My (Convoluted) Entrepreneurial Journey
I’ve always been inspired by those courageous enough to set out as entrepreneurs. People like Sarah Goodman, the founder of Chiwis and lover of snacks, or like Sara Blakely, who founded Spanx with $5,000 and a good dose of determination, or Whitney Wolfe Herd, who built Bumble into a billion-dollar company by focusing on what women wanted in a dating app. Their stories remind me that entrepreneurship is as much about resilience as innovation. It’s about learning from mistakes, pivoting when necessary, and never losing sight of your vision.
Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey is rarely a straight path (and rare seems like a generous term!). It is filled with twists, turns, pivots, summersaults, lessons, and, of course, trial and error. My journey has been nothing short of convoluted and, at times, unintentional. But through this journey, I’ve found a path that gets me excited—that energizes rather than depletes—helping others navigate the chaotic world of start-ups and small businesses.
Where it started: a teaching art studio…for adults!
My first true taste of entrepreneurship came when I got a call from an old art teacher. She had a dream of starting a teaching studio for adults. At the time, I was driven by a passion for the arts and a desire to create a space where aspiring artists could build community. This studio was, and remains, more than just a business; it is a community hub where creativity and connection come to the forefront.
Building the studio from the ground up taught me a lot about bringing a dream to fruition. Fresh from a BA in psychology, I found myself developing class schedules, implementing marketing plans, managing finances, and building relationships with suppliers—all while maintaining a high standard of teaching that kept our students engaged and inspired. It was out of my wheelhouse, but it was utterly invigorating. Starting this business gave me my first real insight into the importance of understanding your audience and creating value that resonates with them.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this (ad)venture was seeing the very real impact it had on the students. Watching them grow in confidence and build community reminded me that entrepreneurship isn’t just about profits; it’s about creating something meaningful that makes a difference in people’s lives. This early (ad)venture solidified my belief in the power of community-focused businesses and laid the groundwork, though I didn’t truly realize it, for a great deal of my career.
Learning to scale: from cardboard boxes to virtual filing
I vividly remember a client of the studio telling me; “My husband could really use someone like you”. When it came time to move on from the studio, I reached out to this client and met with her husband, ultimately stumbling into a job at his software development company.
With this company, I began to see the unbelievable impact that well-designed systems can have on a business’s ability to scale. One of my key responsibilities was reviewing the systems in place (not many) and implementing new ones to streamline operations. The impact ranged from a reduction in expenditures by 20% (purchasing procedures) to a 5-fold reduction in accounts receivable (invoicing procedures). This was a game-changer, not just in terms of financial gain but in how it helped drastically reduce chaos for the team.
This phase of my journey reinforced my understanding that chaos can often be mitigated through planning and implementing efficient processes. I carry this lesson with me to this day, and it has become a cornerstone of the work I do with my clients.
Incredible opportunity: a small engineering start-up… because commuting sucks!
My most formative entrepreneurial experience began when I joined Rotoliptic Technologies, a product-based start-up in the clean tech sector. I had recently moved to a new town and realized that the job I was in wasn’t worth the commute. I happened upon a job posting that said “locals only” and figured it wouldn’t hurt to apply. I didn’t realize that this would be a unique opportunity to be part of something from the beginning, to help shape a company’s direction and growth strategy from the ground up. It is exhilarating, challenging, and sometimes overwhelming—but it is also where I have learned some of the most important lessons of my career.
At Rotoliptic, I have created corporate systems, allowing us to scale efficiently. I have grown our team, I have built up our culture, I have made incredible friends and navigated some incredibly stressful situations. I had the opportunity to develop almost everything –financial systems, human resources, logistics, communication – the list feels endless. One of my favourite memories was when my team expanded, and one of the team members said, “But our policy says…” and I was able to respond, “I wrote the policy, and it worked at the time. If it isn’t working for us now, let’s change it!”.
One of the most far-reaching lessons I have learned at Rotoliptic is the importance of leadership and team dynamics. As we have scaled, maintaining our company culture remains a top priority. It isn’t enough to simply hire more people; we need to ensure that our team works well together, that they are motivated, and that they believe in the company’s mission. This experience continues to underscore the idea that a company is only as strong as its people and that leadership plays a crucial role in building the train, laying the track, and mapping the route.
Many successes have marked my journey at Rotoliptic, but the challenges always provide the most valuable lessons. We continually navigate the complexities of early-stage company development – securing investment, extending the runway, managing rapid growth, maintaining engagement, scaling efficiently, and so on. In living this experience, I have realized that I want to share this with other founders struggling to navigate the chaos of early-stage business (hence, Pharo Consulting!).
Why I do what I do, in a nutshell
Now, as the founder of Pharo Consulting, I draw on all these experiences to help other entrepreneurs navigate their own convoluted journeys. I understand the challenges of starting and scaling a business because I’ve lived them. My mission is to provide the guidance and support I needed during those early days—helping business owners reduce chaos, streamline their operations, and achieve sustainable growth.
Whether you’re just starting or you’re ready to take your business to the next level, I’m here to help! My approach is grounded in the belief that with the right systems, strategies, and support, you can build a business that not only succeeds but makes a meaningful impact.
Food for thought: What systems or processes could you implement to reduce chaos in your business?
If you’re looking for a partner to help guide you through the complexities of entrepreneurship, let’s connect. Whether it’s developing a strategic plan, building a cohesive team, or simply navigating the day-to-day challenges of running a business, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Reach out today to learn more about how Pharo Consulting can help you achieve the growth you are looking for.
