The path of entrepreneurship is rarely a straight line. Today, on my journey of building Arum.care—a holistic brand dedicated to simplified self-care for busy lives—I received three no’s and one yes.
It’s moments like these that test our commitment to our vision. For me, they left two choices:
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Option A: Use those no’s as fuel to power my mission of bringing Hooyo, our soothing body oil, to people seeking natural relief from stress and menstrual pain.
- Option B: Let the whispers of doubt win, convincing me that maybe this wasn’t meant to be.
As an insistent and persistent Leo, I chose Option A. Because in the world of entrepreneurship, setbacks are stepping stones, not stopping points.
Why Resilience Matters in Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship demands stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing risks to see your vision come to life. But rejection is inevitable. Whether it’s a declined partnership, a missed funding opportunity, or constructive criticism, these “no’s” can feel like roadblocks.
Yet, they are far from the end of the road. Every rejection refines your vision, strengthens your determination, and brings you closer to success. It’s all about perspective—each “no” is a learning opportunity.
Lessons Learned: How to Turn No’s into Fuel
1. Revisit Your Mission and Know Your Why
Rejections are a chance to reconnect with your core purpose. Why did you start this journey? For Arum.care, it’s about empowering others with natural self-care solutions. Knowing your "why" helps you stay grounded and fuels your drive when challenges arise.
2. Adopt a Growth Mindset
Instead of seeing no’s as failures, treat them as feedback. What can you refine or approach differently? This perspective allows you to turn obstacles into opportunities.
3. Lean Into Community
Share your story(like what I am doing here 😉), and you’ll discover others who’ve walked similar paths. There’s strength in connecting with like-minded individuals who can offer encouragement and advice.
A Proverb to Live By: Fall Down Seven Times, Get Up Eight
One of my favorite reminders comes from a Japanese proverb: “Fall down seven times, get up eight.” It speaks to the essence of resilience—not just in entrepreneurship but in life.
For every setback, there’s an opportunity to rise stronger and more determined. Rejections are inevitable, but giving up is optional.
The Future is Waiting
To all the dreamers, builders, and visionaries facing their own “no’s,” remember: the road may be tough, but it’s worth it. Your dreams deserve your persistence. Keep going, because your future self—and the people your work will impact—will thank you.
Every no is a step closer to your next yes.
Take care,
Ayan
Founder of arum.care
