The Surprising Truth I Learnt from Business (That No One Warned Me About)

Let me tell you something no one put in the brochure for being a “successful business owner”…

It’s not all beaches, passive income, and power suits.
It’s more like: tears over broken printers, late-night “what am I doing?” spirals, and learning to say no even when your people-pleaser heart wants to say yes.

It started with a breakdown — and a green smoothie.

I was standing in my kitchen, staring into a blender full of spinach and shame, because I’d just snapped at someone on my team after a particularly hectic week of juggling court deadlines, client emotions, and tech issues.
(Also, the printer jammed. Again.)

I remember thinking: This isn’t how it’s supposed to feel.

Turns out, the “freedom” of running your own business often comes with chains you never saw coming — expectations, people relying on you, and a giant bucket of responsibility that no one prepared you for.

Here’s what I learnt (the hard way) — and what I want you to know before you hit your own green smoothie moment.

1. Freedom isn’t free (but it’s still worth it)

Yes, you can take a Friday off.
Yes, you can build something that feels like you.
But what they don’t say? You’ll work more hours than ever before at first — not because you have to, but because you care.

The key is to create structure inside that freedom. Boundaries, schedules, and systems are your friends. So is saying, “No thanks” without guilt.

2. Burnout doesn’t knock — it kicks the door in

I used to think burnout was for the weak. Cute, right?

It’s not. It’s for the over-achievers, the “I’ll just do it myself” types, the ones who care too damn much.

Burnout shows up as irritability, brain fog, crying over emails, and resenting the thing you once loved. Been there.

If you’re feeling that way — it’s not just stress. It’s a sign to pause. Recalibrate. Delegate. And maybe eat something that isn’t from a vending machine.

3. Your success will trigger people — and that’s okay

This one stung. But it’s true.

Not everyone will clap when you win. Some people will distance themselves. Some will talk. Some will project their own fears onto you.

But the version of you who started this journey? She deserves to finish it — even if it makes others uncomfortable.

Keep going. Be louder. Be bolder. And surround yourself with people who get it.

4. You don’t have to do it all alone

I know, I know — we love control.
But guess what? Growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum.

Whether it’s a VA, a business coach, a mentor, or your accountant who makes tax time slightly less awful — let people in.
Especially the ones who remind you that you’re more than your business.

Feeling seen? You’re not alone.

This episode of The StacyM Show is one of the most personal ones I’ve ever done. I spill the messy truth, the wins, and what I’d do differently if I had my time over.

🎧 Tune in here or find it wherever you listen: Spotify | iTunes | YouTube

And if you’re sitting in that “What now?” space, feeling a little lost in your own business…
Let’s talk. Book a call with me — I promise it’ll be real, not robotic.

You’ve got this, even on the messy days.

Big love,
Stacy x