If you're ambitious but torn between a

@hi.itsgillian

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SoundTikTok sound · original sound - .petq1s

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KIYOKO

Asian beauty without the guesswork. Shop 1,000+ authentic Korean & Japanese products with honest advice and fast, domestic shipping across Canada & USA.

5 videos2 creators

Why it worked

The video resonated by presenting a relatable and nuanced journey of entrepreneurship, showing that it's possible to build a business alongside a traditional career. The creator's honest take and clear progression through different life stages provided valuable insights and inspiration.

Summary

The creator shares their career journey, contrasting a traditional 9-to-5 with entrepreneurship. They detail their progression from a science student to a burnt-out corporate employee, accidentally starting an e-commerce business, and eventually becoming a full-time founder, emphasizing that building a business provided creativity and freedom.

Structure

1Introduction: 9 to 5 vs. Entrepreneurship
2Stage 1: Science Student
3Stage 2: Ambitious Corporate Girl

Original caption

A lot of people frame it like it has to be one or the other: 9 to 5 or entrepreneurship. That was not my experience at all. My 9 to 5 gave me skills, structure, income, and the stability to build Kiyoko without rushing every decision. And building something on the side gave me the creativity, energy, and sense of ownership I felt like I was missing. I actually recommend keeping your job while you build, if you can. It takes pressure off, helps you think longer term, and gives you more room to be strategic instead of reactive. It does not have to be this or that right away. Sometimes the most aligned path starts as both. Save this if you are in that in-between stage, and send it to someone who needs the reminder that you do not have to blow up your life to start building something of your own. #ambitiouswomen #founderlife #careergrowth #buildinpublic #entrepreneur

More from @hi.itsgillian

On-screen text

If you're ambitious but torn between a 9 to 5 & entrepreneurship here's how every stage of my career actually felt 1. science student I studied biochemistry and thought I'd end up on a more traditional path. I did well in school and my life made sense on paper, but even then I think part of me wasn't sure what I wanted. 2. ambitious corporate girl At first, corporate felt exciting. I was making good money, learning a lot, and felt proud of the career I was building. I felt like I was on the right track. 3. burnt out but high-functioning This was the weird stage where everything looked fine from the outside, but I knew something was off. I was doing well, but after a while, I got bored and uninspired. I could feel myself wanting something more creative, more energizing, and more mine. 4. accidentally starting a business Around that time, a friend reached out about selling Japanese skincare together. Neither of us had run a business before, but we decided to try. I built a tiny Shopify store, designed the branding myself, and launched with around 20 products. 5. corporate by day, Kiyoko by night This stage was exhausting, but I loved the challenge. I was working full-time and spending nights and weekends building the brand. It was a lot, but it gave me energy in a way corporate no longer did. 6. the business started getting real At first it was just a few orders here and there. Then it started growing, we hired creators, one video really took off, and suddenly this little side project had real momentum. 7. full-time founder Building Kiyoko has been the most rewarding chapter by far. It's harder, messier, and more uncertain than having a normal job, but it feels way more aligned with who I am. my honest take A 9 to 5 gave me skills, structure, and a foundation. Building a business gave me creativity, ownership, and freedom. I do not think everyone should quit their job, but I do think there is a difference between building a good career and building a life that feels like yours. follow @hi.itsgillian for more founder/business owner advice