What a week it has been.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know my father-in-law has been very ill. Sadly, he passed away—peacefully—last Thursday.
I’ve been solo parenting for many weeks now. And my biggest accomplishment? My marbles are still intact, my kids are still breathing, and the business is still going. It’s moments like these that remind you how crucial it is to have a support system.
If this had happened five years ago, I would’ve powered through with gritted teeth, told no one, and likely crashed and burned.
Now? I picked up the phone and talked to a few friends. One reminded me I’m not a machine and that I needed to slow down. Another gave me a two-minute pep talk that snapped me back to sanity.
I still got the work done—but I didn’t do it alone.
And I’m telling you right now:
Starting a business alone is brave. But staying alone is unnecessary.
This week, we’re diving into why a strong support system is your secret weapon—and how to build it now, before you hit burnout.
Quote of the Week
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
African Proverb
The Hidden Cost of Going It Alone
Too many women leave their 9-5 because they’re tired of being under-supported, under-acknowledged, and overwhelmed…
…and then they start a business and recreate that same dynamic—except now they’re the CEO, the PA, the IT department, and the intern. Jack of all trades, master of none.
Sound familiar?
Here’s what happens when you try to do everything yourself:
- You isolate when things get hard
- You burn out trying to “figure it all out”
- You never ask for help—because you think it means you’re not ready
- You stay stuck longer than necessary because there’s no one to call you forward
Let me be clear: Self-reliance is NOT a business strategy.
Building a support system is essential.
The 6 Layers of Entrepreneurial Support
Let’s talk about the real support you’ll need to not just survive your transition—but thrive in it.
1. Family Buy-In: The First Layer of Support
Let me start by saying: family is “your chosen family.”
To me, this is the most paramount layer of support—and the one that gets ignored the most.
Leaving your 9-5 affects everyone in your household—so get your people on board early on:
- Get aligned on time, money, and emotional investment
- Have an open convo about what will shift (and what won’t)
- Let them support you—in the way that works for them (not just what you expect)
Your partner, kids, and close circle don’t have to understand every business decision.
But they should understand why this matters to you.
A few newsletters ago, I mentioned the “Do you want to be helped, heard, or hugged?” framework. This is a great tool to bring to these conversations.
Your family won’t always understand your business stress—but they can support you if you give them the language to do so. In my house? Kids do the hug. Husband does the help (usually by assembling high-ticket proposals).
Bonus tip: if you want to test your business clarity, explain your offer to your family. If they get it—you’re good to go.
2. Your Entrepreneur Village
You need a circle of people who get it. Who know what it’s like to pitch an offer and hear crickets. Or land a huge win—and have no one around who understands what a big deal it is.
This isn’t about having 500 contacts. You need 3–5 people who you can:
- Share wins with
- Text when you’re spiraling (or sobbing)
- Talk strategy, pricing, or “should I burn it all down?” moments
They’re not competition. They’re co-visionaries, an extra set of eyes, and your best cheerleaders.
“I’m thinking of doing XYZ. What am I missing here…?” That’s how we grow.
Looking for these people? Start with:
- Masterminds
- Communities for women founders
- Alumni groups or industry Slack channels
3. Mentors + Paid Support
At some point, you need people who are further ahead of you.
Whether it’s:
- A business coach (hi 👋🏼)
- A finance or legal expert
- A therapist or mindset coach
Paid support removes guesswork and shortens your timeline.
It’s not a splurge—it’s a growth strategy.
4. Online & Local Communities
If your current environment doesn’t support your goals, go find a new room.
Look for:
- Coworking spaces
- Online memberships
- Business masterminds
- Women’s networking groups
- Instagram or Threads creators you vibe with
Surround yourself with people who normalize the life you want—not question it.
5. Home Deload Support
You’re already doing 100 things. If you want to build a business using the scarce hours in your packed schedule, something’s gotta give.
Ask yourself: What can I delegate in my household so I have energy to build?
- Cleaner/housekeeper
- Meal prep services
- Supermarket deliveries
I used to think ordering groceries online was lazy. Now? It’s a non-negotiable.
6. Systems That Support YOU
Your calendar. Your routines. Your meal planning. Your childcare.
It all counts.
Support doesn’t always look like a person. Sometimes, it’s a boundary, a system, or a really good Google Sheet.
JK Rowling often talks about how her support system was practically nonexistent when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. She struggled with suicidal thoughts and had to seek therapy to manage it.
This is to say: do not underestimate the importance of support—free or paid.
Reframe Asking for Help
Let me just say this clearly:
Asking for help isn’t weakness. It’s strategy.
It means you’re smart enough to know your limits.
It means you’re brave enough to be seen in your full, messy, ambitious glory.
And it means you’re playing the long game.
Your Action Plan: Build Your Support System
Here’s what I want you to do this week:
- Have one honest conversation with someone in your household about your business goals
- Message one friend or peer and tell them you want to support each other weekly
- Join one community or group (online or in-person) where people get it
- Set one boundary or system that supports your energy this week
Don’t try to do it all. But don’t keep doing it alone.
You don’t need to go faster.
You need to stop going alone.
