In 2025, I made a million dollars, rebranded my entire company, launched a membership program, and built a foundation for a $10 million business. But it didn’t come without risk, grief, and growing pains. I failed publicly, grieved my old business model, and made decisions that terrified me. Through all of it, I learned five transformative business lessons that are reshaping how I approach 2026. If you’re a woman of color entrepreneur who wants sustainable, scalable growth without burning out, these lessons are for you.

1. Skills Over Goals: The Shift That Changed Everything

Most entrepreneurs chase income goals. But in 2025, I shifted to skill-based outcomes. Instead of aiming for a specific dollar amount, I focused on mastering three key skills: paid ads and funnels, short-form video content, and advanced financial systems.

I learned how to run my own Facebook ads, launch converting funnels, and restructure my banking with Relay using multiple business accounts. I also built a 12,000-follower TikTok audience and finally went viral on Instagram. And yes—someone joined my membership, flew to Nashville, and told me she found me through TikTok. That’s the power of focusing on skills, not just numbers.

2. Risk Is Healthy (When It’s Strategic)

I took two big risks in 2025: launching a membership and rebranding my entire business. Both could’ve flopped. But instead, our membership now covers all business expenses and our rebrand attracted new clients who felt aligned with our $1B sales mission.

I now categorize risk into three levels:

• Low: Low time and money (e.g., trying a new content series)
• Medium: High time, low money (e.g., building a membership)
• High: High time and high money (e.g., full rebrand)

Intentional, data-informed risks are necessary to grow. Without them, you’re stuck repeating last year’s results.

3. Mature Business Decisions Require Ego Sacrifice

I chose not to launch my mastermind in 2025—even though it normally brings in $150-300K. Why? Because I wanted to focus on skill-building. My ego hated it. But I knew it was the right move. And guess what? I still made a million dollars.

Being willing to look “unpolished” on social media, experiment with content, and temporarily slow down revenue allowed me to become the entrepreneur who can lead a $10M company. That’s a mature business decision.

4. Grief Is a Sign of Growth

Releasing an old brand, offer, or business model comes with grief. I loved my old business. But I knew it wouldn’t carry me into my next chapter. Letting go hurt. But it made room for better systems, cleaner boundaries, and deeper alignment.

I now embrace what I call “clean unattachment.” I’m not emotionally tied to offers, niches, or platforms. I’m attached to my mission, my peace, and my freedom. That’s what matters.

5. 10X Is Easier Than 2X

This blew my mind: Trying to grow incrementally (2X) is harder than rebuilding for 10X growth. Going to $10M requires different systems, software, and strategy—but it actually makes the business easier to run.

Right now, I’m building AI tools, developing an app, and restructuring everything around the $10M vision. Not because I want to hustle more—but because I want more ease, scale, and sustainability. That clarity changed everything.

Powerful Takeaway:

In 2025, I bet on skills, took strategic risks, made mature decisions, processed my grief, and anchored into a 10X vision. The result? I feel more empowered than ever. Not because everything went perfectly, but because I grew into the CEO I’m becoming.

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