The Reality of Starting Something New— A Reflection to Close Out Women’s History Month

Quote by Stephen Schwarzman, CoFounder of BlackStone

When I came across this quote by Stephen Schwarzman, it hit me deep in my spirit:

“No entrepreneur anticipates or wants pain, but pain is the reality of starting something new.”

As we wrap up Women’s History Month, this quote resonates even more. I immediately thought about the women who came before me—pioneers who endured pain so that I could walk in purpose. Women who fought battles I’ll never fully know just so I could have the right to dream, to lead, and to build.

As a mother, educator, TEDx speaker, special education advocate, wife, Black woman, and entrepreneur, I’ve learned that being the first to do anything comes with its own set of challenges. It’s not glamorous. It’s not easy. It’s painful.

I am a first-generation college student. The first in my immediate family to earn a four-year degree. The first woman to earn a master’s. The first in so many spaces, and that comes with a weight that is both sacred and heavy. Sometimes it feels like carrying bricks in a backpack uphill with no roadmap—just faith.

There are moments where the journey feels lonely, where doubt creeps in, and where the labor doesn’t seem to bear any visible fruit. But I’ve come to understand that every seed I plant is not in vain. It just takes time.

Since 2022, I’ve been building New Vision Educator Network, LLC, home of Next Scholar Up!, an academic coaching and mentoring company committed to uplifting students, families, and educators. Most recently, I became a self-published author of “Mentorship That Matters: A Practical Workbook for Building Meaningful Connections.” These accomplishments didn’t come without sleepless nights, sacrifice, and yes—pain. But they were birthed from a God-given vision to serve and disrupt cycles.

Watering those seeds looks different each day—it could be networking, continued education, or sitting in quiet prayer, asking God for strength, direction, and peace. I’ve found a village in unexpected places, community in women I didn’t even know. God has been intentional about aligning me with people who would pour into me when I was running on empty.

So no, I don’t fear being the first anymore. I’ve embraced it. I’ve become intentional about what it means to be a trailblazer. I’ve stopped allowing fear, guilt, or shame to hold me hostage. I know there will always be naysayers, critics, and doubters. But their words hold no weight when I remember who I am and whose I am.

To anyone who is starting something new—especially my sisters out there breaking barriers—know this: the pain you feel isn’t punishment. It’s preparation. Keep planting. Keep watering. Keep showing up. Your harvest is on the way.