the ugly truth about starting a business alone in your 20s

Starting a business alone completely changed my life. I went from feeling seriously poo poo about where my life was going to traveling, being able to work from the couch at 2pm, making bank, girl boss, that whole thing.
Buuuuuut while these fancy things might sound nice, I'm here to tell you the full story.
👉 MY NEW & FREE SERIES:
How I Turned My Love of Planning into a 6-Figure Freelance Career: dbmbootcamp.com/free-series/
📱SAY HI:
Instagram: / mynameisdeya
Tiktok: / mynameisdeya_
🎞️ IN THIS VIDEO:
[00:00] intro
[00:46] the 10 big problems + how to fix them
[01:11] $0 - $50k in annual revenue
[01:36] problem: the skills gap
[04:33] problem:the cold start
[08:11] problem: the lone wolf
[10:48] problem: the overweight baggage
[15:11] $50K - $100k in annual revenue
[15:28] problem: the decision fatigue
[07:18] problem: the outlast
[18:54] problem: the entrepreneur employee
[20:37] $100k+ in annual revenue
[20:40] problem: the heavy pressure
[24:03] problem: the unprepared CEO
[26:22] problem: the caretaker
💕 and as alwayssssss, thanks for hanging out with me today.

[@maryamisraelyan]

Man, the presentation is just ✨chef's kiss✨. Who knew you don't have to sell your soul to be a successful entrepreneur? Love, love, love this!

[@MyNameIsDeya]

thank you, maryam!!! so glad you enjoyed it

[@nonefvnfvnjnjnjevjenjvonej3384]

you do need to be pretty though. i have never seen really ugly people be popular on tiktok or youtube...

[@SigmaGamingLLC]

Farted

[@anwulika.o]

Shout out to all the 20 something solo founders ✊🏾

[@christianhabermann6527]

40yo solo founder here with some brutal advice: CONNECT! it's a hard lonely road, and you'll become lonely quickly. dont let that happen, keep a strong social life, no matter what, with likeminded people.

[@kadensmith5586]

@@christianhabermann6527I was about to say as a 20 something solo founder stop being a solo founder 😅😂 it’s going to be a shocker but a lot of investors will want to talk to you but very few will trust a 20yo solo-preneur, more than one investor told me to check out YCombinator, they’re the VC of companies that become VCs, they’re who everyone listens to. One of their first rules is basically to never invest in solo-prenures.. Coming from someone currently going through it

[@StevenClarkeRealEstate]

I’ve been in business so long and listened to business content for years AND this info is SO fresh, unique, and dead on!

[@MyNameIsDeya]

appreciate that, Steven!

[@lauracarolina212]

I'm in the cold start. I'm so tired 😿, I'm working on my e-commerce while having a full-time job. It has been out since a month and I'm struggling to bring traffic. I'm learning so much, and I have made so many mistakes haha. Whenever I feel down, I watch your videos. My goal is to be a ✨cozy entrepreneur ✨

[@kingMaster-ni6ih]

How are you trying to get traffic.

[@whatsername465]

I’m in the same phase. We got this!

[@storytreestudio]

I'd love to help out. We run ads, build content pillars and find influencers (all of it) to be able to help get traffic to stores. If you have a little bit of money to spend on ads, and putting in a bit more work - I would love to help (for free and review lol) you interested?

[@iu.lia.na.]

​@storytreestudio are you region locked? My business is spread across Africa

[@spectacularangular637]

runs ads lmao

[@adriennemaerealingo8799]

If your business fails, take peace at the thought that you already did your best and there are lots of things that you cant control. It's the business that fails, not you. You can always restart another one, worst case. If you're so attached to failure, it'll be harder for you to find out which part of the business strategy, fails - you'll blame yourself instead. Keep moving forward!

[@storytreestudio]

beating loneliness with content is truly a gamechanger. I think it takes us back to the idea that when you are lonely and trying to figure things out and you whiteboard a lot of your own ideas on paper, - you can then use that to create content. Soon realizing that people feel like that all the time too, just dont have the balls to really put it out. Loved this video Deya

[@CannyValley-bi8nq]

"everything started, nothing finished".. lol. that's me for like past 10 years. Happy that im in the enterpreneur mindset, but seriously need some kind of operational help. :(

[@MyNameIsDeya]

hire a business manager!! here's our hiring form: dbmbootcamp.com/hire-a-dbm

[@escorpionamina]

Same as u

[@mariahwisdom-peters6919]

This was really needed! I've been trying to start my business while working for about 4 years now and i keep burning out. I took some time to just reevaluate and plan and I really believe in my business idea and that I can run it if I just had the extra time and energy. I'm just about to finish a writing a business plan and pitch to get a guarantor for a business loan to be able to give myself time to focus solely on my business. Hearing that you managed to make 21K in your first year is really encouraging because that's more than I currently make, I am planning on working part time during the process but even if I only made half that it would be a success for me!

