I built a 7-figure creator business and quit. Here’s why.

[@VanessaLau]

Thank you for all the love. It truly makes a difference - I tried my best to reply to as many comments as possible, but if I didn't reply please know that I received your message and appreciate you being so kind to even leaving a comment. 🥺 If this video resonated with you, please share it so more people can see what can happen when we’re not careful on this entrepreneurship journey. What are some things that resonated with you? Comment below!

[@crypto_saidi]

Glad to see you being back.. Missed you

[@MaiKVang]

I'm such a fan of you! So glad to see you! ❤

[@marting2715]

Hi, I used your video to improve my English 😂.

[@rye5946]

Missed you happy your back❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@hartesa]

I really resonated with changing values in my 30 from wanting a career to wanting just to spend time with family

[@divineofomaja]

😨15:22 "I've traded my 9-5 for a 24/7" I felt that! Big shout out to all creators and business owners

[@limitlessglobalgirl]

SO REAL and RAW - if we don't put ourselves first to BE

[@arrow2380]

That's the trap. Most people think about being an entrepreneur and content creator because they think it's EASY when it even more difficult than a regular job. High risk, high effort, high stress, high reward.

[@EVA-ki5vw]

And their employees who serve drinks only 5 days a week for specific time feel entitlement to be paid like businessmen if the businessmen are making millions or billions. Absolutely evil.

[@joshualewis83]

The greatest book to combat what she is talking about is the 4 hour work week. It talks about this exact topic of scale creep.

[@arrow2380]

@@joshualewis83 it's nowhere near as simple and practical to do the things written in a BOOK. Whenever you see EASY way to doing something..... There's a BIG chance that is BS.

[@aliabdaal]

Absolutely loved this video ❤ thank you for being so authentic and transparent, related to soo much of what you talked about. Looking forward to seeing the next chapter of your journey 😊

[@bybeatrizatta]

This video actually reminded me a lot of your story of scaling to too many employees for the co-hort and then having to keep the co-hort alive for them. Guess we need an Ali ft. Vanessa video on scaling at your own pace ;)

[@thorisotlake]

Please do a podcast together, this is so interesting. I’m new to the creator economy and my worst fear is loosing my identity in this journey ❤ - Thoriso

[@nompilomichell]

Watching this video made me think of you @Aliabdaal, am a follower of both your channels Vannesa lua the longest but can see both your journey growing your channels. Much love

[@beebsblue]

I thought of you too when she was talking about scaling up and the issues you’ve faced with that

[@jkennethlim]

Deep dive episodeeeeee ! :D

[@storylearning]

“When your whole life is a performance…” - never considered how damaging this is before. Thank you for this video.

[@jackielaroga5408]

This is a very rare kind of honesty from a big name. I relate to the burn out when I opened a Milk tea shop because of the hype and I thought I am going to be financially free if I have a business of my own. It is so cool when people call me a BusinessWoman when I am really just a single mom. The pressure of expenses, marketing, manpower, dealing with the unexpected drama hit me and I finally closed my shop and focused of what really makes me happy. Being a caring mother. I never cared if people will call me a quitter but I'd rather quit than lose my present happiness.

[@randomthoughtsat3am647]

Love this perspective. Very insightful for me as I am in sort of the same position and wondering if I should carry on or not.

[@EVA-ki5vw]

And their employees who serve drinks only 5 days a week for specific time feel entitlement to be paid like businessmen if the businessmen are making millions or billions. Absolutely evil.

[@MsSuitzHospitality]

That was very honest. I appreciate that and wish you the most magical journey.

[@kayv5840]

It is hard work, especially in the food industry, imho. Ultimately, you need to look for your health and passion, and caring for your family. Only you can decide that, not others. 💕 I wish you and your family the best!!

[@lovekiddo]

Omg.. This is signed. I'm mother of 5 children. I'm single mom of 5 and my younger just 6 months old. I trying open bobs tea shop. And I can able have income take care all my kids. Many thing too learning, law, rules and have to keep up take care kids. My ex husband doing drug and betray me. Not thing help me and my children. I have to fight hard stay stronger for my kids. But I so exauhed and I seeing many challenges front of me. I'm Not feeling well, I'm sleep 4 hours a day. Wake up kids school take care new born. Driving all day. No time eat and no time Sleep but I have to work make income for my children. I'm watch this video and read your comment about tea shop.. Should I stop kill My self to open tea shop?

[@DrAndreaFurlan]

Welcome back girl! I am a 54-year-old physician in Toronto with a KZbin channel of 625,000 subs. You were my inspiration when I started and you still are!

[@tomatotrees372]

DeKETLERED

[@AshleeLoveit]

Wow !! Congrats! This is amazing! Inspiring

[@Camie2030]

Congrats!!! You’re such an inspiration!

[@juliecraig3194]

Amazing!

[@underconstructionJAM]

I'm an attorney who started a construction-based youtube channel...faceless... because I need an outlet. It's been 2 years and 890 subs later, I'm still trying to do this thing all the way from Jamaica 🇯🇲 I subscribed to your channel because I saw that it addresses the matter of pain...I am eager to hear more about that subject as a woman who deals with a lot of pain for unknown reasons.

[@iamlyday]

This video honestly put me in tears. Im 3 months into closing my business down. I just need to be happy. So many around me dont understand.. they even think I failed lol. Overall, its not what people think. Its how YOU feel

[@debbieshuaib8467]

And there she is reminding us all of the reason why we fell in love with her channel in the first place: honest, valuable information that comes from the heart ❤️

[@cutepawhandmade]

YASS

[@MonicaMain]

My favorite video on KZbin so far...I get so sick of hearing from all the guys on KZbin about how we're not working hard enough, we're not productive enough, we're not making enough money...and listening to you is a breath of fresh air. THANK YOU! I needed to hear this for sure.

[@tomatotrees372]

DUNIYADARI

[@Camie2030]

Exactly! I feel so exhausted!

