An Honest Reflection on Running A Social Enterprise
I’m 34, I’ve been running a social enterprise for 9 years, and I’m not ashamed to admit that…
1️⃣ Work-life balance? Never had it. You’d think after all this time, I’d have figured out how to “clock out” and fully enjoy what I’ve built. But honestly? It’s still hard. My brain never really switches off. Instead, I’ve learned to embrace work-life integration—because this isn’t just a job. It’s my purpose.
2️⃣ Some days, the weight of the mission feels unbearable. The responsibility, the constant push to do more, to be more—it can be overwhelming. But then I see the Ibus, standing taller, earning their own income, sending their daughters to school. I see the soil healing, the land regenerating. And I remember: real change doesn’t happen overnight—but it is happening.
Balancing purpose and profit: My day is split between traveling and scaling our farm-to-closet supply chain in the villages and ensuring there is growing demand for our Ibus’ work. The latter makes me feel like a fish out of water.
3️⃣ Most of the time, I have no idea what I’m doing. No business background. No retail experience. (Still hate shopping to this day.) I started this journey with nothing but a dream and a deep need to do something. And here I am, still figuring it out—one mistake, one lesson, one small win at a time.
4️⃣ This journey has given me the highest highs—and the lowest lows. There have been days when I felt on top of the world. And others when I couldn’t get out of bed, paralyzed by the fear of failing the people who believe in this mission. But if I had to do it all over again? I would. Because every challenge, every moment of doubt, every tear—it’s shaped me into who I am today. And that’s enough.
5️⃣ The most fulfilling part? Passing this mission forward. Watching my team grow into their own leadership. Seeing the Ibus teach each other, lifting each other up. Knowing that this work will live beyond me—that’s the real legacy. It’s not about me, it never was. It’s about the ripple effect of what we build together.
Nine years in, and I’m still learning, still growing, still waking up every day choosing this.
If I could go back a decade, I wouldn’t change a thing. Because no matter how hard it gets, I know I’m building something that matters. And for that, I’m endlessly grateful.
If any of this resonates with you, send me a note! I’d love to hear about your journey navigating the process!
