Entrepreneurship is everywhere online — “Be your own boss.” “Make money while you sleep.” “Escape your 9–5.”

But what does starting a business actually look like in real life?

In this Season 2 premiere of We Thrive Life, Isabelle sits down with Landon Smith, Entrepreneur in Residence at Southern Utah University’s Dixie L. Levitt School of Business, to break down the myths, the hard truths, and the practical realities of building something from scratch.

From scanning $2 law school books to resell on Amazon… to failed niche websites… to real estate investing… to building a multi-year software company — Landon shares what worked, what didn’t, and what aspiring founders actually need to know before jumping in.

If you’ve ever thought:

• “Maybe I should start a business…”
• “Is entrepreneurship the answer to burnout?”
• “How much money do I really need to start?”
• “What if I fail?”

This episode is for you.

What We Cover

✨ The biggest myth young adults believe about entrepreneurship ✨ Why “escape your job” isn’t always a good reason to start a business ✨ The #1 financial mistake first-time founders make ✨ What validation actually means — and how to do it for free ✨ How students can realistically start a business with $0 ✨ The emotional toll of entrepreneurship (and how to push through) ✨ Why systems matter more than hustle ✨ Knowing when to walk away from an idea ✨ The two skills every entrepreneur must master

Key Takeaways

1. Entrepreneurship isn’t easy — it’s earned. Freedom, flexibility, and financial success come after sacrifice, effort, and consistency.

2. Validate before you build. Just because you want the product doesn’t mean the market does. Test demand early — before you spend money.

3. You can start with zero dollars. Thanks to AI, free tools, and social platforms, many ideas can be validated and launched without major capital.

4. Systems create freedom. Document your processes. Delegate. Use automation. Build something that runs with you — not only because of you.

5. Success isn’t just money. For Landon, real success means creating value and having the autonomy to spend time with the people who matter most.

Who This Episode Is For

• College students curious about entrepreneurship
• Young adults feeling burned out in a job
• Aspiring founders afraid of failing
• Anyone who wants practical, grounded advice — not Instagram hype

If you’re figuring out adulthood and feeling a little underprepared — you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

🔗 Connect with us at wethrivelife.com 📲 Follow along on Instagram 🎧 Share this episode with someone building something big

This is We Thrive Life — where we conquer adulthood together.