[@karina-demurchyan]

and lately how they're waking up at 4.30am to do their mandatory cold plunge 🙄

[@jennjennsuu]

@@karina-demurchyan 😆

[@NickiPostsTravelStuff]

I agree. But the thing is, two years ago, Vanessa was that person. Telling everyone to work harder, make more money, push, push, push. She guilted everyone else, saying they don’t really want it, if they’re not willing to work every single second, etc. So after watching her guilt so many people for so long, I find it frustrating to see her change her tune. Like good for her, she finally gets it. Balance is important. But she never cared about balance before, and pushed other people out of balance.

[@Joycethedentist]

So happy to hear from you! Weirdly I can resonate with this (I say weirdly bc I don’t have a 7 figure online business and I’m a dentist😊) but when you went dark I was just about to sign a huge new lease space for my practice and hire a bunch of employees for my social media business. I had been feeling exactly what you were describing and your absence felt like something I understood without really knowing why. I took a step back and realized i don’t want bigger scale, more employees, and less time with my son. 👉The trap is wanting to live up to your “potential”. I felt like people expected more. I knew I could do more. But today my dental practice is 2 chairs and I see one patient at a time. That’s what makes me happy. Thanks for the positive impact Vanessa❤

[@VanessaLau]

OH this is SO GOOD! I love that. I think we also don't want to disappoint our younger selves who had all these "big" goals and dreams. We're not disappointing them, we're just going through a values shift and that's OK. I really love this comment. I am so happy that you're happy.

[@twonrichpo]

👏🏼👏🏼

[@joyceling]

this is super inspiring!!! i love that you know what you want and didn’t get sucked into what you thought you wanted

[@Iamcarmenrosas]

Same! I'm an attorney with a multi-six figure business, did sign the new lease and hired new employees and then shut it down after a year.

[@YogaBlissDance]

Good for you!

[@CameronFussner]

Building wealth involves developing good habits like regularly putting money away in intervals for solid investments. Financial management is a crucial topic that most tend to shy away from, and ends up haunting them in the near future. Making money is not the same as keeping it there is a reason why investments aren't well taught in schools, the examples you gave are well stationed, the market crisis gave me my first millions, people shy away from hard times, I embrace them.. well at least my advisor does lol.

[@lowcostfresh2266]

Investors should be cautious about their exposure and be wary of new buys, especially during inflation. Such high yields in this recession is only possible under the supervision of a professional or trusted advisor.

[@leojack9090]

This is superb! Information, as a noob it gets quite difficult to handle all of this and staying informed is a major cause, how do you go about this are you a pro investor?

[@hasede-lg9hj]

I stopped trying to predict market outcomes based on chart studying after 5 years of uncertainty. Not having a mentor caused me 5 years of pain. I learned to follow the market's direction and keep it simple with discipline.

[@hasede-lg9hj]

I won't pretend to know everything, though. Her name is Amber Angelyn O'malley but I won't say anything more. Most likely, you can find her basic information online; you are welcome to do further study.

[@fadhshf]

Thank you for this tip. It was easy to find your coach. Did my due diligence on her before scheduling a phone call with her. She seems proficient considering her résumé.

[@honeyiroam]

The INTERNET NEEDS THIS! Thank you for opening up about this. Very important for all of us to hear your story, we appreciate it!

[@ThinkMediaTV]

Welcome back Vanessa! Great video. Looking forward to the much needed insights you've learned from your experience on sustainability, pace, health, and authenticity. Appreciate you! 🙏🏻 - Sean

[@VanessaLau]

Thank you Sean and think media for being a part of my journey! Appreciate you too!

[@KellieEatsCrayons]

Yes, Vanessa! What Sean said ;)

[@PaperCraneOfHope]

Well this comment made me smile. 🥹

[@Boos_Boswell]

@@VanessaLauthank you for your transparency. Gods Blessings 🙏🏽☝🏽

[@TangoJordan]

When you get a comment from Sean, you been missed. 😂

[@maureensmarketing]

Vanessa, you inspired me to grow my social media-based coaching business, right now I'm 20 hitting 10k months, and I'm constantly thinking about whether or not I need to scale faster. This video changed my perspective, I don't usually comment on YT but this video really provided insane value. Thank you 100x.

[@SkySocialAssistant]

Vanessa's insights are truly invaluable. ❤️

[@skymotherheaven]

Life Quality over Quantity, How beautiful put together.

[@tomatotrees372]

DUNIYADARI

[@CodieSanchezCT]

V you are the real deal. Love this video. Thrilled to know you and see what’s next.

[@trebmaster]

Getting a compliment from THE Codie Sanchez!!! Oh, man. That is going to make her - or anyone's - day! :)

[@HumbledTraderOfficial]

you look so much happier :) makes me happy seeing this video

[@victorwong5127]

IM A BIG FAN

[@TechOutAdam]

She does! She looks so vibrant and free in this but in older videos she looks mono and tired.

[@nicabautista440]

I agree!! You can see it in her eyes 🥹✨

[@tomatotrees372]

DeKETLERED

[@Mamamia90210]

I did something similar but on a lower scale. I joined an industry a friend was in because she told me I’d make all this money. Prior, I was a stay at home mom that was itching to start something, anything! So I took some course and launched my own business and scaled it to 100K but I was never home for my kids. My relationships started falling apart and I was beyond stressed. Work doesn’t stop once you get home when you’re an entrepreneur for many people. I had no boundaries at all. I resonated with this. I closed my business and I realized it was NOT for me. I’m happy you’re in a better place. Don’t feel bad or ashamed about it. You did something amazing and knew when to bow out! Much respect!

[@melasonbelizaire1185]

This honesty IS your brand. This is what sets you apart. Thank you for being you. Never change. ❤

[@sepidehO]

Not me JUMPING on this video as soon as I saw the notification. Was thinking of you a few days ago and wondering when you'd be back! Excited for what is to come!

