The Cost of Building a Life You Actually Want

Hey! I am Falguni (aka Fal). I am based out of Germany and work globally to help founders strengthen their business by improving how they communicate and by creating growth systems that actually work in real life. I believe most businesses aren’t held back by lack of effort, they are held back because the message feels scattered, the positioning isn’t clear and the customer journey isn’t built with intention. I step in to simplify all of that. Whether it’s tightening your brand communication or designing a funnel backed by ads, my focus is simple: clarity that converts, without the noise or overwhelm.

Finding my core wasn’t a single moment...it was a slow build of every decision I made along the way. I spent five years doing the same things at my job: creating content, running ads, managing campaigns, leading an 8 person team. I was good at it but somewhere in the middle of all that routine I started feeling restless. I wanted to learn more, help more, explore more than what my role allowed. So I took the leap. I left my job and went all in on freelancing. The last couple of years have been full of experimentation - different niches, different types of projects, all kinds of clients, all kinds of pay structures. I tried everything so I could understand what I am actually great at and who I genuinely enjoy working with. And yeah that's the story!

A common misconception is that marketing is incredibly simple. Many people assume they “know marketing” because they’ve seen trends or have ideas they think will work, but a brand doesn’t grow from one clever idea or a viral reel. Real marketing is built on consistent communication, clear positioning and SYSTEMS that work together over time. That’s the part most people overlook. And that’s why it helps to trust someone who has actually built these systems across many different businesses because experience changes everything.

I wasn’t prepared for how much NOT having systems or boundaries would affect me. In the beginning, I took on low paying clients because I just wanted the opportunity. With no structure, everything felt chaotic and without boundaries, clients assumed I was always available, which led to last minute changes and constant pressure. It took a toll on my mental health but it also became one of my biggest lessons. Every discomfort pushed me toward more clarity and more respect for my own time. Another thing that caught me off guard was partnerships. I said yes to people who didn’t have the experience or stability their role required - mostly because they brought the opportunity to me and I didn’t want to lose it. I was naive to think that saying yes to everything was the safest choice. Over time, I learned that good partners, good clients and good mental well being are absolutely possible when your business is built on systems, boundaries and self-worth.

I am most proud that I followed my heart even when the path made no sense to anyone else. I graduated as an engineer, turned down a master’s admission in the U.S., switched careers completely, worked a full time job and eventually chose the freedom of consulting/freelancing. I didn’t follow the route that society laid out... I followed what felt right for me. I am also proud of the personal growth this journey has forced out of me. Running your own business brings up every insecurity, fear and old pattern you didn’t even realize you were carrying. It’s been uncomfortable at times but I am grateful I had the privilege and opportunity to walk this path and grow into a version of myself I actually respect.

If you’re thinking about starting something of your own, please don’t do it because you saw a reel glamorizing the founder lifestyle. Starting is easy... staying in the game is the real work. You have to be prepared mentally, financially and even physically. There will be 18 hour workdays, holidays that don’t feel like holidays, nights you go to bed worrying and moments where you pay your team before you pay yourself. You’ll deal with people who don’t think like you, you’ll have to be the bigger person in conflicts and you’ll learn very quickly why boundaries matter. It’s confusing, exhausting and yes - messy. But once you find your rhythm, the freedom and ownership you gain is addictive in the best way. And one last thing: learn your taxes. It’ll save you more stress than any productivity hack ever will.

Business success grows out of personal success. Learn your craft, build connections but don’t forget to take care of your inner world while you’re building your outer one. Don’t let your work become the only thing that defines you. Make space for something that’s yours, something no one can measure or take away - whether it’s fitness, spirituality or a hobby you do purely for joy, not achievement.