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

[@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

[@Ahmed-iam]

Hope you aint killing kids rn

[@zerothehero3426]

Fart

[@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

[@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!

[@anwulika.o]

Shout out to all the 20 something solo founders ✊🏾

[@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

[@Elizebeth206]

I agree!! Tho Im 18💀😭.

[@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!

[@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

[@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! 😌

[@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!

[@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!

[@ibby4355]

Starting my first one at 22, totally in the cold start phase. That tip about emotionally detaching is so good. I was so angry today lol.

[@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 :)

[@gabriellemiekayla]

This is amazing, Deya. I've tried to start so many times and i kept stopping at the same point -- whenever i think i'm not good enough or when colossal stress from potential accountability starts causing me to feel anxious and overwhelmed. So glad to hear all that you've shared. I'm gonna give it another go and make sure it happens this time!!!

[@drunkengraves]

This video came so timely. Watching this as someone who has journeyed through the 3 stages hits so different. Resonated with every single one of those problems (and still facing some today). Loved it!!

[@HighlandRimCandles]

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

[@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

[@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

[@happyhoundsdogtraining]

I feel like I'm just bingeing your content and commenting on everything now, but THANK YOU!! How you think about business and life balance is so refreshing 👏

[@ab1otic222]

Excellent. Just the ticket to start the weekend on.

[@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.

[@musicbyplv]

Hi Deya! Recently discovered your channel and it's AMAZING! I'm going to binge-watch all your videos in the next few days 😂 It's such a refreshing approach to entrepreneurship and being your own boss, so many of the things you said helped me!! It's also SOOOOO relatable, literally everything in the 0-50K part I felt before getting there - every single thing!!! And now I'm struggling to get from 50k to 100k but mostly because of how I approach it on a day to day basis so your videos are super helpful. I do have one question though - could you explain which systems you put in place in your business? The part at 19:50 is where I struggle the most so it would be very helpful, maybe even a video idea for you 😉 Thanks! ❤

[@MaximusCostantino]

telling me to square up to my problems is the best way to frame it

[@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.

[@giulia1775]

Finally this is the most real video i've seen here on youtube about running your own business! THANK YOU

[@BBourn1]

I honor you. That sounds cringey, but whatever. This is the first video of yours I’ve ever seen, and I thank you so much. There’s something super authentic and real about the content of your retrospective. It’s probably the most honest and relatable account of how the journey looks and feels and the nightmares it can bring. You deserve success and for your channel to take off. I hope it does if you want it to. I don’t ever post comments, but I’m so impressed that I had to say something to you. Thank you. With sincerity.

[@MyNameIsDeya]

that's so kind of you, thank you so much!

[@rohansamal]

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

[@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.

[@gigimonzon4635]

The expressions you use during the video, I love it!! besides the very useful information you give, I enjoy hearing you talk, so relatable hahah

[@valentinneher]

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!

[@supercarlos625]

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

[@4lternater3ality82]

i relate so heavily to your personality haha just started my business in march of this year, in the $10k+ range. it was nice to see you talk about the progression of problems and it makes me look forward to growing my businesss!! first video i've watched of yours and totally subscribing / binging :)

[@lilyroberts95]

This video made me feel so much better. I just launched my jewellery business and didn't quite make the splash I hoped. The cold start especially I relate to so much - being a shy person it's so hard to put myself out there as much as I need to! But you give me faith that it'll be worth it.

[@romeacristina]

This video was so inspiring and helpful just like AAAALLLLLLL of your videos!!! I feel SEEN! I am struggling so much mentally at my current position and I just need a change so I have been trying to build my business so that I can venture on my own to do Social Media management. I need to be in a creative role where I am not stuck at a desk in the same florescent lighting slowly feeling like my soul is being sucked out of my body. You are helping me feel a lot better about the decision to start a business and I can see the light of being able to be on my own soon enough! THANK YOU!

[@MyNameIsDeya]

ahhh thank you, Romea!!!! this is so sweet. cheering you on on this exciting new journey!!! :)

[@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.

[@angienilon1233]

So glad that KZbin proposed this video for me, I love your energy for real! I’m on stage 0$-50’000$ and it feels so good to have a video to relate, I’m a lot alone right now and seeing this helped me see that I’m on the good way and that it just takes time :)

[@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 💪💪

[@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!

[@reconcilecraftco]

I loved this video, the phase breakdowns, and your humor! I'm def subscribing! I'm in the starter phase of selling handmade crafts and so honestly I'm just watching a ton of folks studio vlogs. yesterday I watched a fellow youtube crafter having an actual breakdown over her business and because I was a third party I could easily see "hey yo its honestly not that bad" but it really solidified and matched what you said in the baggage section: I've REALLY got to detach my identity from this whole thing. If it fails(hopefully it wont this is so fun right now), it will be fine and I will be fine. 😆

[@amorphess]

was in the lowest slump with my business and general life. thank you for the nuanced reality check cause i really really needed it

[@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.

[@AvaNoelleArtistry]

wow this video is so underrated

[@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.

[@serenajuhuisuh]

This actually so refreshing / needed for me. Was in a slump and this gave me some fresh things to think about!

[@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! 😅

[@tonyfromhogwarts]

"If I keep trying my best I cannot possibly fail." love it, saved it, using it, Thank you!

