I remember like it was yesterday.

I was sitting in my warehouse, scrolling through Instagram, just looking at shelves stacked with folded tees , and then this new Pharrell and Jay-Z song called Entrepreneur came on. The line that stopped me in my tracks was:

“If you can’t buy the building, at least stock the shelf.”

Man. That hit different.

First of all, I wasn’t surprised that Jay dropped a line like that, but this one stuck. If you know me, then you already know how much I love entrepreneurship. And if this is your first time reading anything from me, let me tell you this: I might be one of the most optimistic entrepreneurs walking the planet.

Sure, I complain sometimes during the tough seasons. But even when I do, I know those moments are working in my favor. And honestly? You would be wise to remember that.

OK, maybe I’m overusing this next line. But then again, I don’t think it can be overused:

All work works. It’s either working on you or working for you.

Ever since I heard that, I can’t stop saying it, or applying it to my life. So let me ask you: where are you in your journey?

Because I remember when it was just folded tees in the closet. Now I’m sitting in a 5,000 square-foot warehouse. When did this happen? That’s the crazy part — I was so focused on the work, I just looked up and realized it. But here’s what I want you to hear: I celebrated every small win along the way, not just the big ones.

Wherever you are right now, embrace every part of the journey.

If you’re still developing your why, own it. Get in the mirror and say it to yourself every day until you can talk about it confidently.

If you’re still proving your concept, create the best design you can and put it in the marketplace. Let the market talk back to you. And if it fails? No worries. Go back and refine it. You got this.

Get your brand identity together, and trademark it. If you don’t own the trademark, you don’t own the brand. Protect yourself. Don’t build in vain. This is intellectual property, baby.

And don’t sleep on your business structure either. You don’t have to scramble for funding when you’re building properly. Build your personal credit and leverage that until your business credit is strong. Yes, there’s a difference, but we’ll talk about that another day. And yes, grants are out there for you too.

Dear entrepreneur:

You got this.

Faith.

Imagination.

Hope.

Perseverance.

See it. Trust God through it all. Submit your plans to Him and walk toward what you saw.

God Bless The Entrepreneur®️