[@VanessaLau]

and not me JUMPING on each comment of this video lolol, thank you for being a part of the early watch party !! and i am excited for what's to come too, I feel waaayyy more. grounded.

[@sepidehO]

@@VanessaLau The love in the comments just 15 min after you've uploaded this goes to show how much you've been missed!! Great job on leading by example by taking the rest you need

[@priscadera]

Same here too❤

[@FlinaMania]

SAME!!!

[@MissArtisticSasnuhy]

I was thinking of her too literally 2 days ago, saying I wonder when her sabbatical is gonna end

[@jessicabuck2302]

As a clinical integrative therapist, I just want to celebrate you Vanessa in your transformational insights that you have gained in this time away. The way you share your message radiates such courage and most importantly what I feel from your video is, AUTHENTICITY. You are rooted in such integrity throughout this video and I can feel your sense of resourced presence. It is beautiful to witness. Thank you for sharing and being you, you are enough. And there is a true power we can feel through here that is within you. ❤

[@itsjessicahomann]

You said this way better than I did but I tried lol

[@LightnessofJoy]

This message is so wise. What is a clinical integrative therapist?

[@DeepakDaiya]

Never saw such relatable video as a creator!!! Thank You Vanessa For Making This Masterpiece... Really Helpful 👏👏

[@CyborgAngel]

💯💯💯💯

[@FactNight]

Hlo deepak bhai , I'm your subscriber 🤩😅

[@brownreport]

one of the realest videos on the internet that I’ve seen in a while. Thanks for sharing and being vulnerable.

[@tomatotrees372]

DeKETLERED

[@baggioyeong]

Super authentic and super relatable! It takes a lot of courage to take a pause and quit when you’re at your peak. Super inspiring! I noticed most entrepreneurs , self employed people or sales people start out by hustling like mad. Especially those that don’t come from wealth. We tend to make it our life mission to get as rich as humanly possible. Only to realise we do a few things 1. To use success as a measurement of our worthiness 2. To experience the “ rich “ life because we didn’t have it 😂 3. To prove “ others “ wrong Only to realise it rly doesn’t matter end of day. But what contributes to happiness & significance is 1. Good health 2. Great relationships 3. Doing things that makes us truly happy 4. Making enough money to fuel that life that we want for ourselves and not the life we think we want Happy for you! 🎉 incredible to find a genuine and honest creator out there

[@JakeyWakey]

true true

[@kristyna9553]

perfectly said👏👏

[@U_neekliss]

💯

[@FatinFeisal]

"When you don't have a strong sense of self, it is so easy to accidentally adopt other people's dreams as your own" THIS

[@carlasamuels479]

So true ....same for other.peoples problems ..so tired of being used

[@Peartune]

So true. I lose my confidence and dream from depression then live a life on other ppl dream instead since i cant find my motivation so i turn to ppl who still have passion and help them achieve it as i felt good that at least i helped someone so until i can feel my confidence and dream again i will keep pushing. I wish i could bring it back.

[@ContempoCoding]

Girl, I am so glad you're back and doing so much better! I purposefully don't scale because I know I am just not good at managing that much. I'm happy just taking what I can handle by myself and and an editor. Having a comfortable and flexible lifestyle is so priceless!!

[@VanessaLau]

I'm so in awe of your self-awareness of what you're good at and what you're not good at. I also agree that management isn't for everyone. I definitely wasn't the best manager - it was hard work! I have also scaled back down to an editor and me. I appreciate your perspective!

[@PaperCraneOfHope]

I love this so much. 🥰

[@solgonzalez3936]

I can relate to you ... As an editor, it takes time and careful consideration to plan and create projects, collabs without thinking what is your main role and objective for a moment. Some proposals tend to end up in an ordeal one could had avoided or controlled better. Not everyone we bring into a project is worthy or profitable, if that is one of the ideas.

[@FitnessFAQs]

Thanks for sharing your story Vanessa. This affirms my strategy of running a lean business.

[@MontemayorMark]

🐐🐐

[@emilyutter6697]

So few entrepreneurs have the courage to do what you did, let alone share it so openly. The first time I heard of you was when you closed the business as the story hit the entrepreneur community. I didn't give it another thought until now, after having seen several posts mentioning this video. Watched it this morning and just want to say I celebrate you, and this is truly of service to other business owners. Wishing you the best in your future endeavors.

[@thelifewithnate]

Entrepreneurship is a very tough road and has been glorified in some part I feel over the past couple of years. As a wannapreneur, I'm using these lessons as I relate to some of them in building some creative businesses hopefully myself. Vanessa is a gem!

[@ThinkingLikeAVIRTUOUSWoman]

See this is why transparency, sharing your story and sharing your testimony is so important. You just never know who needs to hear it. I’m sure you can already tell by the comments the amount of people you are helping. And you have no idea how much you are helping me right now. I am nowhere near where you are but I can already see myself stressing about some of the things that you mentioned. So this is so freeing. I’ve been following you for years, so I was able to see your growth and I can understand why you felt so much pressure because your name is literally mentioned in so many videos. I’m glad you took the time away that you needed 🙏🏾❤️

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

As someone who has gained a following for a passion and lost themselves in the “people pleasing”, I relate to this so much. I stopped creating art for myself and started creating art that would go viral. This is refreshing, thank you for sharing!

[@lorrainepascale]

Same!!! Me for baking ❤

[@tomatotrees372]

DeKETLERED

[@KnordRW]

Vanessa, this is the first time I've watched one of your videos and my first exposure to you, and I wanted to say THANK YOU for your openness, your vulnerability, and your authenticity. You are the permission to so many others who are feeling the same way, and the ripple effect of what you've said here in this video is going to be felt far and wide for years to come. THIS is what it means to be an influencer and a leader, and you are such an inspiration!! As you come back and redesign and recreate what you're up to, please let me know if there is any way that I can support you. Your "new" pillars are an inspiration for how I wish to live my life, and I would be honored to support you with this if I could ever possibly do so. Sending you so much love and joy and happiness!!!

