimal and I need so many more, is worth celebrating. And, it should be celebrated.

I wish there were more transparency around entrepreneurship. Not only in private Facebook groups but publicly, so people can see how much work goes into starting and running a business and if you're lucky, keeping it afloat.

What are you proud of today and what are you struggling with? Leave your comments below!

Alexis Mera Damen

Hi, I'm Alexis. An entrepreneur at heart, I launched my activewear line in 2015 and was forced to be resourceful, scrappy, and manage all aspects of growing a business from the ground up. I scaled my brand from zero to 150K in 16 months as a one woman team. Starting my business was amazing, life-changing, and one of the most rewarding and educational professional decisions I've made.

Today, I partner with founders of emerging and independent consumer brands to help them scale their business through strategic marketing, sales, and partnerships. I also write and take beautiful photos (in case you need that, too). Feel free to say hello via my social channels below.

alexisdamen.com/