5 Things I Wish I Knew as an Entrepreneur | Founder Lessons from Wakefully CEO Sansan Fibri 🚀

🌟 Starting a business has been the most challenging and rewarding journey of my life. As the founder of Wakefully—a mental wellness app that helps people harness the power of their dreams—I’ve learned some surprising (and often humbling) lessons along the way. Whether you’re a startup founder, a dreamer with big goals, or just someone looking to grow, here are 5 things I wish I knew before starting this wild ride: 💡 1. IT TAKES A VILLAGE The founder journey is lonely. Doubt creeps in, panic sets in—but asking for help? That often comes last. As an immigrant in NYC, I built my chosen family and found mentors who’ve lived through this rollercoaster of a roadshow. Surround yourself with people who get it, because you’re not meant to go it alone. Find your startup family. 🎩 2. YOU’LL WEAR 7 (X100) HATS Who designed my investor pitch deck? Me. Graphic design skills? Never had them… until I needed them! Being a founder means stepping out of your comfort zone, learning everything on the fly, and growing from it. Each new skill expands your perspective—and your life. (Bonus: “Self-taught graphic designer” looks great on a résumé 😉) 💸 3. LACK OF FUNDS = SUCCESS?! When you’re bootstrapping or strapped for cash, innovation becomes your superpower. Scrappiness breeds brilliance. You’ll stretch limits you didn’t know existed and build something extraordinary. As they say: “Entrepreneurs jump off cliffs and build their wings on the way down.” 📢 4. SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS Afraid someone will “steal” your idea? Don’t be. It’s not what you’re building—it’s how, why, and where you take it. Sharing your vision inspires others and attracts the right people to help you grow it. (Maybe even the screenwriter who’ll turn your story into a blockbuster one day!) ✨ 5. TURN JITTERS INTO MAGIC Investor pitch nerves? Here’s the truth: They need you as much as you need them. Investors are looking for the next unicorn—and they’re hoping it’s YOU. So show up authentically and let your passion shine. You’re not auditioning—you’ve already booked the gig. 👩‍💼 Entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a business; it’s about building yourself. These five lessons shaped me as a founder, a CEO, and a human. What lessons have shaped your journey? Let me know in the comments! 💭 Dream big. Share boldly. Keep growing. —Sansan Fibri, Founder & CEO of Wakefully ✨ LIKE, SHARE, & SUBSCRIBE if this resonated! Let’s turn dreams into action. 🌙 #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #MentalWellness