A Bengaluru-based entrepreneur has offered a candid take on the realities of building a business, calling it a “long, lonely journey” that takes a heavy emotional and financial toll. In a viral post on X, coffee brand founder Vardhaman Jain reflected on completing nearly five years of running his venture in India.
The entrepreneur advised people to think carefully before starting a business. (Pexels/Representational Image)
“I’m about to complete 5 years of building or trying to build a coffee business in India,” Jain wrote.
He described it as the “most gruelling” thing he has done, both mentally and financially. He said running a business changes a person over time. “You develop a thick skin for bullshit, let go of your ego, learn to accept rejection (and people tearing your product apart), and eventually become emotionally detached, treating it as what it is: a business,” he wrote.
Jain advised people to think carefully before starting a business. “I wouldn’t advise anyone to start a business unless you have strong financial backing, aren’t overly attached to your product, and can let go of your biases. It’s a long, lonely journey, think deeply before you sign up,” he said.
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How did social media react?
His post struck a chord with many users, who shared their own experiences.
“This is honest. Building isn’t just execution – it’s identity work. The product evolves, but the founder gets rebuilt first,” one user wrote.
“building any business is like that in India .. consumer business is even more challenging.. its a lonely journey indeed,” commented another.
“Five years is no small commitment and I relate to that transformation deeply… It strips you. Of ego. Of assumptions. Of romanticism. You learn quickly that purpose alone is not enough. Systems matter. Cash flow matters. Emotional resilience matters. I’ve had to accept rejection. Rework collections. Rethink pricing. Detach from ideas I loved. But unlike many businesses, I could never detach from the mission of preserving craft and restoring dignity to artisans. That anchor kept me steady when numbers fluctuated. I wouldn’t discourage anyone, but I would say: Enter with clarity. Have financial prudence. Have emotional stamina. And most importantly, have a purpose strong enough to outlast discomfort. Because entrepreneurship doesn’t just build a business. It rebuilds you,” wrote a third user.
“Entrepreneurship doesn’t build character, it reveals it, one brutal year at a time,” expressed another.