[@deeglamgrl6421]

This is by far the most transparent video I've ever seen on this or any other platform. Kudos to you for exposing a side of hustle culture most people would never dare to.

[@tomatotrees372]

DUNIYADARI

[@xoTheMoxieQueen]

The most authentic video about coaching and content creation I have seen - ever! I can feel the pressure from some of these creators and it’s cringe. You’ve validated every instinct, suspicion, thought, nudge, inkling, conclusion.

[@tomatotrees372]

DUNIYADARI

[@Chicquette]

Disappoint as many people as it takes, to ensure you don't disappoint yourself. Great video. Good luck on your growth journey. Looking forward to seeing what's next. 🎉

[@tomatotrees372]

DUNIYADARI

[@zhorina]

In many ways, having a bad corporate job experience can create a trauma that we try so hard to get away from, instead of healing from it. Really happy for you!! ❤

[@queenshibadarling]

Excellent callout!!!

[@verabirgitta8588]

You're definitely on to something

[@realestatebykemi]

Amen to this powerful statement! 🙏🏽

[@tomatotrees372]

DeKETLERED and

[@EvanCarmichael]

Welcome back Vanessa and what a courageous video. Excited to see where the next year takes you :) #Believe

[@WhaChuUpTo]

It's so heart-filling to see the lovely girl I knew from elementary school, make such big waves in a global scale and still be deeply grounded to her sense of self. When you left your farewell note over a year ago, my knee-jerk reaction was pure relief for you. I was so proud to see you disconnect and focus on yourself. Glad to see you back as a healthier, happier YOU. 💕 I'm finally starting to publish some of my own content for the first time this year and I'm really excited to consume your old videos with a new lens!!! Bahhh!! 😍 Sending you so much love

[@Get-Vertical]

I'm in tears watching this because I went through a similar experience in my niche. So much pressure, everyone relying on me, keeping up on social media, always on a hamster wheel, comparing myself to others, not feeling good enough.. all made me CRACK throwing in the towel, unfollowing literally everyone, signing off and not looking back for 3 years. It was the best 3 years of my life, started a different business outside of my niche, found God, became a mother, found REAL friends (like you said that weren't using me for resources or social climbing), enjoyed family gatherings (because I was no longer distracted by my obsession), started living my life for myself and stopped living behind my camera. Now that I've "Came out of retirement" I'm a year in and really trying my best to stay balanced and not fall into that same trap. But girl be careful because it's not easy - I am feeling myself slowly starting to change the way I do things to please the following, sponsors, and algorithms. That's why I am happy to see this video - because I look up to you and you've helped me a lot. Now reminding me I really need to trim those weeds and stay grounded. Keep being you, you are awesome.

[@kayv5840]

Mental, physical, and spiritual health come first. 💕🙏 I’ve started seeing some business support groups in my area via social media, and I think they help with the stresses that come with business. They give support and share advice. Maybe try looking into that if you are interested! And therapy, which no matter where we are in life also does help to bring us back to earth. I hope this helps. 🙏 Best wishes to you!!

[@tomatotrees372]

DeKETLERED

[@Tania-rg7jp]

Real friends not using you for social climbing is a “game changer”.

[@Asmrchalkutopia]

That is is why I only post when I want

[@TheRealMTR]

What you've articulated is a struggle that most successful digital creators go through. Understanding "enough" is the lesson I've learned in this video. Once enough is understood then balance can be attained - which is a pillar to a successful / happy life. Amazing video - excited to see where you go in the future!

[@djflapjack4744]

didn't expect to see you here sir! MTaRmy in the building!

[@karina-demurchyan]

Never heard about the book you mentioned, but how spot on on the vertical vs horizontal relationships ! "Horizontal" people ( 🙋‍♀) are often seen as "unambitious", but the reality is they may know themselves enough to move through life in different patterns, cultivating and collecting quality relationships, not mere $ or accolades. Great reflection, thank you for sharing 💕

[@Nick_Lewis]

Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing. I had a business before KZbin and I can see myself in your story - always growing and comparing myself. I realized so much of growth and scaling in business is ego driven. Now I keep things on KZbin intentionally small and I’m happier and less stressed for it.

[@DrapersDoingRenos]

I went exactly through ALL OF THIS with my interior design firm and brick-and-mortar store!!!! I so get it! especially the scale trap. I also felt totally sucked into that!! 2 years ago, I closed my store, let go of all my staff, cried a lot and trusted that letting go of my 7 figure design firm would end up ok! I think it is going to be, but I am still working on it. I will say I am SO MUCH HAPPIER!!!

[@tomatotrees372]

DUNIYADARI

[@ralphtyndall]

This video was actually so comforting. I'm not nearly at the scale you were at, but I quit my 9-5 about 10 months ago and I have seriously never been so tired. I'm working way more than I ever was in corporate and it's literally impossible to turn off your brain even when you're trying to step away from the grind of content creation and running your own business. Thank you for sharing a real perspective!

[@petra-coutlis]

As a Fractional CMO to online entreprenurs I see SO many people fall into these traps - its so refreshing to get a behind the scenes look at how this manifested. I love the concept of doing less and making ENOUGH. Welcome back!!

[@deborahgold]

This is one of my favourite videos from you! So authentic, so raw. Love the editing style too, it's less graphics and quick paced and feels like the focus is more you and your story x

[@VanessaLau]

Thank you so much!! Lol this video took a long time to put together! i was verrryyyyyy rusty with filming after not making videos for a year haha! I really appreciate this positive feedback! Means more than you know.

[@MitsySalomon]

@deborahgold I agree with you on the editing style. So dope.

[@hazelandjorge]

I was thinking the same as this comment! You are smart and in some ways I lost interest in your videos. Now days we see in social media the same videos with different people (boring) This is the type of videos that inspire and feed creativity of creators and confirm us what really matters. As a designer I really love this one! If somebody wants to succeed "God will always be vertical relationship and any other else horizontal!" in this way we do what is in our heart under his magnificent purposes.

