I’m a brand new entrepreneur: I’ve had a blog for over 5 years, but last week, I finally launched my e-retail site focussed on limited edition, affordable luxury imported from India. Its called Bombay Taxi, and I would love for you to check it out!

I started this journey into entrepreneurship earlier this year, and while I asked a number of people questions on various topics, I didn’t think to ask what it’s like, emotionally, to start a business. You see, I don’t really think of myself as an overly emotional person… while I have a flair for the dramatic, it’s usually pretty fleeting. But this was different – it was an emotional roller coaster, and these were my three stages:

1. Excitement: When I first decided on starting my business, I was brimming with excitement. I had so many ideas swirling, I had a kick-ass name picked, an amazing designer to create my logo… I was feeling good. Anything was possible. No idea was too crazy!!!
2. Panic: Then, reality set in. Getting the legal paperwork together, buying domain names, getting an accountant – the non-glamorous, but very real and necessary work that goes into starting a business.  As someone who is incredible self-assured and confident, I was plagued with doubt… will I have enough inventory? What if no one buys anything?? How do I take product photos? Why is this so hard? Why is it so expensive? I almost called the whole thing off more than once – the only thing that kept me going was that I had told so many people about it!
3. Relief: The sweet feeling of relief when the site finally went live. It felt like a massive weight was lifted off my shoulders. It was not perfect, but it was mine, and it was real.

I’m still in the early stages of this journey, but I’m on my way. I know I will experience these emotions many times over as a grow my business, but having been through it once, I feel like maybe I’m a little better prepared. Or maybe not. If you need me, I’ll be at my laptop, drinking wine.