Almost every entrepreneur has had to decide whether to take the leap now or wait– perhaps they wanted to acquire more capital, experience or connections. Given how common this predicament is, we asked some successful business owners to reflect back on whether they wish they had started sooner or waited for a better time.
Jessie Morgan
Thank you for asking such a thoughtful question! Looking back on my journey, I can honestly say I believe everything happened exactly when it was supposed to, and I’m incredibly grateful for how everything unfolded. My faith is a huge part of my life, and I truly believe that Jesus had the perfect plan for me when it came to discovering my passion for content creation, which ultimately led me to start my UGC business. Read more>>
Vicki Diaddezio
If I could go back in time, I would absolutely start my business sooner. Photography has always been a part of my life, but for the longest time, I didn’t realize it was anything more than something I just did. I wasn’t trying to be a photographer, I was simply capturing life as it happened. I saw moments, and I took photos. Read more>>
Camela Jones
If I could go back in time, I do wish I had started my business in the early 2000s when I was living in Atlanta. I already had the logo and company name—Social Butterfly Events—ready to go. Atlanta’s vibrant event scene back then would have been the perfect launchpad, offering countless opportunities for growth and connection. While I’m grateful for the journey I’ve taken, starting earlier would have allowed me to establish deeper roots and build an even larger network. That said, every step along the way has shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today, and I wouldn’t trade the experience I’ve gained for anything. Read more>>
Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano
If I could go back in time, I would have started, Latinas Rising, sooner, not just for my own benefit, but to have empowered more women earlier in my journey. The mission of Latinas Rising has always been clear to me—to elevate Latina voices and empower women to reach their full potential. Looking back, I wish I had started sooner so that I could have supported more women who needed a platform and mentorship along the way. Read more>>
Angela Sol Rose
I was 24 when I started offering readings and energy healings to more than my family and friends. It felt like the perfectly ripe time to start.
When I think about starting sooner, I can only imagine it would have been possible if circumstances were different than they actually were. From a combination of my own efforts and natural inclinations, I knew probably exactly enough to start when I did. At the time, I didn’t have a mentor which means I had to pave my own way. I could see starting sooner if I had had a mentor or someone to help show me the way, show me the ropes a bit more. Without that, I just didn’t know enough to start any sooner than I did. It was hard not having a mentor earlier on in my work. I always have felt things would have been so much smoother if I had. The cool thing about that was that I was really had the opportunity see dig deep and bring forward what I was made of. Read more>>
Kathy Hunting
I lost yet another earring, which inspired Act II of my career. My partner said, “You should learn to make earrings because you’re always losing one.” I agreed I would probably enjoy that, and he surprised me a few months later with a gift certificate for a workshop at my local bead shop. I came home from the lesson obsessed with beading. Soon after that, I discovered polymer clay. At the time I was in my fifties. Read more>>