I almost gave up on my small business 🥺
I’ve been hesitant to share this, but I think someone might need to hear it.
This year, I’ve been struggling with depression. There have been days when getting out of bed felt difficult, let alone finding the energy to run my small business, The Cloud Project.
But I kept trying.
And this week, two things happened that once felt completely unattainable: The Cloud Project was featured in a magazine article, and I received my first retail order 🥳
I’m incredibly proud of those moments, but I’m also proud that I kept going long enough to experience them.
I’m not sharing this because I want sympathy or pity. I’m sharing it because sometimes we need to be reminded that progress doesn’t always look like a huge accomplishment.
Sometimes progress is simply getting out of bed.
Sometimes it’s answering one email. Making one product. Taking one more step.
Both matter 💙
If you’re going through a dark season right now, please remember that where you are today isn’t where you’ll always be.
The dark clouds don’t last forever. There are brighter days ahead ⛅️
Running a small business while facing depression is one of the toughest challenges anyone can endure. From personal experience, I know how overwhelming it can be to juggle mental health struggles alongside the pressures of entrepreneurship. Many days, it felt impossible to even start my work, let alone move my business forward. What really helped me was embracing the idea that progress doesn't have to be monumental every day. Sometimes, it was just about getting out of bed and opening my computer. Other days, replying to a single message or finishing one small task made all the difference. These tiny victories gradually built momentum and prevented me from feeling completely stuck. Like The Cloud Project founder, I found motivation in the vision of my brand's potential impact—not only on customers but on my own wellbeing. Celebrating early wins, such as a retail order or media feature, was crucial for renewing my drive. These milestones, though modest, were affirmations that the hard days were paving the way to future success. For anyone going through a dark season, remember that your current state isn’t permanent. The clouds may feel heavy now, but there are brighter days ahead. Reaching out for support, practicing self-compassion, and breaking tasks into manageable pieces can help sustain you through difficult times. It’s important to acknowledge that running a business is not always a straight path of growth. Its challenges often intersect with personal hurdles. Being honest about mental health and persistence can inspire others facing similar battles to keep moving forward. Progress—no matter how small—matters deeply and deserves recognition on your journey to success.
