It's Global Entrepreneurship Week

First One In, Last One Out: In the Shoes of an Entrepreneur Written by Janan Leo, Founder & Creative Director of Cocorose London. I’m often asked about how and why I set up Cocorose London and what it’s like running my own business. As an entrepreneur in the fashion industry, the glamour and glitz often mask the daily highs and lows that go on behind the scenes and the whole-hearted team effort that goes into creating a beautiful, international brand. My passion here is to unfold the emotions that run with every step of being my own entrepreneur and to lay bare what it’s like being in my shoes. Find me on twitter and Instagram @jananleo with the hashtag #InMyCocorose. ____________________________________________________________________________________________

It's Global Entrepreneurship Week
As the founder of Cocorose London, I wanted to take a moment during Global Entrepreneurship Week to share a few personal thoughts on starting - and continuing - a business.

I recorded a short video yesterday morning with some advice I hoped might help others. But truthfully, I hesitated before posting it. Why? Because I realised I wasn’t quite following my own advice.

Yes, I started Cocorose London over 10 years ago, and I’ve never stopped since. But I’ve also been working on a new project for the past six months. It’s ready. I just haven’t launched it yet. And that realisation made me pause. I needed to take a dose of my own medicine.

So here I am, recommitting to action. Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started - again.

Starting Is One Thing. Keeping Going Is Another.

Entrepreneurship isn’t a neat, linear story. It’s messy. You loop back. You stall. You doubt. Then you keep going.

When I first began, I knew I had a strong idea and I was passionate about solving a real problem - comfortable, stylish shoes for women who were fed up with compromise. Over the years, I've learned that building a business isn’t just about products. It’s about people, perseverance, and picking yourself up even when you're tired.

Now, with a decade under my belt, I still find myself facing familiar hurdles. Launching something new can bring up the same questions: Is this the right time? Is it good enough? What if it fails? But honestly, waiting never answers those questions. Only doing does.

What Does “Thinking Big” Really Mean?

This phrase - think big - gets thrown around all the time. But I’ve come to realise it’s entirely personal.

For some, thinking big means scaling fast, seeking investment, and going global. For others, it’s about building a business that works around your life, your family, your health. One isn’t better than the other. It just depends on what you want.

I’ve gone backwards and forwards on this myself. But whether your business is a full-throttle venture or a carefully balanced lifestyle choice, the only “right” way is the one that suits you.

So, if you’ve been holding back - start. If you’ve stalled - restart. Just don’t wait too long. You might be more ready than you think.

First One In, Last One Out: In the Shoes of an Entrepreneur

Written by Janan Leo, Founder & Creative Director of Cocorose London. Read about Janan here and us all here.