4 Lessons I’ve Learned in My Journey as a First-Gen Entrepreneur

1. Create Your Own Opportunities

This is one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as an entrepreneur. You want to work for a sports team and create content? Don’t wait to get hired — start creating that content now.

Most of the time, you can start doing what you want before the official opportunity comes your way. Sometimes you just need to get creative. When you create and share consistently, you build proof, and people take notice. This not only builds your confidence, but also makes it easier to land the dream gig because you've already shown you can do the work.

2. Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket

I used to believe that one big opportunity would change everything for my business — and while I do think those moments exist, they haven't been the thing for me (yet).

What I’ve learned is that growth comes from consistent effort, not a single moment. So while you wait for the big breakthrough, keep showing up. Keep experimenting. Try new things. Explore different ways to get closer to your goals. One path might not lead where you thought, but it might lead somewhere better.

3. Be Strategic So You Don’t Burn Out

I’ve been super guilty of going all-in, giving it 110%... and then burning out completely. I’d disappear for a while, recover, and come back — only to repeat the cycle.

That’s why I’ve learned to be more strategic with my energy. Build a rhythm that includes both creating and resting. Don’t push so hard that you lose the joy in what you’re doing. Sustainable success comes from working smart, not just working nonstop.

4. Just Start

Thinking about creating a digital product? Launching a new idea? Sharing your story online? Just start.

Write it out. Design it. Tweak it as you go. Page by page, step by step — that’s how things come to life. Don’t let the bigger picture paralyze you. Focus on one small action at a time. Progress happens in motion, not in overthinking.

Bonus Reminder: Enjoy the Process, cutie pie!

Stress doesn’t equal success. Being constantly busy doesn’t mean you’re being productive. Learn to enjoy the process.

Get excited about trying something new or challenging. And when you feel overwhelmed, pause and remember: you’re doing this because it lights you up. This journey is allowed to be fun. Keep going — it will pay off.