[@snaggiz]

What kind of business are you interested in starting? I hope you find a way forward! 😌

[@moushiiee]

As an entrepreneur that is just starting out, this was highly valuable for me and made me feel so, so seen and supported. Thank you so much for this!

[@PracticalPianoWithTia]

It's so good to hear about building businesses and courses through a female perspective! So refreshing. I keep hearing 'just work harder' and 'do it anyway' and I die inside every. time. Your advice is so helpful because you're validating the emotional friction, stress, pain I experience. Love your solutions like ask your brain better questions. Thank you so much for sharing your experience!

[@MyNameIsDeya]

ah thank you so much, Tia! what a kind comment. I also didn't resonate with the more "traditional" versions of entrepreneurship, so i'm so glad there are others that feel the same way :)

[@the_crafty_kai]

I heard from an IG creator that along the road of manifesting your desired path, failures and obstacles are just a place where you can learn from. So that's what I'm trying to keep in mind as I start my journey of creating my own business. I'm not going to fail, I just have a lot to learn! 😅

[@alsg0403]

I'm transitioning from a 9-5 job to freelancing. I've been binge watching your videos and they've been so helpful in providing me tips and conditioning me to have the right mindset leading up to my first gig. Thank you!

[@lunirith]

binge watching your channel, this ADVICE IS AMAZING.

[@supercarlos625]

These are such good points, I’ve watched so many videos with the same advice over and over but this gives much more.

[@valentinneher1860]

I love your mindset!!! The thing about asking for opinions less really resonated with me. :) Also it‘s super impressive and motivating to see how you‘ve been able to post so consistently and high quality without having a huge audience yet!

[@xlovechild]

This is pure gold, thank you.

[@sophiasherry4583]

This video is so affirming, especially about the cold start, and I feel much more motivated and ready to continue pushing through and making mistakes!!! I’m ready to learn a lot and in a way, it’s pretty exciting! Thank you so much ❤ I’m hanging in to go far 💪💪

[@ab1otic222]

Excellent. Just the ticket to start the weekend on.

[@alyssajjane]

Loved this. Thank you for sharing Deya!

[@thehoarderme]

I've never come across a video like this before! Everything from the presentation to advice to how realistic everything is... it's just perfect 👌 Thank you. I really needed to hear a lot of it😅

[@arty8478]

This is an amazingly well put together video, you provided not only the issues people go through but also your personal solutions that you found to these problems 👏

[@siljasarkka]

GIRLLLLLLL!!!! this got me so excited and jiggly about putting the time and effort in my businesss ❤️‍🔥

[@indirasebas5152]

You provided sooooi much value in this video ! Thank you 🙏🏾

[@rohansamal]

Great video! As someone who's considering starting a new business, this was very insightful! Thanks Deya

[@KenyaChestnut]

I loved how you organized this video! As someone in the $0 - $50k range this has given me a great guide to refer back to whenever I'm going through an uncertain or difficult period in my business journey.

[@rookiepolymath]

Exact starter video that you need if you trying to figure out how to build a business from scratch .Thank you Deya for your hard work.

[@urbanpkrider31]

This is excellent, and the topic of boundaries within business is absolutely one of the most important things. It seems that personal separation ironically allows a better job to be done because you can look objectively at the business. If it’s controlling your emotions, and by extension your life - it’s likely become toxic. Also employee entrepreneur section is shockingly true - such a great video! And thanks for the lovely presentation.

[@yungxwavy8654]

You did a great job on this video!

[@iliyaisd]

This video is so good. It's honest. Finally an honest video about how it is, not a recap of cliches from popsicle business books. Not promising goldmines. A lot of real examples and particularities of what's going on, not overgeneralizing. As someone who's been for years in freelance, failed to transition to fully fledged consultancy, started and failed one business at very beginning, and now building couple of products to start over, I can confirm literally everything here that I already went (and going) through. And popsicle book "truths" been mostly unhelpful. Thanks for this. I needed it now.

I found your channel copuple weeks ago and I have been binge watching your videos as if there was no tomorrow. Super high quality stuff, congrats!

[@chrisryanonline]

Such good advice this ep! Thank you!

