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Why It’s Hard to Get Startup Funding Now—and What to Do About It

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How to Take Your Start-Up Seriously but Not Personally

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Instagram is my jam! COME FOLLOW ALONG.

Buzzing with inspiration after a day at Belmont Un

Buzzing with inspiration after a day at Belmont University! 🎤🎓

What an honor to share my story with their vibrant entrepreneurial community and to host a more intimate roundtable coaching young alums through their entrepreneurial hurdles.

Wrapped up by signing stacks of Sweet Success. These bright minds are on fire! 🔥

@belmontu

#belmontuniversity #belmontentrepreneurs #businessmentoring #businessmentorship #successstories #businessstudents #mentorship

What an honor to keynote at the @nationsrestaurant

What an honor to keynote at the @nationsrestaurantnews CREATE conference!

From Sprinkles to Pizzana, I had a blast sharing my culinary journey with Sam Oches on stage. It felt like a full-circle moment after @pizzana’s Hot Concept Award recognition last year.

This @create_future_food conference was a goldmine of insights for us in the restaurant world. We tackled inflation strategies and 3rd party delivery challenges as well as adapting to our rapidly changing workforce.

The panels were on fire, covering everything from influencer marketing to AI solutions. 🔥

Only in our industry do they welcome speakers with a glass of rosé - and that’s why I love what we do! 🍷 Catching up with @amandafrederickson was a highlight too. Her Radish concept @radisheats is truly shaking up healthy fast-casual dining.

Left feeling inspired and armed with fresh ideas. Here’s to all the passionate innovators shaping the future of dining! 🍕🥗🧁

#NRNCreate #RestaurantInnovation #FoodieLife #PizzanaJourney #RestaurantTrends #CandaceNelson

@milliarddiamondconcierge
💄@tarrynfeldman 👗 @ofthemomnt
📸 @jmcollective.nash

“Balance” as an entrepreneur is tricky. Here’s the truth 👇🏻

If you’re looking for each day to feel like the perfect split of work and life, you’re not likely to find it in entrepreneurship.

For founders, balance isn’t a tightrope walk.

It’s more like surfing. 🏄🏼‍♀️🌊

You ride the waves, embrace the highs and lows, and adapt as you go. You have to be willing to roll with the ebbs and flows of business.

Some days (or seasons) it’s about being hands-on, saying “yes” to more, and giving work your all. Sometimes, it’s about giving yourself the space to recharge and reflect.

Both modes are just as important as the other, but they’re needed at different times. As you gain more experience, you’re more equipped to decide when it’s time to put pedal to the metal, and when it’s better to pump the brakes.

If you’re chasing your dream, know that balance isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding your flow and making it work for you. 💪

How do you find balance in your entrepreneurial journey? Let me know in the comments! 👇🏻

Thank you to @clever_disruption @sophiekhunterphotography for the 📸

#entrepreneurlife #worklifebalance #lifeofafounder #candacenelson #weekinthelife #businessbalance #lifeofanentrepreneur #womenentrepreneurship

Surround yourself with people who inspire you to d

Surround yourself with people who inspire you to dream bigger. 💭💫

Boss Vision Con with @dallasgirlgang was a success ✅ I was honored to deliver the keynote speech in a room full of ambitious, collaborative women.

Always a bonus getting to see @iamkatweaver!

Thank you @amandasindallas for organizing an incredible event in Dallas, TX and inviting me to speak. And thanks to @ridealto for getting me everywhere I needed to go, on time and in style!

Find your girl gang and talk business with them! 👏🏻👏🏻

👚@anothertomorrow @bpcm @ofthemomnt

#femaleentrepreneurship #womenentrepreneurs #womensnetworking #dallasentrepreneurs #candacenelson #keynotespeaker

A win is a win 🤷🏼‍♀️💅🏻☕️ #e

A win is a win 🤷🏼‍♀️💅🏻☕️

#entrepreneur #femalefounder #founderlife #candacenelson #sprinkles #pizzana #businesshumor #girlboss

The truth is... Your business may not be right for

The truth is... Your business may not be right for investors. And that’s okay! 🙌🏻

I know that might be tough to hear if you’re an ambitious founder, but hear me out. As an investor on @sharktankabc, I’ve heard thousands of pitches, and here’s what I’ve learned. 👇🏻

1. There’s no shame in a lifestyle business. A profitable venture that grows steadily over time can be incredibly fulfilling and successful....

2. At the same time, professional investors have different expectations 📈
They’re often investing other people’s money, looking for high growth, big markets, and outsized returns within a set timeframe. This often translates to high stress for founders 😰

So, what makes your business right vs. wrong for investors?

Ask yourself:
👉🏻Does your business have the potential to scale rapidly?
👉🏻Do you WANT your business to scale at that level? 🤔

If the answer is no to either, it’s time to get creative! There are plenty of ways to fund your business WITHOUT investors.

Remember, success looks different for everyone. Whether you’re building the next unicorn or a steady, profitable business, what matters is that it aligns with YOUR goals and values.

Want another post detailing different funding options? Let me know!

P.S. - For more insights like this, join my newsletter community Sweet Success. Comment “newsletter” and I’ll send you the link 💌

#entrepreneurship #businessadvice #startupfunding #lifestylebusiness #candacenelson #sharktank #sharktankabc #abcsharktank #pitchingtobrands

This is your sign to build your sisterhood! 👯‍♀️✨

Networking doesn’t mean men in stuffy suits anymore. It’s cowboy boots, hay bales, and fierce female entrepreneurs coming together in the heart of Texas. 🤠🌟

The @thesouthernc Summit is where creativity meets community, and every moment is Instagram gold. 💫

How do you make networking more fun? 🤔

#NewNetworking #FemaleEntrepreneurs #RoundTopTX #TheSouthernC

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