You know what held me back the most when I wanted to start my business? It wasn’t money. It wasn’t connections. It was me.
Let me tell you my story.
My Dream Started in a Coffee Shop
I graduated with an Economics degree from the University of Management and Economics in 2016. Right away, I knew what I wanted—my own coffee shop. Something small, something mine.
But instead of chasing that dream, I got a job at a coffee shop in Battambang in 2018. I worked there for two years, learning everything I could. I made drinks, talked to customers, and cleaned tables. Every single day, I thought about opening my own place.
But I didn’t do it.
2020 came and went. Still nothing. It wasn’t until mid-2021—five years after graduating—that I finally took the leap.
Why did I wait so long?
The Voice in My Head Kept Saying “No”
I was scared. Simple as that.
Every night, I’d lie in bed thinking about all the reasons I couldn’t do it:
“I’m too young. What do I really know about running a business? What if I fail? What will people say when I mess up?”
These thoughts felt so real, so convincing. Looking back now, I realize they were just fears dressed up as facts.
The truth is, everyone starts from zero. The only difference between people who succeed and people who don’t? The ones who succeed believe they can figure it out along the way.
I Finally Started… Then Failed
In 2021, I opened my first small coffee shop. I was nervous but excited.
It didn’t work out. By 2023, I had to close it down.
That hurt. I’m not going to lie and say it didn’t. When you pour your heart into something, and it fails, it stings.
But here’s what that failure taught me:
- Could I handle tough times? Yes, I could.
- Did I have what it takes to keep going? I found out I did.
- Could I get back up after falling? That was the real test.
A friend of mine—someone I studied with—told me, “I told you not to try. See what happened?”
He only saw the outside. He saw a closed shop and assumed I’d lost. What he didn’t see was everything I’d gained. I learned how to manage money better, how to read what customers really want, and what makes some businesses work while others struggle. That knowledge? You can’t buy it. You have to earn it.
What I Did Differently the Second Time
Looking back, I realized my first mistake wasn’t just about coffee; it was about the atmosphere. My first shop was essentially a box—a place to grab a drink and leave. I hadn’t thought about the “Third Place” concept. People didn’t just want caffeine; they wanted a moment of peace. They wanted to sit under an umbrella, see some greenery, and relax.
When I opened The Press Day Coffee, I didn’t just invest in beans; I invested in the experience. I added comfortable seating, plants, and shade. I managed my cash flow better, spending less on expensive branding and more on making the customer feel welcome. The result? Customers didn’t just buy a drink; they stayed. And when they stayed, they came back.
Starting Over: The Press Day Coffee
By mid-2023, I was ready to try again.
This time felt different. I wasn’t the same person who opened that first shop. I’d changed. I knew more. I’d made mistakes and learned from them.
That’s how The Press Day Coffee was born.
This time, I built it on everything I’d learned from failing. And you know what? That made all the difference.
What I Learned About Overcoming Self-Doubt
If you’re sitting on a dream right now but feeling stuck, here’s what helped me:
Stop Waiting to Feel Ready
I waited three years, thinking I needed more experience, more knowledge, more money. The truth? You learn by doing, not by waiting.
When you catch yourself saying “I can’t,” try changing it to “I haven’t learned how yet.” That small shift changes everything.
Your Past Mistakes Don’t Define Your Future
Just because something didn’t work before doesn’t mean it won’t work now. Every failure teaches you something that brings you closer to success.
I failed in 2023. I succeeded in starting the same year again. Same me, different approach.
Don’t Carry Other People’s Fears
When someone tells you that you can’t do something, remember—that’s their limit, not yours.
People will always have opinions. Some will support you. Others will doubt you. What matters is what you believe about yourself.
Your Turn
Whatever dream you’re holding onto right now, ask yourself: What’s really stopping you?
Is it real obstacles, or is it just fear talking?
I’m not saying it’ll be easy. I’m saying it’s possible. I’m living proof that you can fail, get up, and build something better.
The biggest obstacle isn’t out there. It’s the limits we create in our own minds.
So what are you waiting for?
