_edited.jpg)
Melanie Perkins, the visionary co-founder of Canva, offers a relatable take on the insecurities that often plague entrepreneurs. She touches on the idea that many of us fall into the trap of comparing our “behind-the-scenes” struggles with the “highlight reels” of others. It’s easy to look at successful founders hitting big milestones and wonder why we’re struggling so much. But Perkins reminds us that every founder, no matter how successful, goes through the same challenges.
Photo: Canva.com
For example, when Instagram first launched, Kevin Systrom and his co-founder had no idea if their platform would take off. They were sending emails to every tech contact they had, hoping someone would be interested. Similarly, Airbnb’s founders had to resort to selling cereal to keep their fledgling business alive. These stories help to humanize the entrepreneurial journey and remind us that success doesn’t always come as quickly or easily as it might seem from the outside.
Meeting Her Mentor: A Turning Point
Perkins recounts a life-changing moment when she met Lars Rasmussen, the co-founder of Google Maps. Before meeting him, she had assumed that people who achieved great things must have something special about them—maybe they were born geniuses or had some kind of magic formula. But meeting Rasmussen made her realize that he was just a normal person who worked incredibly hard. This revelation was empowering for Perkins. She realized that if people like Rasmussen could succeed through dedication and perseverance, then she could too.
This kind of realization has been a pivotal moment for many successful entrepreneurs. Take Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. She often talks about how she was selling fax machines door-to-door before she hit it big with her now multi-billion dollar company. Blakely didn’t come from a fashion background or have a million-dollar investment; she simply worked hard and believed in her idea. Perkins’ story echoes this sentiment, reminding us that successful entrepreneurs are just people who didn’t give up.
The Power of Persistence
One of the key takeaways from Perkins' story is the power of persistence. It’s not about comparing yourself to others but about staying focused on your own path. Every founder faces challenges—whether it’s a lack of funding, product setbacks, or criticism from outsiders. But the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t often comes down to perseverance.
Take the example of Elon Musk and SpaceX. Musk faced multiple failed rocket launches and nearly ran out of money before SpaceX finally succeeded. Today, his company is at the forefront of space exploration, but the journey was anything but smooth. Perkins’ story reminds us that these setbacks are a normal part of the process, and what matters most is the determination to keep going.
Changing the Narrative
What Perkins does so well is shift the narrative around entrepreneurship. Instead of focusing on success as a linear journey, she highlights the struggles that everyone faces behind the scenes. Founders don’t just wake up one day with a brilliant idea and endless support—they work hard, face rejection, and keep pushing forward even when things are tough.
Her own story with Canva is proof of that. Before Canva became the design tool of choice for millions, Perkins spent years working on smaller projects and facing countless rejections. She believed in her vision, though, and eventually, it paid off. Today, Canva is valued at over $40 billion, but that success didn’t happen overnight.
Empowering Future Founders
For any aspiring entrepreneur, Perkins’ words are both comforting and empowering. Her experiences show that even the most successful founders have their moments of doubt and struggle. But instead of getting discouraged by what others are doing, the focus should be on what you can control—your own work, your vision, and your persistence.
As Perkins reminds us, it’s not about comparing your journey to anyone else’s but about believing in yourself and your potential. Every founder starts from the same place, and every success story begins with someone who didn’t give up. For anyone who’s ever felt like they weren’t good enough or wondered if they were on the right path, Perkins’ story serves as a reminder: You are not alone, and you have what it takes. Keep going.
Listen to Melanie Perkins:
Comments