Have you ever felt like you're doing everything right in your business, yet somehow it's still not enough? That feeling of running uphill, alone, in silence—even as you check all the entrepreneurial boxes everyone says lead to success?

This raw, unfiltered conversation pulls back the curtain on what entrepreneurship really feels like behind the highlight reels. We've all been sold a fairy tale that hard work, consistency, and passion automatically unlock the dream life. But the truth? Success often comes wrapped in silence, sacrifice, and suffering that nobody posts about.

The anxiety attacks at 2 AM. The customers who ghost you. The friends who stop calling. The self-doubt that eats you alive even when your strategy is perfect. These aren't signs you're failing—they're proof you're in the trenches of real entrepreneurship. I share the story of "Kim," a candle business owner who hit $100K in her second year but almost quit because success looked good but felt "heavy as hell." That's the part we don't discuss: the birthdays missed for restocks, the relationships strained while chasing breakthroughs, the isolation of being surrounded by shipping boxes while others live their lives.

But here's the revelation that changes everything: money was never the real dream. Meaning is. You're not just building a business—you're creating a legacy, making your mark on the world. When we redefine success by how it feels rather than how it looks, everything shifts. If your business costs your health, relationships, or identity, it's not a business—it's a burden. The ultimate flex isn't going viral or getting verified; it's finding peace within your purpose.

Ready to redefine success on your terms? Text me through my website notjustcandletalk.me to share your thoughts or apply to take over an upcoming podcast episode with your entrepreneurial story. Because success should feel like freedom—and if it doesn't, it's time to burn the lie and build again.

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