Building a Business Isn’t Always Pretty—Here’s How I Won
There I was, January 2021, sitting in my empty boutique in Hermosa Beach, staring at the "Temporarily Closed" sign that had been hanging on the door for far too long. The COVID-19 pandemic had forced my business, Bikini Junkie, to shut its doors, and the silence in the store was deafening. Six years of blood, sweat, and tears had led to this moment, and I had no idea what to do next.
Sometimes, the universe has a strange way of sending help when you need it most. For me, it came in the form of an invitation to Clubhouse, the audio-chat app that became my lifeline during those dark days. That's where I first encountered JT Foxx, the world's #1 business coach and a 9-figure entrepreneur, hosting what he called "Business Popcorn" rooms. Night after night, I found myself glued to my phone, listening to him coach entrepreneurs from around the world through their challenges, pivots, and transformations.
Hope Arrived In An Unexpected Place
What struck me most wasn't just his advice – it was his brutal honesty. In a world where entrepreneurship is often painted with rose-colored Instagram filters, JT's raw, unfiltered approach was exactly what I needed. He wasn't there to coddle dreams; he was there to build businesses.
After gathering the courage to seek his coaching, I faced my worst fear: the reality that my boutique needed to close. Despite the countless hours, the long commutes, and the emotional investment, the numbers didn't lie. I wasn't profitable, and I needed to make a change. Closing Bikini Junkie wasn’t easy—it took guts and brutal honesty. But that tough call brought on my next chapter.
Trading My Shop Keys For A New Beginning
Here's what I learned: failure isn't the opposite of success – it's often the pathway to it. With JT's guidance, I leveraged my extensive corporate background (having worked with major brands like Walt Disney, Dr. Seuss, Fox Racing, O'Neill, and Volcom) to pivot back into the corporate world. In July 2022, I joined SOURCING at MAGIC, helping fashion brands connect with the right supply chain partners.
Stepping back into corporate wasn’t a fallback—it was a deliberate choice. Now, at SOURCING at MAGIC, I channel decades of expertise to guide global fashion brands. JT Foxx taught me a key lesson: zero in on what drives profit. Today, I help brands worldwide shape their sourcing strategies and secure the right manufacturing partners, leading them through the maze of product development with precision—and I love the challenge.
For those of you navigating your own sourcing journey, I understand the challenges you're facing. Just as JT became my compass when I'd lost my direction, I'm here to help guide you through the complexities of product development and manufacturing. My experience on both sides of the retail equation gives me a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in today's market.
Three Major Mistakes That Sank My Store
Looking back, I can pinpoint exactly where things went wrong with my retail business. These weren't small missteps—they were fundamental errors that almost guaranteed my struggle, regardless of how fashion-forward my merchandise was or how hard I worked.
Mistake #1: I Tried to Be the Whole Team—Big Mistake.
The Lesson: Build systems, not burnout.
I thought I could do it all—buyer, merchandiser, social media manager, accountant, sales associate, and janitor. I wore every hat, worked every hour, and ran myself into the ground. The lesson? Entrepreneurship isn't about doing everything yourself; it's about building systems and teams that can operate without you being physically present for every moment. Your business will take over your life - the key is making sure it's taking you somewhere worth going.
Mistake #2: I Ignored the Numbers—and Paid the Price.
The Lesson: Data isn’t optional; it’s a necessity.
I knew my daily sales numbers, but I didn't truly understand my business finances. I couldn't tell you my exact margins, my break-even point, or my customer acquisition cost. I was making decisions based on intuition rather than data. The lesson? Your numbers tell a story, and if you're not listening to that story, you're essentially navigating blindfolded. Successful businesses don't just know their numbers - they use them to make strategic decisions that drive growth.
Mistake #3: I Built a Job, Not an Asset.
The Lesson: Plan the exit before you start.
When I opened my boutique, I was so focused on getting started that I never thought about how it would end. I didn't build the business with its eventual sale in mind. I didn't create systems that could operate without me. I didn't build an asset—I built a job for myself. The lesson? Begin with the end in mind. Ask yourself: "Am I building something someone would want to buy one day?" If not, you might be creating a cage for yourself.
These lessons weren't easy to learn, and they came at a high personal and financial cost. But they've fundamentally changed how I approach business decisions today.
What Six Years Of Struggle Taught Me
My story isn't unique. In fact, it's exactly the kind of journey JT Foxx explores in his new book, "Business Is War." Unlike the sugar-coated business books that crowd the shelves, this one dives deep into the battlefield of business – the failures, the betrayals, and the brutal realities of what it takes to win.
Through exclusive interviews with icons like Tom Cruise, Kevin Costner, Tom Brady, and Tommy Hilfiger, along with billionaire entrepreneurs who've faced their own wars and won, the book reveals the raw truth about business survival. It's not just about success – it's about understanding why you failed and how to come back stronger.
Six years of trial and error taught me what no textbook could: timing isn’t everything—strategy is. I found JT Foxx late, but his guidance turned my setbacks into a springboard. Those years of missteps and mistakes could have been avoided with the right guidance. But that's the thing about business – sometimes your biggest pivot becomes your strongest strategy.
If you're an entrepreneur, whether struggling or successful, I urge you to pick up a copy of "Business Is War." It's not another feel-good business book –it's the honest truth about building a business. JT's no-BS approach and the real-world stories from some of the most successful people on the planet might just save you years of costly trial and error.
Because experience is the best teacher and it doesn't have to be your own.
Remember, your biggest risk isn't failing – it's not knowing why you failed. Don’t waste a single day guessing—get the tools to win now. ‘Business Is War’ will cut your learning curve and stack the odds in your favor. The future of your business depends on the decisions you make today. Failure’s not the end—it’s the beginning of your fight. Arm yourself with knowledge, find your mentor, and build something unstoppable.