Written by: Matthew Celestial
Starting your own venture can be incredibly exciting and rewarding. I’ve always encouraged others to take that leap, believing there’s plenty of room at the table for new ideas and solutions. When I entered the world of entrepreneurship at a young age, I saw it as a stepping stone to something greater. Over time, I’ve learned invaluable lessons and realized that it’s become more than just a stepping stone—it’s an integral part of who I am. This journey instills a sense of fearlessness, a belief that you can achieve more—if you’re willing to push yourself and, most importantly, if you truly believe in yourself.
Not everyone shares your vision, and not everyone will believe in you. Some may even try to bring you down, and the hardest part is that sometimes it’s the people closest to you—or even yourself, the inner critic in your head.
I’ve spent countless restless nights staring at the ceiling, trying to solve problems that, more often than not, are rooted in human nature and driven by ego. There have been many days when I’ve questioned whether I should have chosen a different path. And there have been moments when I’ve tried and failed. I could fill a book with all the business ideas I’ve had that never saw the light of day because maybe they weren’t as great as I thought.
There are a couple of things that have always worked out for me though. Sticking with my authenticity, being comfortable in my own skin and leading fearlessly with good intentions. Doing this job requires a lot of self-drive. While it hasn't always been the case, I believe in myself and my ability to seek things through. I also believe in my team, my family, my friends and the people I surround myself with.
Starting Statement was a leap into the unknown. However, the reality is that starting a venture will always be a constant loop of jumping in and out of the unknown. One moment you feel like you've got it figured out and the next, it feels like the ground beneath you is crumbling apart. When I started this business, I had a greater vision for creating a space that embodied health and well-being. Somewhere along the lines, I lost that vision and even lost what health and well-being meant to me, personally. Moreover, the reality of running a business, especially in an industry that demands authenticity and connection, has tested me in ways I never anticipated.
Physically, the demands of entrepreneurship have been relentless. The late nights, the early mornings, the constant hustle and bustle—it all takes a toll. There have been times when I've pushed my body to its limits, trying to balance the growth of my business with my own well-being. I gained weight, my skin was breaking out, I couldn't sleep as well as I used to. And let me tell you, it's not always been pretty. The stress, the lack of sleep, the never-ending to-do lists—sometimes it feels like an uphill battle just to keep myself in one piece.
Mentally, the journey has been equally, if not more, challenging. The self-doubt, the imposter syndrome, the pressure to always be "on", these are the unseen struggles that many founders face but rarely talk about. I've questioned my path more times than I can count. I've wondered if I'm cut out for this, if I have what it takes to build something meaningful in a space that demands so much. But each time, I've found a way to push through, to remind myself why I started in the first place.
And yet, despite the challenges, there have been incredible moments of triumph. The strides we’ve made as a company—expanding our reach, innovating in ways I never imagined, connecting with brands that share our vision—these are the successes that make it all worthwhile. Seeing the impact of our work, hearing the stories of how we’ve helped brands grow and knowing that we’re contributing to a healthier, more vibrant world—it’s these moments that keep me going.
So, why am I sharing all of this? Because I believe in being real, in showing that the path to success, however you want to define that, is rarely a straight line. It’s messy, it’s hard and it’s full of unexpected twists and turns. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. That said, I don’t want my passion for building brands to be mistaken for glamorizing entrepreneurship. I want to use this space to not only celebrate our successes but also to talk openly about the struggles that come with building something from the ground up.
Welcome to The Statement Journal, a space where I hope to share not just the successes of the journey, but also the challenges, the doubts and the moments that have shaped me as a founder in the lifestyle and wellness space. It's time we be candid. I'm happy to be another founder who is willing to take you on this journey with me—to share the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Because these challenges make us more resilient and remind us why we started. And for me that means being committed to living well, being well and making a lasting impact.