The Unseen Struggles of Starting a Business (and Why I Still Did It)
My Big Idea is creating The World’s First Mental Health Plushie!
When people say, “I’d love to start my own business one day,” I completely understand why many never take that leap. From the outside it looks exciting, creative, and empowering, and it is. But what isn’t often spoken about are the endless hidden costs, frustrations, and risks that come with building something from scratch.
The headache of protecting your ideas
One of the most frustrating parts of starting a business is protecting the ideas you’ve poured your heart into. Trademarks, design protection, and patents can cost tens of thousands if you want to secure them worldwide. For small businesses and start-ups, that kind of money simply isn’t realistic.
World’s First!
I often think: why isn’t it enough that if someone has shared an idea in the public domain on a certain date, it’s automatically protected? That feels fair. Instead, if you can’t afford the paperwork and fees, someone bigger with deeper pockets could take your idea and run with it. It’s disheartening, and it can stop brilliant concepts from ever reaching the world.
Of course, AI makes this even more complicated, with technology capable of creating and faking content so quickly, proving ownership is getting harder by the day.
Factories, minimum orders, and quality control
Then comes the manufacturing journey. Finding a factory that will produce at an affordable price, allow lower minimum order quantities, and actually keep the same high quality from the first sample through to mass production is no easy task. It takes months of back and forth, lots of trust, and honestly, a lot of risk.
And once your product is made, you’re suddenly relying on shipping and posting companies to get it to you (and eventually to your customers). Another layer of cost, another layer of stress.
First batch of Koala Plushies!
The long list of hidden costs
When you’re first dreaming of your business, you don’t think of all the extras. It’s not just the product. It’s:
Websites and domains
Insurance
Stock management
Marketing and advertising
Trademarks and design protection
Packaging and posting costs
Endless subscriptions and tools that “you just have to have”
It adds up so quickly. No wonder people stick with the safety of a 9–5, where those costs aren’t theirs to carry.
Why I still took the leap
Despite all of this, I wouldn’t change my decision to create the Calmness Crew. My passion for supporting young people’s mental health keeps me pushing through the frustrations. But I can see so clearly why so many people choose not to take the risk.
The Calmness Crew World’s First Mental Health Plushies, fill me with energy and I get so much joy from working on them. Each order raises a smile and every conversation I have about The Calmness Crew makes me realise I made the right choice starting.
Looking back to January and what I have accomplished in 9 months, is so much more than I could have hoped for, the traction I have gained is something I am wanting to continue, as I am truly loving the journey, even though it is hard at times.
Koala at Ideas Fest with HelpBnk Adam, Nick and Kim!
The Calmness Crew weighted plushies that voice guide through mental health techniques
I share this not to put anyone off, but to show the reality. If you are thinking of starting a business, know that you’ll face obstacles you can’t even imagine yet. But also know this: if you care deeply about your idea, the challenges are worth navigating. The world needs more creativity, more heart-driven businesses, and more people brave enough to bring them to life.
You’ve got this!
