Running your own business can be incredibly rewarding when it aligns with your personal goals and aspirations. Yet, we often skip taking time to celebrate our achievements and to review where we are in our journey. We get so absorbed in dealing with the challenges that come with entrepreneurship that we forget the dreams that made us start in the first place.

I built my activewear brand, Daquïni, from scratch. I had no background in fashion or connections, but I had a vision that set my soul on fire, and I followed my instincts. I knew exactly what I wanted and was obsessed with creating the most amazing products and experiences for my future customers. After a year of preparation and driving all manufacturers crazy with my ideas, I launched my online store with my first collection ready to ship worldwide.

I started running Facebook ads, and not knowing where to start, I test-targeted countries all over the world. Soon, I began receiving inquiries from stockists from New York to Sydney, as well as from 5-star resorts and department stores, including Bergdorf Goodman. Within a few years, Daquïni was stocked by premium and luxury retailers in over 20 countries. My designs were worn by celebrities and featured in magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, Elle, Forbes, and many more. They were also recently featured in the latest Mark Wahlberg movie, Arthur the King.

Over those twelve years, I experienced the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Driven by my passion, I worked 16-18 hour days without weekends off during the first years. I loved every minute of it. But once the brand was built and thriving, I felt trapped.

I had to run a company and keep the business growing, but I had no idea how to delegate or motivate people. Slowly, my initial excitement was replaced by emptiness, and all that remained were anxiety and anger. I couldn't take a day off, fearing everything would fall apart without me. I lost trust in everyone, especially myself.