[@sheemahayre4144]

I didnt have that 7 figure business experience but I praise the Lord for allowing me to realize what youre sharing here! I cant stop watching. And i can relate in every point you said! ✨💪🏻 there’s just so much AUTHENTICITY in you, in this vid. Praying that people can watch this and realize this as early as possible 🎉

[@vanessaskin]

I could write a whole book. I was a part of your BGA as a fitness coach in the making but I figured out almost immediately that it wasn't me. you know your shit, without a doubt and put so much into your content. it's top tier. BUT I value so much more than the chase. Good for you for doing what you did. Salute on so many levels! Thank you for being authentically raw! And nope, make sure you say it more often "I'm awesome and worthy". I love this energy and I love that you are sharing bc WE NEED this.

[@WorkYourWisdom]

I’m sure I’m the only outlier here, but I’ve never heard of you or your channel until it popped up on my feed tonight. I was initially gonna scroll past it but I decided to check it out and I’m glad I did! 🥰 Not only did I appreciate your honesty, vulnerability and wisdom, but I’m interested in starting a KZbin channel and I value all of the things (and more) that you talked about, happiness, fun, earning enough…I’m gonna check out more 🥰🙌🏽💖✨✨✨

[@tomatotrees372]

DeKETLERED

[@dannywinget]

Dang I can relate so hard to this video. The thing that saved me is I didn’t scale. I realized that wouldn’t be good for me so I didn’t. Thank you for making this video to show how crazy this business can be.

[@courtneysmithtriathlon]

I love the honesty here. I especially love that you realized you lost yourself. Many never hit that point. As an entrepreneur who had a startup and went through a “I have to grow” period a decade ago, this resonated. The difference was, I am a single mom and my son was 6 months old when my startup got funded. I made a decision to walk away from it and focus on small businesses of my own. I can attribute that decision to my son, bc I cared more about time with him than growing/scaling. I could go on and on. Kudos to you. Most people care about how “successful” they appear. The wisest ones know creating a lifestyle that you love is true wealth/success. You realized this at a young age! Long before some do. I’m happy for you!!!! Wishing you all the best. 🙏❤️

[@brentandmir]

Omg I’ve been watching your videos since 2020 and love learning from you I’m so happy to see you back! ❤😊 this year is your year! 🙌🏾🤗

[@tomatotrees372]

DeKETLERED

[@thealienpod828]

I have followed you since your early days (with different YT accounts) and I always looked up to you as somebody who made something from nothing. Your determination and desire to constantly grow inspires me. But this video sets you on a whole different level. You are someone I would recommend everyone to look to as somebody who is responsible, accountable and most of all honest. It doesn't matter what you are earning or how big your business is. You are definitely way above the rest as a human being. RESPECT!

[@MiliVelikova]

Literally last night I was thinking "I wonder when Vanessa would come back" and it's so good to see you back! Welcome and I'm excited for what's to come

[@bvhimanshu]

Bro same 🤣 and not me seeing you after long time in here only

[@VanessaLau]

OMG its been so long!!!! I'm the himanshu, it feels like the OG gang is living in this comment section lol. I missed you Mili, it's been a while!!

[@shreybajaj8516]

Same!

[@CNSajolanArt]

Same here!

[@eloisek4245]

Same!!! I checked her profile 2 days ago 🥺🥺 and here she is! Comeback 😭🙌

[@BDYTPodcast]

I hope you don't delete this video... I'm gonna need to rewatch this in the future for sure. Thank you thank you thank you so much for your bravery and giving us the opportunity to learn this from you.

[@tomatotrees372]

DeKETLERED

[@jauretsi]

"I traded my 9 to 5 for a 24/7"

[@joaovitorionetto]

😂😂😂

[@Friday4]

Story of every entrepreneur

[@mirysick]

😂😂😂😂 that’s true!!! Been there

[@artistart55]

I turned 9 to 5 in to 24 /7 .... Sounds like a good movie title . Now she needs to write a movie script😂

[@sustainwithkate]

to millions of dollars, not paycheck

[@krysannsmith]

The way I resonated with you throughout was unbelievable. My experience is different in that my husband has decided to take reigns over our company. He was scared to make me feel like he didn’t need me and I was scared to say I was overwhelmed. It was affecting our marriage and when we finally spoke about me staying at home, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders and HIS! I’ve realized that, we as women, already deal with so much stress and our family life, there really is a threshold where it starts to affect even your mental and physical health. I didn’t realize that until this January when I started to stay home and care for our home and my body. My husband is incredibly happy to have a warm meal to come home to and I’m soo happy to serve him knowing what the stress is like at work. The way you look incredibly calm and happy is exactly how I feel now. Congrats. ❤

[@VickyLashenko]

This 💯!!!!!!

[@tomatotrees372]

DeKETLERED

[@BBenoist]

We were both in the same program with Sunny and I have watched your channel from day 1. I have to say, Vanessa - I am so damn proud of you for what you did and what you are now doing. I look forward to the new *you* that is coming our way. I am sincerely wishing you the best.

[@zephyrkhambatta]

I am at 9:11 in your video and I'm weeping. Thank you for making this Vanessa.

[@SheenaSchleicher]

What you are sharing is SO important & had me in tears. I'm 10 yrs into running our SEO agency (nearly 18 yrs in the space!). We've made a name for the ecommerce SEO strategy work we do for bigger brands. I've dreamed of scaling & often compared our biz to so many other agencies (mostly male led). Somewhere in the last few years our business stopped serving our family & I feel like all we do is serve our clients--the mental toll is 24/7. We're at a point where something has to change. I cannot allow all this work to distract me from my kiddos... soon to be 4 littles under 8yo. And really, SEO is not that important & definitely not the only thing I want to be known for. Eager to follow along & hear what you've learned!

