Taking The Step Into The Unknown

While the image above may be a typical stock photo, this picture is worth a thousand words. But in this case, it’s just one deep thought. As a new business owner, entrepreneur, or Etsy seller, the way you see the world, yourself, and the future shifts entirely. You cross the line between consumer and business. You start thinking in terms of quality, profit, marketing, and risk.

You're not alone. Everyone has a reason for taking that first step, including me with MuzeWorx. And that’s already a win.

The Reality of Self-Starters

The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) reports that 16% of the U.S. adult workforce are entrepreneurs. More than half of adults have started a business at some point, and over a quarter have done it more than once. Small businesses account for nearly half of all private employment, and more than 60% of entrepreneurs start because they want to be their own boss.

Yet, the journey is tough. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that 20% of new businesses fail within two years, 45% within five, and 65% within ten.

So why is starting a business still a win? Because you’ve already done what many only dream about. You had an idea, planned it out, took a risk, and put it into the world without knowing if people would actually buy or support it.

The Hard Truth of Starting Out

That first moment is surreal. Flipping the open sign, launching your Etsy shop, posting your first ad. You expect support, but instead, you hear crickets. Friends, family, and colleagues don’t show up. Doubt sets in.

You wonder why the same people who praised your work before won’t support you now. The truth? It’s not just about the product. Success comes down to networking, marketing, and strategy.

The Reality Check

Owning a business means wearing every hat. Social media manager, marketer, strategist, analyst, secretary, and motivator. The pressure is real, and at times, it makes you question everything. But why did you start in the first place? Maybe you had something unique to offer, wanted more financial freedom, or refused to settle for a life of unfulfilled potential. Those reasons matter.

How to Stay in the Game

• Patience is key. Business growth takes time, whether you like it or not. Unless you go viral or already have an established audience, expect to build organically. That’s more sustainable anyway.
  
  
• Confidence is everything. Believe in your product, service, and yourself. People can sense uncertainty. If you carry yourself like a failure, they’ll treat you like one.
  
  
• Cut out negativity. This includes friends and family who don’t believe in your vision. Doubt impacts your decisions, confidence, and mental health. Surround yourself with people who uplift and push you forward.
  
  
• Master marketing and networking. If people don’t know what you offer, they can’t buy it. Talk about your business everywhere. Social media, networking events, casual conversations. Build relationships, not just sales.
  
  
• Be strategic. If no one’s buying, ask why. Is it the product? The timing? The audience? A bakery should push cakes for birthdays and holidays, not croissants on a random Tuesday. A food truck should be in high-traffic areas, not hidden in a slow part of town. Position yourself where demand exists.
  
  
• Failure isn’t the end. If things don’t work out, adapt. Don’t tear everything down. Improve the foundation. Most success stories come from learning through failure.
  
  
• Keep learning. YouTube, LinkedIn Learning, TikTok, Reddit, online courses. There’s endless knowledge out there. Whether it’s baking, design, marketing, or sales, master your craft. You can’t expect success in something you don’t fully understand.
  
  
• Stay connected. Never forget your first customers. They saw your value when no one else did. Show appreciation, stay engaged, and build loyalty.
  
  
• Growth isn’t everything. Not every business is meant to be the next Starbucks or Amazon. If you’re comfortable at a certain level, that’s okay. Your happiness and well-being matter more than endless expansion.

The MuzeWorx Mission

Starting MuzeWorx wasn’t just a wild idea I had after losing my job or a way to make a quick buck. I built it to help small businesses, entrepreneurs, side hustlers, stay-at-home moms, and anyone with even the faintest business mindset reach their full potential. I want real relationships with my clients, helping them succeed.

As a third-time business owner, I’ve had my share of wins and failures. I’ve looked back and thought, "If I knew then what I know now." My mission with MuzeWorx is simple. Open and honest communication with clients to push them toward innovation and progress. Simply put, I want to teach people what I have learned. Every person with a business idea deserves a shot and businesses deserve a second chance at growing. MuzeWorx is here to help you find the solution.