The truth about managing finances as a new ENTREPRENEUR
Aemen Aisha: CEO - Create With Aemen
In the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Aemen, a budding entrepreneur who shared her transformative journey from a conventional 9-to-5 job to the unpredictable yet exhilarating world of entrepreneurship. Aemen's story is not just about starting a business; it’s a narrative filled with lessons on financial management, personal growth, and the importance of community in the entrepreneurial landscape.
The Leap into Entrepreneurship
Aemen's journey began with a pivotal conversation that challenged her to reconsider her career path. Like many, she worked tirelessly for someone else's dreams, feeling unfulfilled and uncertain about her future. The turning point came when a friend encouraged her to leap into entrepreneurship despite her financial concerns. Aemen expressed her fears about insufficient savings, a common apprehension for many aspiring entrepreneurs.
She shared that many people she spoke to before starting their businesses had saved substantial amounts—often around 30,000 AED—before leaping. This safety net provided them with a cushion to fall back on during the uncertain early days of their ventures. However, Aemen had only her last month’s salary and a small investment of 1,500 AED for her business license. This stark contrast highlights a significant aspect of entrepreneurship: the varying paths individuals take based on their circumstances.
Financial Management: A Learning Curve
One of the most enlightening parts of Aemen's story was her candid admission about her struggles with financial management. She confessed that she only began understanding her finances a month before our conversation. This is a reality many entrepreneurs face—while they may be passionate about their ideas, the financial aspect can often feel overwhelming.
Aemen emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset regarding finances. She mentioned the power of affirmations, stating that instead of focusing on debts and negative thoughts, one should cultivate a mindset that attracts opportunities and financial abundance. This shift in perspective is crucial for anyone starting a business, as it can significantly impact decision-making and overall mental health.
Setting Goals and Manifesting Success
As the conversation progressed, Aemen shared her vision for the future. She desired stability—a stable home, a reliable vehicle, and a supportive partner. This longing for stability is a common theme among entrepreneurs, especially those recently transitioned from traditional employment. The uncertainty of entrepreneurship can be daunting, making the idea of a stable personal life even more appealing.
Aemen also discussed the practice of writing down goals and manifesting them. Inspired by her business coach, she participated in an exercise where she wrote a letter to her future self, envisioning her life five years later. This visualization practice is a powerful tool that many successful entrepreneurs use to clarify their goals and stay motivated.
The Importance of Networking and Business Development
Aemen's insights into networking were particularly valuable. She highlighted the necessity of continuous business development, even when things seem stable. Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of becoming complacent once they have secured a few clients, but Aemen learned the hard way that client relationships can be unpredictable.
She stressed the importance of attending networking events and consistently meeting new people to keep the pipeline of potential clients flowing. This proactive approach is essential in a competitive market, where relying solely on existing clients can lead to vulnerability.
Learning from Others: Role Models and Inspirations
Throughout the episode, Aemen spoke about the importance of having role models in the entrepreneurial space. She drew inspiration from her business coach, who shared his journey as a single father building a successful business. This personal connection to her coach's story helped Aemen relate to the struggles and triumphs of entrepreneurship.
Aemen also mentioned well-known figures like Messi and Ronaldo, whose journeys from humble beginnings to global stardom are powerful reminders of resilience and determination. These stories resonate with many aspiring entrepreneurs, illustrating that success often comes from overcoming adversity.
Building a Community: Creatives in UAE
One of the most exciting developments in Aemen's journey has been her initiative to create a community for freelancers and creatives in the UAE. Initially a small group, Aemen rebranded it to "Creatives in UAE," transforming it into a supportive network for individuals in the creative industry.
This community provides a platform for sharing opportunities, resources, and advice. Aemen recognized the growing trend of community-building among freelancers and took ownership of this asset, positioning herself as a leader in the space. The importance of community cannot be overstated; it provides a sense of belonging and support often lacking in the freelance world.
The Influencer Landscape: Navigating Challenges
Aemen's experience as an influencer also came to light during our conversation. She began her influencer journey in 2020 when platforms like TikTok were gaining popularity. However, she acknowledged that the influencer market has become saturated, making it challenging to stand out.
Despite the competition, Aemen remains optimistic about the opportunities available in Dubai. She believes that while the market is crowded, everyone still has room to thrive. This perspective is crucial for anyone entering a competitive field, as it encourages resilience and creativity.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
As Aemen navigates her entrepreneurial journey, she struggles to balance her personal brand with her business. She has two pages—one for her brand and another for her business. This duality allows her to showcase her entrepreneurial journey while also maintaining her original content that attracted followers in the first place.
Aemen's approach to content creation reflects the evolving nature of personal branding. She understands that her audience is interested in her journey, struggles, and successes, and she aims to provide a mix of personal insights and professional updates. This balance is essential for maintaining engagement and authenticity in a crowded digital space.
Mental Health and Well-Being
Aemen's reflections on mental health were particularly poignant. She shared how transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship has impacted her mental well-being. In a corporate environment, she often felt the pressure of strict schedules and the fear of financial repercussions for being late or unproductive.
In contrast, entrepreneurship has allowed her to manage her time and prioritize her mental health. Aemen emphasized the importance of self-care and the need for a supportive work environment, whether in a corporate setting or as an entrepreneur. She advocates for open conversations about mental health and the need for appreciation in the workplace, highlighting how small gestures of recognition can significantly impact morale.
Embracing the Journey
Aemen's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and self-discovery in the entrepreneurial landscape. Her story inspires anyone considering the leap into entrepreneurship, reminding us that while the path may be fraught with challenges, it is also filled with opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
As we wrapped up the episode, Aemen left us with valuable insights on the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, the necessity of networking, and the power of community. Her journey is ongoing, and we look forward to seeing how she continues to evolve as an entrepreneur and a leader in the creative space.
For those interested in joining Aemen's community or learning more about her journey, check out "Creatives in UAE" and follow her on her social media platforms. The entrepreneurial journey is not meant to be traveled alone, and with the proper support and mindset, anyone can turn their dreams into reality.