[@VickyLashenko]

I feel you mama! It’s a challenge to run a demanding business while raising a family! Men are built so differently and it’s so unfair to compare ourselves to them and their success! Been there done that as well! All the best to you and your family!!!

[@LauraKeyRealtyGoddess]

I do not coment much on anyones channels but something is tapping on my heart. I loved much of your content. I would always come look for you when I needed to learn something. I wanted to walk this social media path but never really jumped off at it. Last year 2023 I lost my two younger sisters to a drunk driver. It was at that time I truly hit a stop point and took a hard good look at my life and what I want to do. It's been a year or reflection and refocusing and HEALING. I have a new direction in the path of what I call my "Life Purpose" and it feels so much better. So thank you for this very honest broadcast. My heart needed to hear it. Blessings to everything you set out to do. I will be following a bit more now.

[@toniankelly]

So very sorry for your loss 🙏🏾

[@VanessaLau]

I am so sorry fo your loss and I'm in awe of your resilience. I am so glad you prioritized your own healing before anything else. Blessings to you and appreciate you for spreading kindness despite the hardship you've encountered in your own life. We need more beautiful souls like you.

[@IamKhepraEl]

My condolences 💐 You’ve had such an enormous strength through it all and you make them all proud on the others side big hugs and kudos

[@LauraReidd]

Happy to see your face again! Super inspiring honestly to see you take a step back and have the courage to do that at what you called 'the height'. Wouldn't of been easy but just wanted to say I'm proud of you for prioritizing yourself this past year :) hope you are well!

[@isabelfaith]

Fell in love with your channel back in 2020 when I first started my KZbin Channel. Binged your entire channel. Somewhere in the middle I remember your content & vibe kind of changing. BUT THIS VIDEO RIGHT HERE!!! This is real & raw & brave & I'm all for it!! I can't imagine the pressure & stress of all the success. Keep rocking on. You're awesome!!! You have helped many, many people not feel alone in starting a KZbin Channel! From all the lessons & all the "straight to the point videos", to giving us guidance on HOW to Start, You were that support we needed when we knew we were meant to create content but had no clue WHERE to start. Your content has always been valuable, informative & no BS. And to all of that, Thank YOU!

[@thecalliekelley]

THIS WHOLE VIDEO GAVE ME CHILLS! YOUR HONESTY IS F**KING EVERYTHING! OMG, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO! This video was meant FOR ME! You are speaking TO ME.

[@tomatotrees372]

DeKETLERED

[@HELLO-JESS]

YASSS! YOU ARE ENOUGH! Beautiful message of truth! Thank you for sharing this very important experience. I am a new content creator here on KZbin and your experience is very eye opening and helpful.

[@thecpcollective]

This made me so emotional in so many parts. I'm sooo happy that you are back and I'm so excited to see what you share with us that YOU want to share. I'm sending so much love and thank you for sharing this experience. It really puts me into perspective of how I want to build my business as a creator. I felt like I lost myself for many years, but now I'm doing what I love.

[@VanessaLau]

Thank you for watching Krissy and also sharing my video on your stories. I really appreciate it and I'm so glad you're finally doing what you love!

[@TheCosmicInitiative]

This brought me to tears because I feel all that pressure now before I have even reached the level of success I want yet. And it has been turning me into someone I don’t like. Taking this to heart

[@twonrichpo]

Definitely a great honest much needed video. She let it all out. So many people are so afraid to be this honest. Vanessa is a super hero in my mind. And yes take this heart n use it to ur advantage

[@SkySocialAssistant]

Hey there! It's okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Take a break is also important 😊

[@Uprighthealth]

This was a fantastic video. Thanks for showing us the real costs of scaling and of descaling! Your insights rang so deeply true at multiple points throughout the video. Best of luck on the rest of the journey!!! 🤙

[@eVaniwithaV]

"I traded my 9 to 5 for a 24/7." That resonated with me so much! I completely understand. Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable about this!

[@demarcusds95]

It’s so true and the juice is not worth the squeeze. People are waking up and are starting to realize what makes them happy. It’s good to see

[@jasondemoss4122]

This was the best video I've seen in months. So many great lessons for business owners. Also so happy you're doing well, finding yourself, and feeling loved.

[@carmenwg]

Your video brought me to tears. How real and authentic of you to be who you really are instead of this life you accidentally created. A million bravos to you, you are one of the real ones! I wish you the best of luck and love on your journey. God bless you.

[@safaaelasraoui]

Thank you for bringing awareness to this topic. As creators, we need to always focus on enjoying the process to build a business that is sustainable. Protecting our mindset is key, and that's actually a skill that can be learned.

[@VanessaLau]

Definitely a skill. I think that skill also comes with age and experience! Thank you so much for being here and watching the video. I appreciate it!

[@user-nlvmruu]

omg you are telling MY story my chest feels so much less pressure just watching this and knowing that i wasnt the ONLY one who did this! granted you had more success than me but i very much align with all this thank you so much for sharing, not enough "failed" entrepreneurial stories from women out there

[@tomatotrees372]

DeKETLERED

[@maricelagalicia4967]

I love her honesty. Nowadays this type of honesty is rare. New subscriber here ❤

[@lauraparenas]

Welcome back! This happens to a lot of people. Not all are strong enough to admit it. The hustle culture forces us to work, work, work and follow dreams that are not really yours, they're just what you're supposed to do. I'm glad someone like you is shedding light on this ❤

[@VanessaLau]

Thank you for watching the video, it means a lot. It definitely took a lot of courage to speak my truth, but I feel if IM feeling this way, there must be someone out there that also feels the same. I can't be alone in these feelings and now I'm seeing I was right. Appreciate the comment, Laura!

