Growth is rarely linear. It’s messy, emotional, and often lonely. As women consultants striving to build extraordinary brands and attract premium clients, it’s easy to feel isolated—especially when the people who once cheered you on seem to drift away. But what if this solitude isn’t a sign of failure, but a necessary step on your journey to success?
It’s something I’ve wrestled with personally. The day before New Year’s Eve, I was immersed in creating something new for my business. I felt proud of the progress, but when I reached out to friends, the support I craved wasn’t there. Later, as I scrolled through Instagram, I saw old friends laughing together in Las Vegas. Not only wasn’t I invited, but I hadn’t even known about the trip. A bridal shower for another close friend happened nearby—without me. The sting of those omissions was sharp. It was a sobering reminder that my path forward had taken me away from familiar circles.
And yet, in the midst of those emotions, I held onto a passage from Brianna Wiest’s The Mountain Is You: “It’s going to cost you relationships and friends…It doesn’t matter…the people who were meant for you will meet you on the other side.” That perspective—hard as it was to embrace—helped me see the beauty in the transformation I was experiencing. Growth isn’t just about building a business; it’s about becoming the woman who can lead it.
The Cost of Growth
No one warns you about the emotional toll of leveling up. As women consultants, we’re often so focused on building systems, crafting strategies, and perfecting our brands that we forget to prepare for the shifts in our relationships. People grow at different rates, and not everyone is ready to meet you at the pace of your ambition.
What you’re experiencing isn’t unique, and it’s not a sign that you’ve done something wrong. In fact, it’s evidence that you’re on the right path. Building an extraordinary brand—one that shatters glass ceilings and creates uncommon wealth—requires clarity, focus, and a willingness to let go of what no longer serves you. And yes, that sometimes includes relationships.
From Loneliness to Legacy
The solitude that accompanies growth can feel suffocating, but it’s also fertile ground for transformation. In those quiet moments, you have the opportunity to reconnect with your “why” and recalibrate your vision. For me, those moments of loneliness became the foundation of something greater. I reminded myself that this journey wasn’t just for me. It was for my son, my nieces, and the future I wanted to create for them—a future filled with comfort, laughter, and opportunity.
This is the power of building an extraordinary brand. It’s not just about creating wealth; it’s about creating a legacy. Every choice you make today shapes the opportunities available tomorrow. And while that responsibility can feel heavy, it’s also a profound privilege.
Building a Brand That Breaks Barriers
An extraordinary brand doesn’t happen by accident. It’s intentional, strategic, and deeply personal. Here’s how you can channel your solitude into building a brand that redefines success:
- Reconnect with Your Purpose: Use this time to reflect on the deeper reasons behind your work. What impact do you want to leave on your clients, your industry, and your community? Your purpose is the cornerstone of a brand that resonates.
- Invest in Your Story: Your experiences, challenges, and triumphs are what make your brand unique. Don’t shy away from sharing the parts of your journey that feel raw or vulnerable. These are the stories that will inspire and attract your Champagne Clientele—clients who value authenticity and exclusivity.
- Create Systems That Elevate: Building an extraordinary brand isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about function. Develop systems that free your time and energy so you can focus on high-value activities that drive growth.
- Surround Yourself with the Right People: While some relationships may fade, others will flourish. Seek out communities of ambitious, like-minded women who understand your vision and support your goals. These connections will not only sustain you but also inspire new levels of creativity and success.
The Other Side of Solitude
As you grow, you’ll discover that the loneliness isn’t permanent. It’s a bridge to a life that aligns more fully with your values and aspirations. The friends, mentors, and clients who are meant to join you on this journey will show up—not because you chased them, but because you created a space for them by becoming your truest self.
When you find yourself questioning the sacrifices, remember this: the discomfort of solitude is temporary, but the legacy you’re building is forever. You’re not just creating a business; you’re creating a life that’s extraordinary in every way. And that? That’s worth every tear, every late night, and every moment of doubt.
Keep going. The other side is waiting for you, and it’s more beautiful than you can imagine.