[@Anna-xt6kc]

hello, omg I love you, this is so well thought out and well articulated. You go girl! 🎀✨

[@TheEuropeanTechGirl]

I so needed this! Subscribeddd

[@HighlandRimCandles]

The hamster really helped me at 1:45 . It knew exactly what I was feeling. Thanks for the tips!

[@user-qc4fp5ee1y]

This is a really good video :) !!! Thanks for your insights!

[@suvendroseal1724]

The examples in this video are sooo good.

[@hugobacilio]

Omg this video so relatable and funny !thank you for sharing it’s like this is how it really goes

[@ronniezad323]

Best delivery!!!🥰

[@Jasmine_sza]

Your videos are a blessing

[@CocoGlows]

The crying cat meme is me on the lone wolf part 😅😂 but still worth the STEEP learning curve 😅

[@vaishnaviyadavofficial]

Such an underrated one this is ❤️

[@JMaddockLyon]

Super valuable content, thank you 🙌

[@wysteriafox2977]

Hey thank you so much for this! Love how you broke down the stages of business. It's made me feel less alone and more on track. 😂 its so hard most days to keep pushing to create the dream because I am drowning in a soul sucking job right now. Very little pay. And its just exhausting when you want to do something else.

[@valeriiajankovic8251]

Love your channel !!

[@ahmed_aboelleef]

many thanks for sharing those insights those points touches a lot of personal / careers issues please keep sharing such a good content

[@parneetsabharwal5684]

I so needed this today!!!! Entrepreneurship is not easy 😂

[@wobblynl1742]

Actual good content 👍

[@misselli834]

Youre sooo underrated 😭❤️❤️❤️💯

[@Mel-ol1vq]

Love your work ethic, and your accent 👌🙌

[@lunarei379]

As a teenager want to be VA I really learn a lot from you even I started just this month.I hope I apply what I learned.I need to focus more to myself before I start soon to VA 😊

[@isurus2478]

i love everything about this video

[@pranitakale7176]

Great Video Deya! You are really an inspiration!!

[@MyNameIsDeya]

that's so kind, thank you!

[@oliviamoxley6025]

I LOVED this video. Thank you SO SO much!!!

[@lindsey6975]

I am in cold start and I want to cry every day. I really needed this.

[@sofiawheeler4967]

Just discovered you and subbed. I really appreciate the structure of your videos!

[@aycakratos0]

I am in my 30's and this video is the best summary of my last 4 years. love you Deya!

[@Gleb_Gubanov]

I am on that way right now, tnx for that list! Even nevertheless I do what I like (videoediting) there are tons of “technical” problems, which is bored staff. But I keep receive dopamine, and this is my fuel And money is a derivative, reflection of your success.

[@sophiejay5111]

This is brilliant, thank you!

[@carolmendes2011]

So happy that I find this channel ❤

[@MyNameIsDeya]

so happy to have you here, Carol!

[@alisonwada66]

This is really helpful

[@yogadaily9864]

So much value in this video. As someone who is starting a new affiliate marketing business, you really do have to learn so much on your own. And yes, traffic is the most important thing. Do KZbin, do Tik Tok, do Instagram all the gurus say. You gotta be on every platform all the gurus say. I couldn't disgaree more. You know how exhausting that would get? For me I chose one platform and I'm sticking with it and surprisingly having a good time and seeing some results. You also have to keep in mind that if there's a lot of resistance, it's just not going to be fun and results probably won't be great. It might take a long time but once you find your thing, it will be awesome.

[@keithdmello]

I resonated with this "the heavy pressure" section.

[@duhckies4541]

This has been so helpful thank you so much

[@AvaNoelleArtistry]

wow this video is so underrated

[@traceymacyogavlogs]

Such a great video! So clear and understandable. Appreciate you sharing the knowledge 🙏🏼

[@MyNameIsDeya]

such a kind comment. thank you tracey!! glad it was helpful. :)

[@llaBoone]

Super helpful video, Deya! You are very articulate and I love the way you set it all up (with each level and solutions to each problem). I came from 90Day so I watched many of your videos in the course last year. I was pleasantly surprised to see you pop up on my feed today. Congrats on your success!

[@MyNameIsDeya]

thank you so much, Laura! :) glad it was helpful and so fun to see a 90DayVA student here -- hope you're doing well!

[@migueltrio]

13:05 I've seen this pattern a lot of making it fun for successful people. Also recently finished the podcast with Tim Ferris on Huberman Lab and they spoke about how asking the right questions will initiate success. Great vid! Glad the algorithm sent you my way!