[@svensshed1564]

As an ex ceo of a small business I can so relate to everything you are saying. I suffered from everything you said, the imposter syndrome, the comparing myself to others, all of it. What I find is that you just need to be happy with where you are. Most of the time, where you are is where you are meant to be. I now focus on trying to develop staff and that is what makes me incredibly happy in life. I am now playing with another start up that educates people on procurement and how to sell to govt. That is a real passion, and its more a hobby than a business

[@demarcusds95]

Agreed. A lot of businesses crash from scaling too fast. A business with staff that makes you happy is the “million dollar business”. 🙏🏾

[@maryscupoftea]

Thank you for showing us that it’s okay, healthy even, to quit, pivot, and reflect on why we’re doing what we’re doing.

[@TheSweetestThing123]

Girl, Dan Koe and Alex Hormozi just ain't keeping it real, you feel me? Big shoutout to you! Respect for trusting your gut. Your vibe, vulnerability, openness, and straight-up honesty are what make you a legend. Being a woman is your strength!

[@spicy_lola]

I had to mute them and their toxic productvity

[@VanessaLau]

Aww thank you. I realize through this process that there is space for everyone. So many different styles, different values, different personalities. It's what makes the internet so great - we get to choose our mentors and who we want to follow. It took me a while to realize that just being me is the differentiator!

[@WisdomWithin999]

Yesss this comment right here

[@MonicaMain]

@@spicy_lola me too! I'm glad it's not just me who is starting to cringe at their attempts to make everyone feel like lazy POS for not working hard enough or smart enough. It's just exhausting and there's no life balance at all. But those guys are young. When they hit 50, they'll likely change their tune on "productivity" and switch to spirituality and life balance. They're just not there yet on their journey.

[@Lauren-i8i]

@@MonicaMain 👏👏👏

[@andriaronne]

I love the concept of “enoughness”. These are some books that helped me identify my values, learn when to say no, and develop mental resiliency (in the order I read them): The Universe Has Your Back, Untamed, Warrior Goddess Training, Dare to Lead, The Four Agreements, The Obstacle is the Way, The Yamas and Niyamas. It’s an endless, but very rewarding journey. Good luck; you got this!

[@andriaronne]

Also, Journey to the Heart. :)

[@jesterfeathers]

Screenshotting these rn! 😗💓💓

[@tomatotrees372]

DeKETLERED

[@MajidMushtaqOfficial]

A few days ago I started watching some of your old videos and was like ‘we miss Vanessa’, and ‘I hope she comes back’ and there you are 🤩🥰 Welcome back Vanessa! More power to you and rooting for you always 🫶

[@SkySocialAssistant]

So happy she is back

[@workitoutwithrufaro]

18 minutes into this video, and I am blown away! I have a small YT channel with 26K subbies, but I can already relate to this. It's like you've taken everything I've been feeling in the last few months and helped me to better understand what I've been going through. You packaged this so well. The part about "not knowing what was enough for you" got me... You are a real one, Vanessa. Thank you for sharing your story ❤

[@tomatotrees372]

DUNIYADARI

[@PreciousOlocha]

Vanessa I am so grateful to follow you along on this new journey because this is definitely the journey I am on now. I followed you the 1st time around, although I didn’t make millions like you I made a lot but I went from working 9-5 to working 24hours I hated it. This year I am working 4 days a week and 10 hours a years ( still a-lot) but better than what I did last 2-4 years. I am excited to follow you on this new journey and also implement what you will teach on my next phase in life. Can’t wait for the next few videos

[@EllieDashwood]

Thank you so much for sharing this. ❤️ I also found myself burnout out and stressed out as a creator, waking up in the middle of the night realizing that I didn’t even know who I was anymore. Your video literally made me cry because it resonated so much. Welcome back.

[@tomatotrees372]

DeKETLERED, even as a NAXA

[@CoachPattyBlueHayes]

Years ago I saw my identity as the wife of my husband. It imploded when he rejected me and I had no idea who I was. Now I help people who’ve been through loss 🧡

[@tomatotrees372]

DeKETLERED

[@shatajshinajones2660]

Omg wow… did you guys separate? I’m feeling the same way, like I’ve lost who I am. I force myself to be a happy entrepreneur but my business with my husband doesn’t make me excited to get out of bed. It’s his dream and vision

[@ADenton]

This is a success video. (1) This is a clear display of a high level of success in an entrepreneur’s journey. Your business success provided the resources necessary for you to overextend... which led to tough decisions. Great lesson. (2) To me, this video is about running your business from a place of authenticity as a natural expression of yourself, so you don’t burnout. Money/status isn’t worth the pain. So good. On my journey, I’ve partnered with a very successful KZbinr and entrepreneur in my business. Lots of lessons in this for me.

[@brownstone243]

This video reminds me of the sunny lenarduzzi video that she posted a few years ago when she decided to pivot the purpose of her channel. People told her to keep the original format and to create a separate channel for her new direction. She said that she lost followers, clients, etc, but her new direction was more rewarding for her. You might experience the same thing, but it's great to see you realising and stepping into your power. As the saying goes, comparison is the killer of all joy. I'm looking forward to your new videos

[@mattng4707]

Comparison is the killer of all joy ❤ love that

[@iamlashawnda]

I can not tell you how happy I am to see that you are back!! I checked your accounts quite frequently because I knew it was only a matter of time before you would give an update. I have so many takeaways from your video and I am very thankful that you took the time to share the REAL side of what it can be like as a successful entrepreneur. It's rarely talked about and I am glad that you are changing things up to match your vision and align with what YOU want vs what everyone else tells you that you need for "Success" I love this for you!! Welcome back!

[@JacobCorregidor]

It’s good to see you post and update Vanessa. Happy to hear that you’ve gone through tremendous growth, that you are healthy, and happy. Missed seeing you!

[@adelinesugianto2380]

Thank you for sharing this. I think not everyone dares to be completely open and honest about their journey publicly. I believe it will help a lot of people who might be in the same position regardless of how big or small their struggle is. Welcome back!

