That image couldn’t feel further from who I am—a single mum in her mid-40s, living in the same small Scottish town I’ve always called home.

My days are a mix of school runs, meal planning, part-time work, and making sure my kids have what they need. “Entrepreneur” was never a word I thought applied to me.

But lately, I’ve been rethinking what it means to be an entrepreneur. Is it really about looking a certain way or having a perfect plan? Or is it more about having an idea, a bit of courage, and the determination to see it through? I don’t have a business degree or a fancy office, but does that mean I can’t be an entrepreneur?

The truth is, I’ve always dreamed of running my own business. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come up with ideas while doing the dishes or walking to school. But like so many people, life got in the way. Raising kids as a single parent takes everything you’ve got, and by the end of the day, there’s often no energy left for dreaming big. The idea of starting something new felt too overwhelming, so I pushed it aside.

Recently, though, I’ve started exploring this dream more seriously. Through conversations, workshops, and a bit of self-reflection, I’ve realised something important: there isn’t a “typical” entrepreneur. They come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. Some start young, others later in life. Some have degrees and years of experience, while others have none of that but bring creativity and passion instead.

What I’ve learned is that entrepreneurship isn’t about fitting into a mould—it’s about making the mould fit you. If you’re a mum balancing a hundred things every day, that’s not a weakness; it’s proof that you can handle challenges and think on your feet. If you’re from a small town where everyone knows everyone, that’s not a limitation; it’s a built-in network of potential supporters and customers.

The question I’ve been asking myself is: what’s holding me back? For me, a big part of it was fear—fear of failure, fear of not being “good enough,” fear of stepping into the unknown. But I’ve come to realise that the only way to find out if I can do this is to try. It’s not about becoming someone I’m not; it’s about building something that feels authentic to me.

If you’ve ever felt like I did—like you’re not “business-minded” enough to be an entrepreneur—here’s my advice: take a step back and think about what entrepreneurship really means. It’s not about ticking all the boxes or being perfect. It’s about having a vision, taking small steps, and believing that you have something valuable to offer.
I’m still at the beginning of this journey, but I’m starting to believe that I can do it. And if I can, maybe you can too. Because the truth is, entrepreneurs aren’t born—they’re made, one step at a time.