The Rise and Fall of a Dream Venture
A Year of Reflection
It’s been a year since my world was turned upside down by a series of devastating texts. The women’s empowerment platform my partner and I had built over two years was being shut down, and I was powerless to stop it. The realization that I wasn’t an equal partner, despite my significant contributions, was a harsh blow.
Humble Beginnings
Our journey began as a small project between two students, 18 and 21, passionate about empowering women and non-binary individuals in the creative arts. We operated as a hybrid media company and nonprofit organization, driven by our mission rather than financial gain. Our online presence grew organically, and we eventually expanded to hosting events, including a successful “period party” that raised over £3,000 and provided menstrual hygiene products to those in need.
A Sudden Demise
Just weeks after our triumph, my partner abruptly decided to close down the site without consulting me. The suddenness and finality of the decision left me reeling. The experience was a cruel reminder that business ventures can fail, but the personal and professional betrayal cut deep.
Unbalanced Partnership
Looking back, I realize that our partnership was flawed from the start. While I was responsible for producing and sourcing most of the content, my partner held the website passwords and controlled the finances. I had asked for a title change to reflect our mutual partnership, but ultimately, I was still relegated to a secondary role. My contributions were significant, but my partner’s dominance was unquestionable.
Lessons Learned
The demise of our venture taught me valuable lessons about business, friendship, and personal growth. I learned that mutual inexperience can be a major obstacle, and that even in partnerships, one must prioritize their own wellbeing. The biggest takeaway, however, was the importance of taking ownership and being proactive in defending my interests.
Moving Forward
While I mourn the loss of our friendship and business, I’ve found comfort in turning those unfortunate circumstances into lessons to be learned. I believe that we had the right ideas, but the wrong approach. Our mistakes can serve as a cautionary tale for others, and I hope to carry these lessons with me as I move forward in my personal and professional life.
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