by Catia Mondlane, founder of Isabella Estetica & Cosmeticos
A few days ago I had a conversation with someone which reminded me why I started an entrepreneurial journey. During the chat, I mentioned how talented the person was and the brilliant ideas she had. Interestingly, I asked what was keeping her from starting a business and, as I predicted, she gave me all the excuses you can imagine, but only three of them stood out.
The first excuse was that she does not believe her gift is good enough, so she needs to get the right qualification to start the business. Second, there wasn’t enough money to buy all the materials to make things work. Finally, she confessed that she is not confident.
It took me a while to say something because although I wanted to motivate her, something I've done a million times, I was looking for the best way to do that. I could spend a day talking about her qualities and try to motivate her to start, but more than my words she had to be aware of her self-value and willing to take the first step. At that moment, I wondered why it is so hard to start a business when it should be the easiest thing to start, as it is an open door to our freedom and trust me, many reasons have crossed my mind, but the fear seems to be best suited to the question I asked.
Many ask how we overcome fear especially when we are starting, and the answer is simple, face it but don’t run away from it. Understand that it’s alright to be afraid and make peace with the way you feel to move forward. The truth is none wants to be a failure; none wants to make mistakes, we all want perfection on the first day, but if one doesn’t make any mistakes how can one learn and expect growth?
When starting a business, you can learn throughout the process and acquire the qualification that is suitable for the business, meaning if one knows the business is easier to pursue the right skills and everyday experiences can build up success. Plus, it’s never really about money, but the person’s boldness in making things happen without having to make excuses not to.
After the conversation, it became clear to me that first we are all connected in some way and the person next to you mirrors you in something you are or at some stage in your life - and the more we share, the more we learn and have a better understanding of ourselves. And secondly, I realize that to motivate someone, words may not be enough, but by setting an example and being a source of inspiration may be the key to making them follow their dreams.
Cátia Mondlane is the CEO & Founder of Isabella – Estética & Cosméticos, an innovative Mozambican cosmetic company that brings natural skin solutions based on locally sourced organic and fresh ingredients. Her brand is especially for people with sensitive skin and who want to be kind to their skin at affordable prices. She is currently based in Maputo, Mozambique.
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Discovering your passion and turning it into a sustainable business is a journey that requires courage, self-awareness, and, above all, action. It's not uncommon to feel the pressure to follow a conventional path, but it's when we connect with our true passions that we find personal and professional fulfilment. On this journey, we not only learn how to generate income but also how to impact lives.