Meeting My Younger Self for Coffee
I was digging through a shoebox in my utility room when I found it—my very first business card. Miss Meg’s Cupcakes.Oh goodness, the memories. I thought that business was hard. Little did I know…
This past week, I had the honor of speaking to students at Dawson County High School’s entrepreneurship program. We talked about the ups and downs of owning a business, the uncertainties, the failures, and the lessons that come with chasing a dream. I told them about how, at their age, I struggled to focus in school. While my friends had their five-year plans perfectly mapped out, complete with 4.0 GPAs and college scholarships to choose from, I felt lost. Different. Behind. Wondering why I hadn’t found my thing yet.
But I was only 17. And I had time.
A Coffee Date with My Younger Self
If I could sit down for coffee with that 17-year-old girl—the one who made that first business card—I’d listen to her worries. I’d hear her tell me how she wasn’t sure what her future looked like, how she felt like she was falling behind, how she was scared of failing. And I’d reach across the table, take her hand, and tell her:
"You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. You are learning, even when you don’t realize it. And I promise—it’s all going to be okay."
I’d tell her about the late nights bartending, soaking up life lessons from business owners sitting across the bar. How that first sales job selling HVAC in Canton would teach her that sales is simply a numbers game—every “no” just another step toward a “yes.” I’d remind her that the marketing job, the rebranding, the graphic design she taught herself to save money… all of it was leading her to a passion she hadn’t even discovered yet.
And I’d smile as I told her about Chick-fil-A, about learning the power of customer service and how to turn a bad experience into a good one. That every job, every pivot, every challenge was quietly building the foundation for something bigger than she ever imagined.
The Three Pillars of Entrepreneurship
I’d let her in on a little secret—that the three biggest strengths she would carry into entrepreneurship were already being shaped within her:
Sales – The power of persistence, of hearing no and trying again.
Marketing – The ability to tell a story, build a brand, and make people believe in it.
Customer Service – The understanding that business isn’t just about transactions, but relationships.
With these three strengths, I’d tell her, you will be unstoppable.
The Beauty of Trying Again
I’d sip my coffee and look at that younger version of myself—the one who bravely started a cupcake business, printed a business card, and took a chance. And I’d tell her:
"I know you’re afraid of failing. But failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of it. When you decided to walk away from Miss Meg’s Cupcakes, you thought you were giving up. But really, you were making space for something greater. And one day, when someone makes fun of you for failing, you’ll realize that trying is braver than never starting at all."
I’d hug her before she left, squeezing her tight, and whisper one last thing:
"You are going to do big things, and I am so, so proud of you."
To Anyone Who’s Just Starting Out…
If you’re at the beginning of your journey—feeling lost, behind, or unsure—know this: every experience is teaching you something. Every failure is leading you closer to success. And one day, you’ll look back at your younger self and realize she was braver than you ever gave her credit for.
So take the leap. Try again. And never forget—you are capable of so much more than you think.
— Megan Crane
Entrepreneur | Business Owner | Mom |
