This isn't your typical success story—it's success in reverse. As a mindset coach with a Master's in Organizational Psychology from King's College London and certification from the Coaching Academy, I've built and lost a thriving business. Here's why I'm sharing my setback openly.
Loss is universal, whether you're a business owner or simply human. We celebrate wins, goal-crushing, and world-changing impact, but rarely the fear of losing it all after achieving it—be it a career high or a deep relationship.
This fear often stalls dreams: Why build if it might crumble? Isn't losing it worse than never having it?
Launching my six-figure coaching business was transformative. It wasn't just income; it was purposeful work aligning with my calling. After three years in financial services, nothing compared to this fulfillment.
The revenue was life-changing after eight months of investing savings and loans. But the real joy? Seeing clients transform mindsets and actions for radical results.
So, what derailed it?
Post-Master's and certification, I coached women on careers, dating, fitness—anything. As clients grew, I niched into female entrepreneurs: trainers, acupuncturists, writers, singers, lawyers.
Nine months in, I hit my first $10K month. Coaches started flocking, drawn to my success.
Client results were phenomenal; I was energized. Another year pushed me to six figures—mostly coaches. My marketing and content had shifted unconsciously, trapping me in an echo chamber.
A vague unease set in. Motivation to sell waned. Family suggested rest. Perfect timing: honeymoon in New Zealand, then two months in Bali.
Income dipped as sales halted and marketing paused.
In Queenstown, then Bali, clarity hit. My clients coached coaches who coached coaches—like a bubble, uncomfortably pyramid-like. Why weren't we serving diverse entrepreneurs?
My vision was broader: all women entrepreneurs. I ended coaching contracts, announced no more coach clients. Transparent, terrifying—most revenue vanished overnight.
Intuition screamed this was right, despite the fear. Pivoting back to diverse entrepreneurs aligned with my values.
It hurt watching months of effort dissolve. Yet, we sense when to release: business pivots, relationships, anything misaligned.
I rebuilt—new marketing, content, audience. Stay true to your values, even if it means starting over. Integrity over illusion. Letting go creates space for greater alignment.
See also: 5 Women Entrepreneurs Who Failed Before Becoming Millionaires