[@jenny_learnenglishgoglobal]

your video and channel is super valuable

[@andersonwilliams5437]

Excellent video

[@yolandaosborne1848]

Great advice, I am in my 3rd year in business and agree with your advice ❤❤

[@Comfy-Heart]

This is so helpful ❤

[@lawsofhumannature2049]

Congrats on betting on yourself and the effort you have put in to achieve your goals as an entrepreneur at such a young age. I completely agree with you, I'm on my 4th year as an ecommerce entrepreneur. I had my breakthrough year last year and this year im on pace to 5x last years revenue. I feel like anything is possible, but mind you I'm 33 years old with multiple degrees in economics, business, psychology, business analytics, and computer science and currently half way through my MBA program that have allowed me to leverage that knowledge into my business. Good luck on your journey.

[@pritampal5292]

I love it @Deya at least someone is speaking the truth here.

[@Isaac-vy5sd]

What a super specific video title!

[@user-nlvmruu]

this is great, as someone who started a business and failed, i agree with ALL of this

[@user-nlvmruu]

yes i quit when i made 100k+ because i couldnt operate without myself and i could not create systems in retrospect while maintaining the income.. it was so overwhelming

[@sul-dev]

this is such a good video

[@less_thanONEmin]

YOUR VOICE AND ways ABOUT TRUE LIFE THING ... I LOVE YOUR VIDEO .

[@Marie-xx5oi]

It not about the time you put into your business it’s the impact * decision fatigue Amazing content!

[@Diego_Cabrera]

The first point is so true. As a freelance web developer it’s tuff to find clients.

[@kyla_manlangit]

I rarely leave comments but man this is potent video with a bunch of need to know stuff around starting a business

[@thatsnotmyname2798]

LOVE these videos ! Also, what are those animals 🤣so cute😍😂

[@elenagrishina2376]

you are so amazing!

[@TheYoutubeListener]

I love your cat stickers in the video 🥹🥹🥲

[@twiddles]

I'm 3 years into self-employment, quit the corporate rat race 3 years ago. This is very solid advice.

[@MadsShades]

Thanks! fascinating information keep it up!

[@LoveIsWar977]

Thanks for this. I've been in and out wondering if I should do a startup, been building towards an MVP for months, but just taking a pause right now and doing some deep thinking.

[@mandeepsinghbhatia7]

This video should have 1 M views. Just amazing content❤

[@MyNameIsDeya]

that's super kind, thank you!

[@mbumichaelify]

Thank you sharing!

[@SekPlus]

My favorite other than the incredibly insightful info are the fluffy memes on each page

[@zeynepnazaydn3013]

Such a great video! Incredible, thank you for your views. I rarely write comments on KZbin but your video made me jump to the comments section to praise your work.

[@getbusywithme]

I really appreciate this video, Thank you x

[@MyNameIsDeya]

appreciate you!!!

[@MissBananaYT]

I'm 27 and i'm struggling with being stuck as an employee in jobs that don't pay enough and are not satisfying. I have started looking into starting a small business to hopefully move towards a self sustaining business. Thank you so much for this video and the validation.

[@kafenaded]

THE ROLLERCOASTER 1S FUN!

[@Rockerfeller26]

I love this video so much....😢

[@RayvenMichelle]

You skin is so GORGEOUS! 🥹

[@suvendroseal1724]

omg agree so much

[@npo2i-iy3iq]

Can't express how the "entrepreneur rat-race" is an important concept to discuss. Every beginner entrepreneur starts working 3 times more than when they were employees, and a huge part of that is not even the lack of money, or the fear of lack, but just that dumb social comparison social media algorithms amplify in our mind: We're always "less good" than someone who is "perfect" (on appearance), so we should work more. But that's a never ending game. There's always someone shinier, stronger, more successful etc. Great book that made me drop down that pressure for good: 10 arguments for deleting your social media accounts by Jaron Lanier. Made me understand 90% of the pressure I was putting on myself was purely artificial and made up by algorithms that have become too good at spotting our insecurities and vulnérabilities, and play on them to get us much more addicted to the screen.

[@OpaqueEscape]

Im going through the same thing it is such a challenge. However I feel myself learning and growing from it so much!

[@MindJoBizness]

Super helpful. Thank you for your authentic advice. If I could hit like a second time I would!

[@SaileeIvic]

WOW, everything is spot on! I am in the first phase and looking for (a) business bestie(s)!

[@siobhanrachel2969]

Real shit this talk ❤