From T-Shirt Shop to Real Estate Success: Why Following Your Gut and Embracing Failure is Key to Entrepreneurial Triumph

Hey there, fellow dreamers and doers!

I’m a 32-year-old woman from a small town who once sold T-shirts from a modest little shop and now runs a thriving real estate brokerage. My journey hasn’t been all glitter and glam; it’s been gritty, challenging, and full of pivotal moments that taught me invaluable lessons. Today, I want to dive deep into why many entrepreneurs fail—and how you can be the exception by learning to trust your gut and embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.

When I first started my T-shirt business, the most crucial advice I received was to follow my instincts. But here's the thing: it’s easy to say that and a whole different ballgame to actually practice it.

For many entrepreneurs, especially women who often face societal pressures and self-doubt, ignoring your gut can be the beginning of a downward spiral. It’s tempting to listen to well-meaning friends, family, or even industry experts who tell you what you "should" do. But here's the truth: no one knows your vision and passion like you do.

In my case, I remember a pivotal moment when we decided to eliminate the middle man supplier and go straight into production. Our fellow business partner said that was a bad idea (who also was a family member, great for the dynamics) And although their advice was well-intentioned, it didn’t align with the heart of my brand or what my customers loved. I had so many beautiful designs, I wanted to showcase them to the consumers and our local market on a high quality product. I almost through in the towel, manufacturing for t-shirts was many months of quality control, specifics, and number crunching but it worked out , thankfully, I trusted my gut and stayed true to what made my business unique. That decision was crucial in establishing a loyal customer base and eventually transitioning into real estate.

The Perils of Never Getting Started

Another trap many aspiring entrepreneurs fall into is the fear of starting. The perfect moment rarely exists. I spent months, agonizing over every little detail before producing our own products, and not purchasing from a wholesaler for my T-shirt shop. The idea of failure paralyzed me, but my designs were the art forms I wanted to share on a quality product.

This perfectionism can be a killer. It’s easy to get caught up in the “what-ifs” and never take the leap. The truth is, getting started is half the battle. The sooner you launch, the sooner you can learn, adapt, and grow.

When I made the leap into real estate, it was daunting. I had no experience and was stepping into a highly competitive field. But I took that leap, and even though it was rough at first, I learned and evolved faster than I could have imagined.

Failing Forward: Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones

Here’s the secret sauce to success: failure isn’t the end; it’s just a step on the path. I’ve had more than my fair share of failures. There were months when the T-shirt sales didn’t meet expectations, and moments when my real estate deals fall through. It was disheartening, but each setback was an opportunity to learn and refine my approach.

Failing forward means taking each failure as a lesson rather than a defeat. For instance, when I faced a significant setback in one of my real estate deals, I took a step back, analyzed what went wrong, and adapted my strategy. That failure taught me to be more resilient and innovative, which ultimately led to greater success.

How Women Can Specifically Become Winners

As women, we often face unique challenges. We might encounter skepticism from others, or we might struggle with balancing multiple roles and responsibilities. But these challenges can also be our greatest assets. Our ability to multitask, empathize, and persevere are powerful tools in our entrepreneurial toolkit.

1. Trust Your Gut: Your intuition is a superpower. Whether it's about a business decision or a career move, listen to it. You’re more in tune with your goals and values than anyone else.

2. Embrace Imperfection: Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Launch that business, start that project, and adjust as you go. Perfectionism is often just fear in disguise.

3.Learn from Failure: Every failure is a lesson in disguise. Analyze what went wrong, adapt, and move forward with renewed determination. Remember, every successful entrepreneur has a graveyard of failures behind them.

4. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and friends who uplift and support you. Having a solid network can provide guidance, encouragement, and practical help.

5. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Each step forward is a victory and a reminder of your capabilities.

Starting a business or making a career change is never easy, especially as a woman in a small town. But remember, the road to success is paved with failures, lessons, and the courage to keep going. Trust your gut, get started even if it’s messy, and use every setback as a stepping stone to greater things.

You’ve got this. Embrace the journey, and let each stumble be a part of your story of triumph.

Stay gritty, stay resilient, and never give up on your dreams!

Warmly,

Ashley Blackmore