In the world of entrepreneurship, there is a unique kind of power—the power to dream, to create, and to build something that is undeniably your own. It’s not just about running a business or generating income; it’s about believing in your vision when no one else does and nurturing that belief until it becomes a reality. The following are some of the lessons I have learned about this journey.
When I started my own journey as a piano instructor entrepreneur, It took me years to realize that the biggest challenge wasn’t external. It wasn’t the competition, the market trends, or even the lack of resources—it was internal. It was about quieting the doubts that whispered, “What if I fail?” It was about standing tall in the face of uncertainty and reminding myself that my vision was worth pursuing. And isn’t that the cornerstone of entrepreneurship? The ability to believe in yourself, even when the world around you remains unconvinced.
Believing in your vision takes an incredible amount of courage—especially when you’re comparing it to someone else’s polished success. It’s easy to feel like your ideas and efforts don’t measure up. But the truth is, every great brand, every influential idea, every remarkable business started the same way—with someone who dared to take the first step.
That first step looks different for everyone. If you’re serious about an idea, I recommend creating a general outline of your goals and milestones and have a clear starting point. There’s a famous Chinese proverb that says, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step,” and it couldn’t be more true, hence the bolded phrases. Taking that initial step gives you the courage to take the second, then the third. Before you know it, you’ll look up and realize you’ve arrived.
#2. Your Brand Is You.
Taking pride in your brand is an act of self-empowerment—a recognition that what you’re building is an extension of who you are. Whether it’s a piano studio, a nonprofit, or any other endeavor, your brand reflects your values, vision, and commitment to excellence. For years, I struggled with embracing pride in my ideas and vision, fearing it might come across as arrogance. After much reflection, countless moments of doubt, and encouragement from a small circle of trusted friends and family, I realized that taking pride in your brand isn’t about arrogance—it’s about owning your efforts, progress, and potential.
My piano studio business, for example, is in my living room, where I’ve chosen to have two grand pianos. Every detail, from the couch, pillows, and lighting to the website aesthetic, policies, and billing, reflects decisions I’ve made. I’ve determined the curriculum, materials, and even the cost of lessons based on what I believe is fair and effective.
In addition, because of less-than-ideal experiences working with small companies and big corporations, I especially value the freedom to choose who I work with. In my case, I only take on clients who share a foundation of mutual respect and kindness. No longer will I make business transactions of any kind with an angry and entitled customer just to fulfill a corporate metric that determines my future promotion and my worth.
Owning my brand means shaping every aspect of it to align with my values—and that’s something I’m proud of.
#3. Creating Is Vulnerable.
One of the most transformative lessons I've learned is that creating something—anything—is inherently vulnerable. Taking an idea, turning it into reality, sharing it with the world, and standing by it—flaws and all—requires courage, trust, and a great deal of vulnerability.
When I started my studio, I was filled with questions and doubts: Am I truly qualified with just a Bachelor’s degree in music, without a master’s or doctorate? Should I have an MBA to run a business? Why would anyone want to take lessons from me when there are already so many amazing piano teachers in my area? Is investing in a second grand piano a wise decision when it’s so expensive, and I’m not sure I can recruit enough students to justify it? Who am I to run this entire operation? I’m just a young guy in my 20s with hardly anything to my name.
Despite these doubts, I realized that every expert starts somewhere, and what I lacked in credentials or resources, I made up for with passion, dedication, and a genuine desire to help others experience the joy of music. I leaned into my strengths, trusted my training, and reminded myself that building something meaningful takes time. Starting my studio became not just a career move but a way to prove to myself that I was capable of turning those uncertainties into confidence and action.
So, if you’re an entrepreneur or dreaming of becoming one, let this be a reminder: you are capable of extraordinary things. Your vision has value, even if it’s a work in progress. Take pride in what you’re building, because it is uniquely yours. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and don’t let the fear of imperfection stop you from moving forward.
The power of an entrepreneur lies not in flawless execution but in relentless belief. Believe in your vision. Believe in your ability to bring it to life. And most importantly, believe in yourself. That belief is your greatest asset, your most vital resource, and the foundation upon which your success will be built.
Really enjoyed this post and the timing couldn’t have been better! Looking forward to the next one.