A Journey of Hard Work, Perseverance, and Triumph

This week has been a really busy week. From one meeting to another, my schedule has been packed with discussions, decisions, and direction-setting. But through the busyness and hustle, one truth stands out more than ever before: there is no greater feeling than being your own boss.

Starting your own company(DEBRASCA) is no small feat. It requires immense dedication, constant learning, and a never-ending commitment to making your vision a reality. This journey is filled with challenges, but also incredible moments of growth and reward. Every long hour, every tough decision, and every risk taken has led me to this point, and in those rare moments of reflection, I can honestly say that it’s all worth it.

This week, I experienced a moment that validated all the hard work: I sealed a jackpot deal with 22 factories in China across a range of industries, including clothing, electronics, perfume, house accessories, shoes, bags, and hair products. This isn’t just a win for me—it’s a game-changer for my entire startup and for my country I aim to serve. This breakthrough wouldn’t have been possible without the knowledge I gained from my management classes. Every lesson I learned—from business strategy, market environment, culture, and operations management to negotiation tactics and leadership principles—played an integral role in helping me navigate the fast-paced world of business.

But while the deal itself is monumental, the real victory lies in the opportunities it will create. The most promising outcome of this partnership is that Liberians will now have access to goods directly from China at factory and wholesale prices. This is not just about scaling a business; it’s about addressing a gap in the market and bringing affordable, high-quality products to people who need them. It’s about opening doors for entrepreneurs, consumers, and everyone in between. For me, this is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship—to the idea that when you solve problems and fill gaps, you create a ripple effect that benefits everyone.

It’s humbling to realize how much one’s hard work and persistence can impact an entire community. It’s easy to get caught up in the technicalities of business—numbers, contracts, products—but the bigger picture is always about people. This week, I was reminded that success isn’t just about financial gain; it’s about creating opportunities for others. My startup is now part of that equation, and that feels incredibly rewarding.

Yet, even with this achievement, I know that life is a continuous journey of growth, learning, and adapting. There will always be highs and lows, and in those moments, it’s easy to question whether the journey is worth it. But through all of the ups and downs, one thing has become clear: the key to success lies in resilience. It lies in thinking, acting, and behaving like the person you envision yourself to be.

The most powerful thing I’ve learned this week is the importance of staying true to your vision. There are countless distractions in the world—people who doubt you, challenges that arise, and moments when things don’t go as planned. But the people who succeed are those who are persistent, who take those setbacks in stride, and keep pushing forward. It’s about remaining focused, constantly refining your strategy, and, most importantly, believing in yourself even when the road ahead seems uncertain.

This week, I also took time to pause and appreciate the simple things. While my days were full of meetings and decisions, I made a conscious effort to unwind. I didn’t do anything extraordinary, except cooking dinner and enjoying a quiet meal with friends. But it was these small moments of joy and relaxation that gave me the energy to keep moving forward. Entrepreneurship is hard work, but it’s also about finding balance and knowing when to step back, recharge, and reconnect with the people and activities that ground you.

For anyone considering stepping into the world of entrepreneurship, my advice is simple: keep going. Success rarely comes overnight. There are no shortcuts, no magic formulas. But through hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to learn and adapt, you will find that your moment will come. It may not happen on your timeline, but when it does, you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come—and how much you’ve learned along the way.

Being your own boss isn’t just a job; it’s a mindset. It’s about having the courage to step out on your own, to make tough decisions, and to stand up for the vision you have for your life. It’s about owning your mistakes, learning from them, and continuously growing. It’s about realizing that the challenges you face are not roadblocks, but opportunities to become better, smarter, and more resilient.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on this journey is that success is not solely measured by how much money you make or how many deals you close. It’s measured by the impact you have on others. It’s about the people you serve, the problems you solve, and the difference you make in the world. In the end, it’s about building something that not only brings you joy and fulfillment but also helps others in meaningful ways.

So, to anyone out there who is working tirelessly on a dream—whether it’s a business, a personal project, or a vision—keep moving forward. Keep learning. Keep evolving. Embrace the setbacks, and cherish the victories. And above all, trust that with every step you take, you are becoming the person you’ve always envisioned yourself to be.

Success is not a destination—it’s a journey. And while the road may be long, the rewards are immeasurable. Here’s to the journey ahead. Here’s to being your own boss and creating a life that aligns with your passion, purpose, and vision.

• The Entrepreneur’s Journey