Company of One Mindset: I Built a Business (a Life) on My Own

When I started taking “making real money” seriously, I also started picking up more books again.

I opened Company of One with a sense of fear—because I didn’t think I was strong enough to hold up an entire company on my own. That’s why, whenever I introduce myself, I usually say I’m a freelancer. But as I kept reading, I realized this book isn’t trying to teach you how to build a company bigger and stronger. What it’s really saying is this: A person can choose to stay small, stay in control, and still build a meaningful life—by treating their own life as the greatest business they will ever run.

That idea fits me perfectly.

Better Alone Than With the Wrong People

After going through a few startup experiences with people I wasn’t even that close to, the biggest lesson I learned was this: If you’re going to do something with others, make sure you’re truly aligned. Otherwise, you’re better off doing it alone.

And one more thing—absolutely, absolutely do not start a business with someone you don’t like. I’d heard that warning again and again in the early days. But honestly, most lessons don’t become real until you’ve lived through them yourself.

I Joined That Adventure as a Freelancer

To be fair, the reason I chose to “co-found” something back then was simple: I was exhausted by the 9-to-6 life. I was desperate to escape. Deep down, I wasn’t building a company with a founder’s mindset—I was participating in an adventure with a freelancer’s mindset. So the outcome being completely different from what I imagined… was actually not surprising at all.

But after that, I never wanted to be introduced as anyone’s “partner” again. I don’t want to partner up. I want to do it on my own.

“You’re on Your Own Now”

On July 23rd, 2024, after procrastinating for far too long, I finally got my very first business license. At the time, I wasn’t thinking about the concept of a “company of one.” I simply didn’t want to waste my energy arguing with people I didn’t like. I just wanted something that truly belonged to me—an asset that was fully mine.

A year has passed, and my little digital marketing studio is still struggling right on the edge of survival. But the freedom, the autonomy, the full control over my time and choices—those things suit my personality.

Sometimes I even think of that romantic phrase: “love is enough to live on.” It sounds ridiculous in business, but it strangely describes my current entrepreneurial state. Of course, I still get anxious about making a living. For a while, I was even ashamed to mention my studio. I kept it hidden behind other projects and collaborations, as if my business didn’t deserve to stand on its own.

I thought those “stronger” commercial partners would somehow protect my tiny little business—after all, I wasn’t trying to become big or powerful. But later I realized something: Once you have your own independent identity, people stop treating you like one of their own. It almost sounds philosophical.

Kid, You’re on Your Own Now!

I often think of this line from Taylor Swift’s song: “Kid, you’re on your own now.”

Yes. I can only rely on myself. And for the first time, I realized that a company of one isn’t just a business decision—it’s a life structure. It means you have to take full responsibility for your own life.

Writing to the Author—and Realizing I Don’t Need Answers

After finishing Company of One, I wrote an email to the author, using the email address printed on the last page of the book.

I thought I would be like I always was—desperate for someone to give me advice, answers, a direction. But as I wrote, something shifted. Maybe I don’t actually need anyone to give me the answer. Maybe I can build my own path. So every time I wanted to ask a question, I stopped myself. I simply shared my story, and told him how deeply I agreed with some of his ideas.

Kid, you’re on your own now.

The First Thirty Years of My Life Were Spent Waiting for Answers

In that moment, I suddenly realized: for the first thirty years of my life, I was constantly hoping someone else could give me the answer. When I was in school, I gave up my love for journalism and writing because my parents thought I should choose a “better” major. When I was in love, I hoped the other person would be strong enough to guide me. When I was working, I hoped my boss would be reliable enough to secure my future.

But after all the detours, I realized: People who truly know the answer are rare. Most of us are trapped inside our own limited understanding. If we want to live our life clearly, we have to rely on ourselves.

The Light That Once Appeared in My Life

Later, I realize that what you love most is still writing. Choosing English as my major was almost an accident—but somehow, it brought me into a world built around words.

You also realize that no matter how strong the person you date is, they can’t save you from your own insecurity. You have to grow up little by little, on your own, if you want to protect a good relationship.

And you realize that most bosses are simply dragged into the abyss of consumerism. They can’t give you the freedom you want, or even the stability you need.

Looking back, I think I was wrong. I never truly asked myself what kind of life I wanted. Or maybe I did—but I didn’t believe I could actually build it, so I chose to depend on others.

But there was light in my life. We just don’t understand the meaning of those beams of light until much later.

I loved my middle school English teacher. Through his professionalism—and through a brand-new language—he opened a door to a new world for a small version of me. He was a beam of light that widened my horizon.

I admired my high school Chinese teacher. He could understand emotions in my writing that no one else could. Sometimes, even I didn’t understand myself. He was a beam of light that showed me the power of words.

Right after graduation, I met a man who valued loyalty and integrity. He paid me my first freelance fee—without hesitation—and far above the industry standard. That payment became the capital that allowed me to escape and move to Xiamen. He was a beam of light that gave me the courage to choose freedom.

They didn’t live my life for me. They simply helped me see what life could be—before I had to fully carry the responsibility alone. And I believe my company of one will never be only “me.” Along the way, there will be other beams of light too. I should learn to appreciate the scenery.

When You Only Have Yourself, Your Life Company Begins

No one can give us a perfect answer for our own life. The truth is—we already have the answer. We just don’t dare to face the real version of ourselves. If a person is honest enough, she will quickly realize: She is alone.

And that feeling of being alone in this world is far more terrifying than running a company of one. But when you finally understand that you only have yourself, that’s when the company of your life officially begins. Not as a cold legal concept, but as the real you. From that moment on, you must treat yourself as the greatest project you will ever build.

Are you afraid?

or

Are you excited?

The Day I Got My Business License

On the day I received my business license, I sat alone at a bus stop bench for a long time. I asked myself the same questions. "Are you afraid or excited?" Back then, I felt more fear than excitement. I had no idea where my future was going, or how I was supposed to run this company. Even now, I still haven’t fully figured it out. I still get anxious. My company feels like my child. I’m afraid I won’t raise her well.

But I know: I’m on my own now.

I will never again ask anyone for the answer to my life. I will find my own answer.

My Life Is Becoming More Like Mine

From that bench to where I am now, I’ve walked a long way. I’m still alive. Most of the things I worried about didn’t happen. Isn’t life just so amazing in such an unreasonable way?

Why do we always lack the courage to live the life we truly want? I didn’t starve myself. I didn’t starve my “child.” I simply gave myself time—to untangle things, to cut off the version of me that kept wanting to depend on others, the version of me I didn’t even like. When I started belonging fully to myself, my company of one began to belong fully to me.

I no longer wait for miracles to fall from the sky. I simply treat myself as the greatest business of my life, and I run it with care. That’s pretty cool. Even if I fail, it’s probably only “failure” in someone else’s dictionary. My world is slowly becoming more like the version I truly like—not the version I performed to please others.

It took so much courage to clear out all the "garbage" in my life. Now I may have nothing but clean air in my sleeves—but I know I’ve grown into a stronger kid. No matter how much stormy weather lies ahead, I believe I can walk through it alone.

I love the calmness of people who have been through things. Not because they never faced storms, but because they already survived them. I believe no one’s world rains forever. If you keep walking, you’ll eventually find a direction where the sky clears.

In this life, the only thing you truly own is yourself. Treat yourself as the greatest project of your life. I don’t need my company of one to become wildly successful. I only hope that what I want in this lifetime—love and freedom—will be built and protected by my own hands.

Thanks for reading!