[@Catina28]

Welcome back.. One thing I will add for anyone under 30. Vanessa has beautifully described the process all young people have to go through before u find yourself. Uve spent so much time absorbing and learning from others that there comes a point wen u will realise u can't follow it all and must choose a path. This is all normal and u get better at it by the time u get to 30. That's the main reason that most become conservative wen older

[@GiselleLoayza]

This is so true

[@jhoncena1111]

Not just people under 30, but anyone who hasn't found themselves.

[@jennjennsuu]

Thank you so much for this. I’m currently 25 with not much to show for myself and sometimes I feel like a failure 😣. But honestly, this video gave me a whole new different perspective. It has so many gems I actually might have to watch it a second time. But what I mainly got from it is to make sure to have a strong sense of self/identity so we don’t lose ourselves in our pursuit of success. And to really define when enough is enough. What kind of quality of life you genuinely want and to strive for that, but no more. Especially if it will cost you your happiness and sanity. Thank you so much 🙏🏽. I subscribed 💕

[@jessicastansberry]

So glad to see you back Vanessa! I love that you're sharing the BTS and everything as you come back too!!! We've missed you

[@AngelaLochCross]

I appreciate you sharing this. As someone in middle age, I have often looked back at my art/creator career and thought "oh if only I started this sooner". At the same time, I've always watched you and other channels like yours talking about growing and scaling and having a team and at my age now I could anticipate that was going in a direction I knew would threaten my peace of mind. We all learn about ourselves at different ages and paces and where I am now I have a much more defined idea of what being content is for me and can visualize what I will need to get there than I would have in my 20s or even 30s. You sharing this will help so many people caught up in the grind and comparison trap. This is why having the end in mind (or perhaps your most sustainable level that you can be satisfied with) is so important to know at the beginning of the journey. It's not going to look the same for all of us. I look forward to seeing how you incorporate all of your knowledge into the next part of your journey. Best wishes to you, Vanessa.

[@VanessaLau]

I love what you said about "your most sustainable level that you can b e satisfied with" - that is such an important way to frame it. Thank you so much and best wishes to you as well Angela!

[@DoctorFashion]

Welcome back Vanessa 🎉❤ Great share on the BTS of being an entrepreneur/creator and running a business with employees. I look forward to your future videos 💕

[@elenatodoesposible1111]

I admire how authentic and conscious you are. Many people are chasing dreams and putting so many pressure on then when actually they don’t truly want that. Thank you for sharing and remind us to be just humans and not “images” for please others. Reminding that our value doesn’t depend on our results. ❤ much love for you

[@frankieslight]

im seeing this video at the most perfect time while im constantly in an emotional tug of war between content creation and honoring my 1 year minimum sabbatical boundaries

[@Ishtarthemoon]

So many good takeaways here. I truly appreciate this and I’m glad you took a break. I’ve been growing my business very slowly taking into consideration my nervous system as well as always asking if it aligns with who I want to be and what I want to bring to the world. Sometimes I wish it wasn’t taking so long but your story is confirmation for me, I’m older now and I’ve already been through many identity pivots that I’ve learned I don’t want to grow too fast in the wrong direction and then make a huge pivot. Nothing wrong with it, it’s just not what I want at this stage in my life!! I hope your year off did you some good and I’m sure your next pivot is going to be much more aligned with who you want to be 😄

[@mrsakanbiadesola]

This is really heartfelt. At the end of the day, it's happiness that matters. Some of us are still trying to attain the financial independence you achieved and you are such an inspiration. But in all, I'm happy you are back refreshed and with clarity. I'm one of your fans from Nigeria

[@tomatotrees372]

DeKETLERED

[@pastorrandy]

Hi Vanessa. I had almost just discovered your channel when you quit. As I listened to this video, the first thought that came across my mind as you described the process that led to your success was "You created, unintentionally, the very thing you left to become a KZbinr for." There is an old saying, "To thine own self be true." It sounds like you have learned this. There is another saying your video reminded me of, "What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his/her very self?". Its hard for people who have never achieved the level of success that you have achieved to envision it as anything else other than Nirvana or heaven or (you get the picture). Its hard for people who have never made the amount of money that you have made to believe that money is not enough. Thank you for your honesty, transparency, and being willing to share your journey with others. I hope your future is blessed and your endeavors are successful and fulfilling in every area of life. You're still young (I'm 67) and there is a whole lot more out there for you to learn and to share, keep moving forward, eyes wide open. Bless you, Vanessa. :)

[@ChatB.E.G.beautyfitness]

❤ YOU DESERVE A ROSE TOO🌹. Well said🥰

[@SheenaSantos]

I CAN REALLY relate to this. I'm just a small youtuber and not earning yet as much as vanessa did, but scaling up is somehow burnign me out... including the people who tends to rely on you that much... the expectation... i'm no sure if it's just me or it's them... yet i have this feeling of uneasiness. I also feel that what i'm doing now is no longer serving me, instead it's like i'm doing it just because I need money so i need to keep doing it for them... to the point I feel I am no longer doing what I want to do because i'm afraid they might not watch me anymore... I don't know, I'm confused, i just felt I wanted to hear from vanessa what happened to her during her sabbatical period... so i was really waiting for her to come back and now after watching this.. I made a lot of realizations.. thinking of pausing... but im afraid i have no enough means to support my family like she did.. I want to start creating and sharing the life I love, but I am afraid @VANESSA your advise will be highly appreciated.

[@adamivy]

I resonate with everything you said in this video and have an insanely similar experience as you shared Vanessa. I'm literally at the point right now that you were when you stepped away. Thank you for helping me feel a little less crazy.

[@HerbalistYourhyghness]

As a wife, mother, and nurse that just lost her mother less than a year ago…. 11:20 hit home! Thank you for making and sharing this video. I definitely am taking notes as I identify. 💕

[@meccamcconnell]

Welcome back Vanessa! I resonate with your story so much and admittedly fell into the trap too. Your transparency is so appreciated and gave language to how many of us have been feeling! Wishing you continued peace, joy and success!