By: Victoria Pasqualicchio
The age-old question of whether entrepreneurs are born with an innate set of traits. Or whether they are shaped by their experiences and environments. It’s a question that strikes at the heart of our understanding of success, innovation, and the human spirit. However, I believe entrepreneurs are made by their experiences in life and the way they are raised and treated by peers and people in their community. The life we live and the people we associate ourselves with will determine our lifestyle and life choices.
Past to Present
I was raised in a middle-class, blue-collar family. My parents and grandparents were not business owners or rich. We were rich with love and compassion, but not money. I always felt that I was never content. I was never satisfied in my career life and always wanted more. Driven by this unwavering desire for more, I embarked on a quest that would ultimately redefine the trajectory of my life. It was a journey fueled by passion, guided by purpose, and anchored in the belief that true fulfillment lies in the relentless pursuit of happiness. This brings me to believe my environment and experiences have developed me into becoming the self-made entrepreneur and businesswoman I became. My past experiences in life have led me to a lion mentality.
I am the architect of my own destiny! With sheer determination and unwavering resolve. I transformed myself from an ordinary individual into an extraordinary self-made entrepreneur and businesswoman. I started my business at the age of twenty-five. I was divorced and a single mother and wanted to prove I could give my daughter a better life. When I started my business, I had many years of practical experience in my industry. My knowledge of my industry was distinguished, and I have always wanted to keep learning and understand more and become better. Between my understanding of my industry and my knowledge of business, I was able to apply data analytics to my business to give myself a competitive advantage over my competition. And since I was on a budget at the time. I did everything myself to minimize hiring outside sources and eliminate the possibility of debt.
Determination and Growth
Challenges and setbacks are not merely roadblocks but are opportunities for growth, resilience, and transformation. My journey as a business owner has been punctuated by countless obstacles and hurdles, each presenting its own unique set of trials and tribulations. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, I chose to channel my energy into relentless determination. To keep pushing forward, to keep trying harder, and to keep seeking out new avenues for success. One of the most profound realizations I embraced on this journey was the transformative power of failure. Rather than viewing setbacks as insurmountable barriers, I chose to embrace them as invaluable learning opportunities. Each failure became a stepping stone a chance to reflect, learn, and adapt. I refused to let my mistakes define me; instead, I used them as catalysts for growth and innovation.
At the heart of my resilience as a self-made entrepreneur lies a deep-seated love for learning. A voracious appetite for knowledge that extends far beyond the confines of my industry. I have always been passionate about education, recognizing it as the cornerstone of personal and professional development. Whether immersing myself in the latest industry trends or exploring diverse subjects that pique my curiosity, I have made it my mission to never stop learning and evolving.
Networking
Another factor I learned as a self-made entrepreneur was the importance of engaging in networking activities. Cultivating relationships with mentors and peers and leveraging social connections have helped me gain more understanding of the business world and have helped me meet more people. Meeting more and new people has facilitated my business growth and success. By networking, you can access resources in your community to help you establish your business. The biggest lesson I learned was if you want something you have to go get it. Excuses sound better to the person making them up!
There is a lot of research out there that disputes my research and claims that entrepreneurs are born. The people who are born into rich families and born into businesses are lucky. They are literally handed businesses and money. However, those of us who built ourselves up from nothing. I believe we are the true entrepreneurs and the true American dream. We are lions with a lion mentality which makes us unstoppable.
In Closing
In closing, the journey of entrepreneurship is a testament to the transformative power of human experience. While some may believe that entrepreneurs are born with an inherent set of traits, and family inheritance. The evidence of self-made entrepreneurs suggests otherwise. Through education, perseverance, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of growth. Individuals can cultivate the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in the world of business. As we reflect on the countless success stories borne from humble beginnings and unwavering determination, it becomes clear that entrepreneurs are not merely born, but they are made.
