The Entrepreneurial Journey

Entrepreneurship can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging paths someone can choose. From the freedom of building your dream to the pressures of financial risks, long hours, and isolation, the entrepreneurial journey tests both resilience and mental health. In a recent conversation with Ben Gibson, the CEO and founder of Madebrand.co, we explored the personal and professional struggles entrepreneurs face, along with strategies for protecting mental wellbeing.

Ben’s insights, shaped by his own experiences, shed light on everything from overcoming burnout to embracing selfcare and spirituality. Here’s what we learned about the realities of entrepreneurship, its impact on mental health, and how to thrive in the process.

 The Personal Journey of Entrepreneurship  

Ben’s story begins in a conservative small town in West Texas. Driven by a desire to follow his heart, he took a leap into entrepreneurship, trading stability for the freedom to build something meaningful. While his journey has been full of highs, Ben also opened up about the lows: 

·      The financial hardships that come with starting a business. 

·      The uncertainty and pressure of solo founding. 

·      The mental toll that constant decision-making and high stakes can have. 

“Entrepreneurship forces you to grow,” Ben shared.  “You face challenges that test your resilience and require a deep belief in yourself. At times, it can feel isolating, but those struggles also help you uncover what really matters.”

Hustle Culture and Mental Health  

In today’s world, “hustle culture” is often celebrated. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to work 24/7, sacrificing personal time to achieve their dreams. Ben challenges this mindset. 

“There’s a time to hustle,” he said,  “but it has to be balanced. Working excessively can destroy your mental health and creativity. The real key is to work smart, not just hard.” 

Ben’s experiences working remotely and traveling—particularly in Vietnam and Thailand—show how flexibility can coexist with success. He believes remote work opportunities give entrepreneurs a chance to reset, reconnect with themselves, and find the balance they need to stay grounded.

Burnout, Self-Care, and Recovery  

One of the most honest moments in our conversation was when Ben shared his experience with burnout last summer. 

“I reached a point where I had to shut my business down,” he admitted. “It was a wakeup call to prioritize self-care and take a step back.” 

So, how did Ben recover? 

1. He took time to rediscover his passion and explore new ventures. 

2. He leaned into routines and selfcare practices, including a morning routine and regular exercise. 

3. He focused on faith and spirituality to guide his actions and rebuild clarity. 

Ben’s current project—developing a product-based supplement business—reflects his renewed focus on sustainable entrepreneurship and avoiding burnout. 

“Self-care isn’t selfish,” Ben emphasized.  “If you don’t take care of yourself, your business—and everything else—will suffer.”

Overcoming Isolation: The Power of Community  

For solo entrepreneurs, isolation can feel like one of the toughest battles. Ben shared strategies he’s used to combat loneliness and maintain connection: 

·      Having a supportive partner who understands the entrepreneurial lifestyle. 

·      Hiring a virtual assistant to offload tasks and create space for meaningful work. 

·      Seeking out business coaches and mentors for guidance and encouragement. 

Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be a solo journey. As Ben highlighted, building relationships and surrounding yourself with people who believe in you can make all the difference. 

Mental Health Challenges in the Entrepreneurial Community  

Ben and I also discussed the stigma around mental health in the entrepreneurial world. Anxiety, depression, and burnout are common among business owners, yet conversations about mental health are still not normalized. 

“Entrepreneurs are often seen as strong and self-reliant,” Ben said,  “but that doesn’t mean we don’t struggle. It’s okay to admit when you’re overwhelmed and seek help.” 

He emphasized the value of resources like therapy, coaching, and support groups. Whether through professional counseling or simply leaning on trusted mentors, entrepreneurs need spaces to process challenges and find solutions. 

Three Practical Mental Health Tips for Entrepreneurs  

Before closing our conversation, I asked Ben for three practical tips for aspiring entrepreneurs to protect their mental wellbeing. Here’s what he shared: 

1. Trust Your Actions: Keep moving forward, even when the path feels uncertain. 

2. Trust Your Intuition: Listen to your gut—it often knows the next step, even when your mind doesn’t. 

3. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness. Failures and setbacks are part of the process. Learn from them, don’t dwell on them. 

These strategies reflect not just how to survive the entrepreneurial journey, but how to thrive along the way.

Spirituality, Personal Growth, and Redefining Success  

Ben’s entrepreneurial journey has also been one of spiritual and personal growth. He believes entrepreneurship requires both humility and self-awareness, leading to deeper understanding of one’s identity and values. 

“Success looks different for me now,” he said. “It’s no longer just about the money or the hustle—it’s about balance, purpose, and having the flexibility to design the life I want with my partner.” 

This redefinition of success aligns with the mindset that mental health and wellbeing are non-negotiables in the entrepreneurial world.

About Madebrand.co and Ben’s Work  

Today, Ben is focused on building Madebrand.co, a product-based business that designs and sells supplements. He encourages anyone interested in creating their own supplement line to reach out through Madebrand.co’s website or social media to schedule a call. 

Closing Thoughts  

As we wrapped up our conversation, Ben shared one final piece of wisdom: 

“Failure is part of the entrepreneurial journey, but it doesn’t define you. If you take care of yourself, trust your actions, and stay aligned with your purpose, you’ll find a way forward.” 

For anyone struggling with the pressures of entrepreneurship, Ben’s story is a powerful reminder: balance, passion, and community are key to building not just a successful business, but a fulfilling life. 

Next Steps and Resources: 

·      Learn more about Ben’s work at Madebrand.co 

·      Follow Madebrand.co on social media for updates. 

·      Listen to the Project I Am podcast’s self-compassion episode for tools to manage mental health. 

Thank you, Ben, for sharing your journey, wisdom, and honesty with us. Your story is an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere. 

If you enjoyed this post, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And remember, taking care of your mental health isn’t a weakness—it’s your greatest strength.