How to Handle the Emotional Side of Entrepreneurship (and Why Community Matters)

Let’s be honest—entrepreneurship is an emotional rollercoaster. In this episode of Five with Fry, I’m back with my mentor Ty Smith for part two of our conversation, and we’re getting into the real stuff: the emotional weight of building something from scratch and how to keep going when things get hard.

We talk about the gut-punch of rejection, the power of hearing “no” as “not yet,” and why learning to take feedback (without taking it personally) is a game-changer. Ty shares stories from the trenches, and we get into how even the most seasoned professionals can find entrepreneurship to be their toughest challenge yet.

Then, we shift gears and talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention: community. Especially for Black and Brown founders, the startup world can feel isolating—but it doesn’t have to be. We break down the dangers of relying only on friends and family for feedback, the trap of scarcity mindset, and the real magic that happens when we choose collaboration over competition.

If you’re building something and feeling the weight of it all, this episode is your reminder that you’re not alone—and that growth comes from both vulnerability and connection. Let’s talk about how to build a business and a community that lasts.