Take a Step Back :)

The Breaking Point

About 3 weeks ago, I started to feel drained mentally, and emotionally from building Strnger. Do not get me wrong, I love what I do, but I felt as though I was taking in too much. Since my co-founder left around October 2024, I have been handling product, fundraising, marketing, and more. I have to admit that it has been exhausting. What really tipped the scale for me was that anxiety-like feeling in my chest. It was the sign for me to get away, and take a step back from the company for a few days.

The Many Faces of Rest

Taking a step back could mean different things for every single one of us. It could be getting lost in a book, binge watch your favorite TV show, or even travel, or just spend time with your partner. Whatever your preference is, taking a step back is beneficial to whatever activity you’re running. And yes, I know about that anxiety to actually step back from something you are building, even if it is for a few days. The days leading up to me taking my break, I couldn’t sleep well, I was letting my team know that I was taking a time off as if I was waiting for one of them to tell me to not go. Clearing your mind is one of the best way to get new and fresh perspectives on your business.

The Hustle Culture Trap

In today’s climate, taking a break almost feels like a crime because of social media, and hustle culture. This mindset pushes us to work even when we are exhausted and know deep down that we need a break to come back stronger. I always say this to my mom who’s been working to exhaustion and sickness for far too long now: “You can’t get money if you’re dead.” My mom is primarily a stylist-modelist with her own clothing brand, but on the side she has a lot of other businesses that she also works on. She never takes break unless she gets sick from all the working she does which, let’s be honest, is a deadly combo. Don’t be like my mom! It will do more good than harm to your business if you took some time off and came back energized and ready to go.

Find Peace in Senegal

From Wednesday of last week until this past Monday, I took a trip to Senegal to unload and also spend some time with the love of my life that I had not seen in almost 2 years (I know, I know, long distance relationship, bla bla bla). I went to discover this beautiful country that I had heard such good things about for a long time. I toured Dakar, the capital of Senegal. Went to Gore Island where I toured “La Maison des Esclaves” a key piece of my people’s history. It was the first time in almost 2 years that I was not thinking about meetings, investors, schedule, metrics, leading a team, etc. It was probably some of the most healing times of my life. It was, actually in not thinking about Strnger, that a lot of insights about what to do next at Strnger came. Weird right? Mind you, I did not take my computer with me, deactivated all Asana notifications, did not look at social media, the only time I was using my phone was for transportation. I have even decided that at least once a year, I would go on a retreat like that for 1 or 2 weeks to recharge.

The Return: Stronger and Clearer

Coming back to Strnger felt like a breeze. I was happy to connect back with my team, and to get back to building what will later become a staple when it comes to mental health. One thing that I was constantly saying to myself, and to other people for that matter, is that I am sacrificing my mental health so that other people could have a better mental health. I no longer believe that. In order to do the best I possibly can, everything has to align, both physically, mentally, and even spiritually. I am still looking to find the right balance between all of those aspects of my life but I trust that eventually, I will stumble upon a good mix that will allow me to reach my full potential. At Strnger, we are gearing up for a BUSY month of March, and I could not be more excited to share it all with you ladies and gentlemen.

A Permission to Pause

If you're reading this and feeling that familiar tightness in your chest, or that overwhelming weight of responsibility, consider this newsletter your permission slip to pause. Whether it's a two-week trip to Senegal or just a day unplugged from notifications, your work will be better for it. And if you need some company during that break, don't forget about our Founder Ice-Cream group (https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14606028/) - sometimes the best insights come over a scoop of your favorite flavor.

Final Words: Listen To Yourself

As always I finish with a quote from a slam I wrote. Today, the slam I am taking this sample from is entitled “Who knows”.

This is to remind you that ultimately, there is one person who absolutely knows when you are reaching your breaking point. I encourage you to listen to yourself and to take that break that has been much needed for a while now. I know it feels as though stepping back might mean that others will outrun you, but at the end of the day, the only person you are racing is yourself. I believe in you, and in whatever you are building :).