Lessons from My Business Journey: Why Failure is Part of the Process

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If you’re building a business, especially your first one, here’s a little truth bomb: failure is part of the process. You will fail. Maybe more times than you’d like. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s not just okay—it’s part of the journey. I’ve stumbled, fumbled, and face-planted more times than I can count, but each flop taught me something I couldn’t have learned any other way.

Along the way, I’ve picked up three big lessons that every mompreneur needs in her back pocket:

• Trial and Error – You’re not supposed to get it right the first time. Business, much like parenting, is basically one big experiment—try, tweak, repeat.
• Business Failure Stats – Yep, the numbers can look scary, but knowing why businesses fail actually helps you avoid those traps (and spoiler alert: you’re already ahead just by showing up).
• Beauty in the Nosedive – Even when it feels like everything’s crashing—kids crying, sales stalling, self-doubt creeping in—there’s still growth happening. Those low points shape the strong, creative Boss Mama CEO you’re becoming.

So, let’s break these down, mama-style—because failure is part of the process, and it’s not the end of the story. It’s how the good stuff starts.

Trial and Error: Why You’ll Never Get It Right the First Time (And That’s Okay)

Here’s a secret most entrepreneurs won’t shout from the rooftops: nobody nails it perfectly the first time. Every business idea, marketing plan, product launch—even your website layout—is a giant experiment. Trial and error isn’t just a phase; it’s the core of growth and proof that failure is part of the process.

I remember launching a product I was super excited about and proud of, only to hear crickets. No sales. No clicks. Total flop. But that “failure” was a golden opportunity to listen, tweak, and improve. Turns out, my audience wanted something slightly different. Once I adjusted, sales started trickling in—and then growing. Just because I think it’s a great idea, doesn’t mean it’s something others want to buy.

Your audience will tell you what they want—if you’re listening. So don’t stress about getting everything perfect on day one. You won’t. And honestly? That’s not just okay—it’s totally expected.

Stats on Small Business Failure: Why It Happens and How to Avoid It

If you’ve ever Googled “small business failure rates,” you’ve probably seen stats that look like scary headlines. The truth? About 20% of small businesses fail within the first year, and nearly half don’t make it past five years. Yikes.

But before you panic—remember, these numbers aren’t your destiny. They’re a reality check. Businesses fail for many reasons: lack of market research, cash flow problems, poor customer fit, or sometimes just bad timing. The good news is, many of these are avoidable.

Here’s what I learned to help steer clear of the common traps:

• Research your market and customers thoroughly before investing too much.
• Keep a close eye on your finances and plan for lean months.
• Stay flexible and ready to pivot based on what your customers actually want.
• Build a support network—mentors, peers, advisors—who can offer guidance when you hit rough patches.

Even if you find yourself in the failure stats, it doesn’t define you or your future. You’ll never know what could have been if you don’t try.

Unfortunately, my first business ended up as part of that statistic. I closed it five years after opening—not because it wasn’t doing well, but because the timing wasn’t right and I needed to shift focus to other priorities. And you know what? That’s okay. Everyone’s journey looks different, so try not to get caught up in the comparison game. Your timeline is yours—and it’s valid.

There’s Still Beauty In the Nosedive (Thanks Posty)

This one’s a little more philosophical—but hang with me. Post Malone’s song “Nosedive” hits a nerve in the best way because it captures something I’ve come to believe wholeheartedly: there’s a strange, undeniable beauty in the falls just as much as the flights—because failure is part of the process.

Every time it felt like my business was crashing and burning, something surprising happened—I got stronger, scrappier, and way more creative. The lows forced me to hit pause, rethink everything, and reconnect with why I even started this whole thing in the first place. That’s when I realized I wasn’t just building a business—I was building a version of success that actually fit my life (you know, the one with tiny humans, endless snack requests, and zero quiet time).

When I launched my first business, I tried to do all the things. I mean, why not blend a marketing agency and an events company, right? (Spoiler alert: wrong. So very wrong.) I had no clear audience, no focused message, and—shockingly—no real growth. But as chaotic as it was, that wild experiment laid the groundwork for something better. It was the messy stepping stone that helped me level up, rebrand, and finally build a business that felt like me. Bigger. Bolder. And way more aligned.

This journey—messy, imperfect, full of plot twists—is what shapes us as entrepreneurs and as women. It teaches resilience, courage, and patience. And most importantly, it reminds us that the ride is the point—not just the destination.

Failure is part of the process—it’s the messy, necessary part of getting there. Trial and error helps us grow, the stats remind us to be smart and strategic, and the journey itself shapes us into stronger, savvier business owners.

So if you’re facing setbacks, take heart. You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not done. Embrace the chaos. Learn from the flops. Keep showing up, tweaking, and building something that feels right for you.

If failure’s taught you something unforgettable, I’d love to hear your story—drop it in the comments or send it my way!

Here’s to all the incredible Moms juggling a million things—keep shining bright, cheering each other on, and building the life you love!

Ashley

Friendly Note: I’m simply sharing my journey, experiences, and lessons learned as a Mom in business. This isn’t legal, financial, or professional advice. Always check with a qualified pro for guidance tailored to you.