You know how everyone’s got advice on running a business? Some of it’s good, sure, but a lot of it is just noise. You try to sift through it, and before you know it, you’re caught up in someone else’s strategy that doesn’t really work for you. That’s something I really connected with when I had this conversation with Venchele Saint Dic, founder of Pathway Coach Writing. Her approach to entrepreneurship and how she’s navigating it on her own terms hit home for me.
We talked a lot about understanding your “why” and knowing your capacity—because here’s the thing: no matter how hard you grind, if your business doesn’t align with what you value or what you can handle, you’re just setting yourself up for burnout. That’s why Venchele’s story stood out to me—it’s not about following someone else’s blueprint. It’s about carving out your own, even if that means saying no when everyone else is saying yes.
Stop Taking Advice Without Questioning It
One of the best parts of our chat was when Venchele brought up the worst advice she ever got: “Take people’s advice at face value and never do your own research.” Let’s be real, that’s probably the most dangerous thing you could do as an entrepreneur. Sure, people mean well, but their experiences aren’t yours.
Venchele shared how she followed someone’s advice when she first started her business, and it completely threw her off track. She was frustrated, of course, but she didn’t just sit in that frustration. She took a step back and realized, “People can only give you what they know at the time.” That advice might have worked for them, but it wasn’t a good fit for her situation.
She didn’t need to follow someone else’s path blindly, and neither do you. We all have different resources, different goals, and different ways of thinking. That’s what I love about Venchele’s approach—she found her way back by trusting her own instincts and building a business that fits her.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Be selective with the advice you follow. Not all of it is for you.
- Trust your gut. You know what’s best for your business, even when others don’t see it.
- Failure isn’t a dead end; it’s a detour. Learn from it, adjust, and move forward.
Define Your Capacity and Stick to It
This part really resonated with me because I’ve been guilty of taking on more than I can handle in the past. Venchele is doing her business as a side hustle while working full-time in public health and pursuing her doctorate. The woman’s busy, but she’s also clear on her capacity. She’s not trying to be everything to everyone—and that’s where so many entrepreneurs mess up.
She said, “I’m intentional about who I work with. I’m not just going to take someone’s money if it doesn’t feel right.” I respect that. She’s more interested in working with clients who are ready to collaborate and put in the work, rather than just dumping a project on her and hoping for the best. That’s a lesson a lot of people need to hear. You don’t have to say yes to every opportunity just because it’s there. Sometimes, saying no is the smartest move you can make.
What I Learned from Her Experience:
- Know your limits. It’s better to work within your capacity than stretch yourself too thin.
- Be intentional with your clients—choose to work with those who share your values and are ready to invest in the process.
- Don’t chase every dollar. If a project doesn’t align with your goals or your capacity, it’s okay to pass on it.
Reflections from the Interview
What stuck with me the most from our conversation was how Venchele is so dialed into her purpose. She’s not out here trying to chase the latest trends or follow someone else’s path. She’s building a business that makes sense for her, and that’s something we can all learn from. There’s no one-size-fits-all in entrepreneurship, and her journey is proof of that.
Venchele is focused on making a real difference, especially for people who are often overlooked, like those with disabilities or mental health challenges. Her mission is bigger than just making money—it’s about creating impact. That kind of passion is contagious, and it made me take a hard look at my own approach. Am I aligning my business with what truly matters to me, or am I just going through the motions?
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Stick to your “why.” When the going gets tough, your purpose is what keeps you moving forward.
- Building a business takes time. It’s not an overnight success story, and that’s okay.
- Not every client is the right fit, and that’s fine. Work with people who align with your mission and values.
- The biggest wins aren’t always financial. Success is also about the impact you make.
- It’s okay to pivot when something doesn’t feel right. Adjust, refine, and keep going.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget why you started in the first place. But when you stay true to yourself and your values, the rest falls into place. Success isn’t just about making money—it’s about making a difference and doing it on your own terms.
If there’s one thing you take from this, let it be this: trust yourself. No one knows your business better than you, so don’t be afraid to chart your own course, even if it looks different from everyone else’s.
CONNECT WITH VENCHELE SAINT DIC:
Website: https://www.pathwaycoachwriting.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/venchele-saint-dic-drph-student-mph-baph-70480811/