[@twiddles]

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

[@pkale7176]

Great Video Deya! You are really an inspiration!!

[@MyNameIsDeya]

that's so kind, thank you!

[@crystaltharrell]

I am 20 seconds in and OMG, girl!!! 😭 I feel so seen. I graduated with my PhD this past May and got a "safe" corporate job and literally hated working at the bottom doing tasks I could have done with my BA. Thank you for making this video because it's a confirmation that using my degree to create something that benefits all involved was the best choice. It's so exciting to know that more people feel this way.

[@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 😊

[@lindsey6975]

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

[@shelly4444-s4d]

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.

[@elvisvan]

this knowledge is to be saved, re-watched, reflected on, improved, and recommended👌🏼👏🏼✅

[@sandraharris8209]

This could apply to anyone starting a business at any age as opposed to someone starting a business in their twenties. I’ve just started a business. I’m still working a full time job and I’m definitely not in my twenties. But I’ve found this video so helpful. I needed to see this today. Thank you! ☺️

[@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.

[@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😅

[@Vicente_visuals]

This video is just what I needed right now. Since that's what I'm going through, you actually made me feel so much better

[@lunirith]

binge watching your channel, this ADVICE IS AMAZING.

[@parneetsabharwal5684]

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

[@angelicaamora11]

This is the MOST genuine I felt and seen. I'm currently going thru the crisis of starting the business right now, I felt this so much. Thank you. Liked n Subbed!

[@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 👏

[@laura.laboone]

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!

[@noahmullins2413]

You're awesome! I'm in the cold start phase and this is so relatable.

[@aycakratos0]

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

[@RayvenMichelle]

You skin is so GORGEOUS! 🥹

[@suvendroseal1724]

omg agree so much

[@mandeepsinghbhatia7]

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

[@MyNameIsDeya]

that's super kind, thank you!

[@Diego_Cabrera]

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

[@Honeystarzzz]

Hi Deya. I am a new buisness owner and I've been going to this video every time I needed reminders I am still in stage 1 (0-50k), but I am confident with enough time and perseverance, this business is going to work. You are absolutely right about the lone wolf part and I haven't tried yet to find a co-working friend here. I'll update to u again once I past this stage.

[@EdTaylorADHDCoach]

All of this is perfect😪 As someone who's in their (mid? late?) 20s and has just gone full time as a self-employed ADHD coach I am very much still in the £0-£50000 category and figuring it out step by step every day. For anyone else who's a solopreneur - how are you finding it?!

[@carolmendes2011]

So happy that I find this channel ❤

[@MyNameIsDeya]

so happy to have you here, Carol!

[@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.

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!

[@kyla_manlangit]

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

[@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.

[@suvendroseal1724]

The examples in this video are sooo good.

[@JFel3373]

Finally someone who speaks in details not like those people who say do this do that and u will get 10 000 dollars in 1 month. Thank you sis 😊❤

[@Marie-xx5oi]

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

[@CocoGlows]

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

[@LordGooben]

An actual legit tale on Business. Points nailed; business is not as easy as most people think it is. I'm still in the Cold Start faze but I've had several businesses over the years. It becomes challenging especially if you have a full-time job. Right now I'm just trying to work out leads.

[@KrushaPatell]

this doesn’t just apply to starting a business. i feel like this applies to all aspects of life

[@duchessontheroad]

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.

[@muallaozdemir1012]

one of the BEST videos out there

[@siljasarkka]

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

[@miss88834]

Youre sooo underrated 😭❤️❤️❤️💯

[@Mel-ol1vq]

Love your work ethic, and your accent 👌🙌

[@naryiaana_fedorova]

Hello everybody! I have started my journey in a business a long time ago, but never been consistent with it. This is my last try at it and in the 6 months span I will be a different person with new results. Thank you!❤

[@clairezhang6765]

i don't leave comments a lot but this video is GREAT!! I am experiencing every single stage!!

[@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.

[@JollyRoger183]

I think I have to save every single one of your videos in my favorites playlist 😊

[@SekPlus]

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

[@yungxwavy8654]

You did a great job on this video!

[@jameslesterart1421]

Looooove this! So well laid out, and really thorough, actionable advice. Thank you!

[@lexusspinato7197]

instantly subscribed. love the way you think and communicate

[@CynDoodles-tj8ud]

From all the videos in that genera that I have watch, this one is my favorite. It is spot on. Good job! ❤

[@ulyanakorshkova4030]

Gorgeous video! Thank you for sharing your experience, its super precious ❤‍🔥

[@RachelAntidormi]

this is so real & so helpful, thank you so much

[@ariahemin1000]

This is exactly what i needed to hear thanks for the video

[@rifathossain328]

Its true , 😢 so frustrating at the early stage

[@SaintPepsiSanCoca]

The cold start really is tough, people don't really understand what you go through, both me and my partner are working on our businesses, I work full time on the side. I'm building engaging apps and games, my partner is designing her own clothing line. it's a lot of work and it can be hard, but we can really bounce off each other, we both contribute to each other's business with ideas, work or knowing when to have a break. I hope that both our businesses will grow to be successful so that it can fuel our dreams to create a rescue/sanctuary fuelled by our thriving businesses. that's the dream at least.

[@Tooniverse-webtoon]

authenticity is indeed magnetic.

[@OpaqueEscape]

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