Let’s talk about something that’s not always fun, but always part of the journey - failure.

Yep, I know... not exactly the word you want to see on a Monday morning. But stick with me—because what I’ve got to share might just reframe how you see your own “flops” in business (and life).

So, here goes: a little story from teenage me…

Picture this: 17-year-old Michelle, hair straightened within an inch of its life, nerves jangling, all set for her very first driving test. I’d practised for weeks. I’d visualised the test. I was ready.

Only…I didn’t pass.
Not once.
Not twice.
But five times.
Yep. You read that right. FIVE.

I felt mortified. Everyone around me seemed to pass the first time (or second at most), and there I was, cringing my way out of the test centre again and again.

After a fair bit of sulking, some supportive pep talks, and an unhealthy amount of ice cream, I realised something:
Every single test had taught me something.
And eventually - I passed. 🎉

That not-so-glamorous chapter of my life?
It taught me lessons that I still carry with me every single day in business.

Let me break them down for you, because they might just be what you need to hear today:

1. Every failure is feedback

Each time I left that test centre, I made note of what went wrong and why.
Same goes in business: if a launch flops, if the client doesn’t say yes, if something feels off it’s not the end of the road. It’s information. Learn from it. Tweak it. Try again.

2. Resilience is a muscle

I didn’t give up after test number three (even though I really wanted to).
And if you’re on attempt number 5 in your biz, whether that’s a marketing idea, a new offer, or even finding your flow - don’t quit.
Every “no” is one step closer to a “yes”.

3. Celebrate the small wins like you’ve won the lottery

When I finally passed, I celebrated so hard. And it felt amazing.
In your business, don’t wait for the “big” success. Toast the tiny wins -your first sale, a good day, a lovely testimonial. They all count. They all build belief.

4. Surround yourself with good people

My family were my biggest cheerleaders through the driving test saga. In business, we all need that too.
Find people who get it -people who’ll cheer you on when things feel tough, and remind you of your magic when you forget.

5. Failure doesn’t mean you’re failing

Let’s stop treating setbacks like the enemy.
Instead of letting them define us, let’s use them as a springboard.
The people who “make it” aren’t the ones who get it right first time they’re the ones who keep going.

So if you’ve had a bit of a wobble lately, or something didn’t go to plan—know this:
You’re not broken.
You’re building.
You’re learning.
You’re doing the real, messy, beautiful work of growing a business that matters.

Thanks for taking this little trip down memory lane with me. I hope it reminds you that failure doesn’t have to be a full stop. It can be the comma that leads you into something even better.

Here’s to heart, hustle, and lessons that stick.

Big love,
Michelle x