As Design Business Owners, we’re all doing the best we can with the tools we have, but due to the nature of our solo businesses we can sometimes feel alone, isolated, and adrift.

I felt this way too for the first few years in my business! That is until I found my secret weapon and made it a core facet of my business over the last few years – and that is community.

I want to encourage us all to give ourselves grace, be less hard on ourselves, and share a few ideas on how we can build community and connect to shift the narrative. After all, comparison is the thief of joy so instead of isolating ourselves in our towers looking out into the world, let’s foster connection, friendships, and community to build up, support, motivate, and encourage others and ourselves.

Episode Highlights
  • Overcoming Entrepreneurial Loneliness: Rebecca shares her personal experiences with loneliness as a solopreneur and the strategies she’s using to combat it, including joining a mastermind and building connections with like-minded women.
  • The Power of Community in Business Growth: Discover how forming a community of supportive, open-minded colleagues transformed Rebecca’s early career and how it can be a game-changer for anyone feeling isolated in their entrepreneurial journey.
  • Avoiding the Comparison Trap: Rebecca dives into the dangers of comparison and how it can hold you back. She offers practical tips on focusing on your own journey and leveraging connections to stay motivated and inspired.
Episode Resources

Read the Full Transcript ⬇️

 

[00:00]
Hey hey hey, it’s Rebecca and you are listening to Resilient by Design. Today’s episode is, well, a little different. I’m currently sitting in my hotel room in Nashville, testing out my new podcast gear. I got this setup to use for the panel I’m hosting at High Point. I just had the urge to sit down, test the equipment, and record this for you all.

I was supposed to record this episode a few days ago, but you know how things get so hectic before a trip. So, here I am, alone in my hotel room, relishing the solitude—no complaints there! But today, I want to talk about something a little more personal: loneliness as an entrepreneur.

[02:00]
Part of why I’m here in Nashville is because I’ve been feeling that loneliness in my coaching business, especially in the online space. I’ve built an amazing community of designers, and as my design firm grew, so did my network of colleagues. Now, in this new chapter, I feel like I’m missing that same camaraderie among people doing what I’m doing. That’s why I invested in a six-month mastermind that kicks off here this week—a big investment for me, but it’s exciting!

The mastermind is organized by one of my mentors, Amy Porterfield. It was an application process, and I can’t wait to learn, but honestly, I’m even more excited to be in a room full of like-minded, driven women.

[04:00]
It’s really made me think about my early days growing my design firm. Shout out to my OG designer bestie, Jessica Kelly—she was my first friend in Toronto that I could call up and rely on. Together, we built a group of friends who’d meet up monthly, and I saw firsthand how powerful it was to share experiences and support each other.

One of my favorite parts of teaching and hosting these design rooms is bringing women together. There’s something so magical about that. Women often just want to share ideas and talk things through, without always looking for a solution. It’s a unique and beautiful energy.

[06:00]
Anyway, here I am in Nashville, feeling a bit jet-lagged. The travel day was long and hectic, with a delayed flight and all, but I made it! And now I’ve got two days here to immerse myself in this mastermind, to connect, learn, and grow.

Today’s episode is really about the takeaways I’ve gathered from running my business solo. Let’s be real—entrepreneurship can be lonely, and for those of us without business partners, it often feels like we’re feeling our way in the dark. But here are some things that have helped me.

[08:00]
First, find a community of people like you. Not every designer or entrepreneur will be your “person,” but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. It took me time to find designers who were as open as I am. I look for people who aren’t afraid to share openly, just like me. If you can’t find a community in person, try online groups or communities where you can connect, ask questions, and get support.

Second, stop being so hard on yourself. Seriously, why are we so hard on ourselves? Running a business is hard, and nobody has it all figured out. When you’re doing this alone, there’s no one to pick you up, so you need to be your own cheerleader. Recognize that you’re doing the best you can and give yourself some grace.

[10:00]
Another big thing is avoiding the comparison trap. I know it’s tempting to look at other people’s success and think, “Why not me?” But comparing yourself doesn’t help; it just makes you feel worse. I’m telling you this as much for myself as I am for you. Sometimes we see others doing amazing things and feel behind. But remember: we all have our own paths, and you don’t know what struggles others might be facing.

[12:00]
When I feel that comparison creeping in, I remind myself that if I desire what someone else has, it’s just a sign of what I want for myself, and I can work towards that. Don’t let it make you feel isolated or insecure. Focus on connecting with others rather than falling into negativity. Building those connections is invaluable.

[14:00]
One of the surprising things that’s helped me is connecting with people online. Sure, it’s not the same as being in person, but I’ve made amazing friendships and found colleagues through DMs and social media. I encourage you to build those relationships. Even online connections can make you feel less alone.

[16:00]
If you feel isolated, remember that you don’t need to be. There are communities, online spaces, masterminds, and other resources that can help you feel supported. And don’t make the mistake of leaning on your employees or contractors as if they’re your business partners. They’re there to help with the work, not to shoulder the burden of entrepreneurship with you. Find people who are on the same level or stage as you to share the highs and lows with.

[18:00]
I know this year has been slower for some designers, myself included. But don’t let that discourage you. This is just a phase; things will pick up. What matters is staying connected, finding support, and pushing forward. You’ve got this!

Thank you for listening. This was a bit of an experimental episode with my new tech setup, but I hope it resonated with you. Until next time, keep going, keep connecting, and remember—you’re not really alone.