BURNT 50K from our savings, but was it worth it?!

When I quit my 9-5 job last December, I had no idea how far this could go. We had a vision but no idea what to expect.

And now, we just wrapped up our 3rd pop-up in ☆New York☆

Even crazier, we’re planning to open our first permanent store in NYC!

Each time, we’ve grown. We’ve learned so much - the good, the bad(iykyk lols….)

I’ve always dreamed of creating a space where you can feel safe, seen, and embraced just as you are. And now it really feels like we’re getting closer.

This chubby Korean girl who once believed she wasn’t “pretty enough” to enjoy fashion is now opening a fun fashion store in New York! How awesome of a plot twist is that?!

Stay tuned, I’ll be sharing every step of this journey hehe ᢉ𐭩

Huge thanks to our sponsors ⋆⭒˚.⋆

@gatchany

@hustleandheart.official

@lazysundaes

@mizulabdrinks

@modelmatcha

@noflex.nyc

@paldofood_global

@pickypic.official

@spotdessertbar

#newyork #popup #smallbizsquad #smallbusinessowner #nycpopup #nycstore #nycshopping #quit9to5 #fashiondesignerlife #koreafashion #korean #midsizefashion #midsizestyle #selfjourney #selfesteem #selflovejourney #bodypositive #smallbrands #inclusivefashion

2025/9/7 Edited to

... Read moreStarting a business, especially in the highly competitive New York fashion scene, requires a mix of passion, resilience, and strategic planning. Burning through every penny of your savings, as experienced in this journey, is a daunting but often necessary step toward turning a vision into reality. Many entrepreneurs share the anxiety of uncertain profits and the pressure of paying bills while building their dream. The extreme weather challenges such as severe heat or unexpected rain can also impact events like pop-ups, affecting turnout and sales, making adaptability essential for success. Building an inclusive fashion brand resonates deeply today, as more consumers demand representation and body positivity. Creating a space where customers feel safe and embraced aligns with rising movements for diversity and self-esteem in fashion. Embracing midsize and Korean fashion styles adds a unique cultural and size-inclusive appeal that distinguishes a fresh store in NYC’s bustling market. Leveraging collaborations with sponsors and local brands not only enhances event experiences but also builds community trust and exposure. Unique elements like viral events, photo booths, and engaging social media campaigns have proven effective in attracting crowds and creating memorable moments. Being an introverted founder can be challenging in highly social roles like pop-ups, but pushing beyond comfort zones often leads to rich personal and professional growth. This story reflects that success is rarely linear. Learning from each pop-up’s highs and lows, managing the financial risk of $50K investment, and incrementally growing towards a permanent store highlight the entrepreneurial spirit and dedication needed. For other aspiring small business owners, this journey underscores the importance of perseverance, community support, and staying true to one’s vision in a demanding industry. For readers interested in transitioning from a traditional job into entrepreneurship, or those passionate about inclusive fashion, this narrative offers an honest, authentic glimpse into the realities of launching a small business in one of the world’s fashion capitals.

Related posts

Things I Started Doing When I Realized I Was Burnt Out ☁️
I didn’t realize I was burnt out at first. I thought I was lazy. Unmotivated. Like I needed to try harder. But burnout didn’t look dramatic for me. It looked like feeling exhausted all the time, getting irritated easily, losing excitement for things I normally love, scrolling instead of re
Bree | Faithfully Yours 🤍

Bree | Faithfully Yours 🤍

1233 likes

A collage showing a woman sipping a drink, a person sleeping, legs in a bubble bath, and another person sleeping, illustrating the needs of a burnt-out individual for rest and relaxation.
A collage featuring two women laughing on a bed, a person in a robe with coffee, and a neatly made bed, representing the desire to mentally disengage and be free from responsibilities.
A collage showing a person painting, a woman eating outdoors, a woman eating with chopsticks, and a woman in an art gallery, emphasizing that burnout is a real, measurable physiological state.
You’re Not Lazy ,You’re Burnt Out 🤍
POV: you’re not lazy… you’re burnt out 🤍 Nobody talks about this enough. Not the exhaustion you can sleep off… but the kind that lives in your body, your mind, your decisions. You don’t need more motivation. You don’t need to “push through.” You need: – quiet – space – less pressure
The Mojicas

The Mojicas

2148 likes

BISCOFF BURNT BASQUE CHEESECAKE✨
ingredients: basque cheesecake: 650g cream cheese block, softened 195g sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 5g cornstarch 20g flour 2g salt 180g eggs 250g heavy whipping cream A spoonful of biscoff whipped cream cheese: 4 tbsp cream cheese 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1/4 cup powdered suga
lena

lena

43.4K likes

100 Self-Care Ideas for Burnt Out Students 🤕
In between hours of revision and exams, there often isn't much time to take care of yourself. 🧘🏽‍♀️ However, self-care is one of the most important and productive things you can do during exam season!🤕 Not only does self-care help to prevent burnout, it can also help you deal with exam st
irianna

irianna

1524 likes

A young woman wearing glasses stands in a room. Overlay text reads "8 signs YOU ARE Burnt Out from school" with "Burnt Out" highlighted in red. A Lemon8 logo and username are at the bottom left.
Text "1. You're constantly tired and don't want to get out of bed in the morning" over a blurred background of a laptop and notebook. An illustration of a person stretching in bed is at the bottom.
Text "2. Your grades are slowly declining and you can't get them up no matter how much you study" over a blurred background of a laptop and notebook. An illustration of a crying person holding a paper with a "-C" grade is at the bottom.
You Might Be Burnt Out & Not Even Know It!!!
Here are the 8 signs that you are totally burnt out from school! It's good to recognize what these signs are so that you can hopefully get back on track to feeling better and less burnt out! Constant fatigue: Persistent exhaustion despite adequate rest, often feeling drained and unable to r
CompSkyy

CompSkyy

12.3K likes

Pork Belly Burnt Ends
This is my new favorite way to make these. Got the idea from the guys over at @interstellarbbq when I ate at their place last year. Just love how cool and perfect they look. The texture and taste of them is amazing too. You can coat them with more sauce if you like but this right here is perfect fo
TFTI BBQ

TFTI BBQ

6274 likes

Are you feeling burnt out? 🥺
This gentle reminder is for you 🌷 📖: The Real Glow Up✨ A guide to self-love & healing—to glowing from within. To creating a life that doesn’t just look good on the outside but feels good from the inside. 🕯️ (B00k 🔗’d in bi0//on amznn🤍) #selflove #healing #selflovebooks
ChelseyArmfield

ChelseyArmfield

63 likes

Burnt Butter Pecan Overload ✨🙂‍↕️
Making my favorite ice cream for a customer! 😮‍💨 #ice cream maker #icecream #butterpecan #homemade #fromscratch Dallas
dari ✨

dari ✨

16.4K likes

8 Signs You’re Burnt Out and It’s Not Stress
Which of these burnout signs do you feel most right now, in your body or your mind? Let me know below 👇 Need help coming back to yourself? The Listening Room has gentle audio sessions designed to restore your energy and connection without pressure, it’s free too which is a bonus 😊 @SarahAtG
SarahAtResourceSomatics

SarahAtResourceSomatics

249 likes

Feeling Burnt Out? It’s Probably Not Just Sleep
Most of us think rest = sleep. But what if you’re mentally drained, emotionally exhausted, or spiritually disconnected? There are 7 types of rest your body and mind crave — and only one of them is physical. This visual changed the way I recharge, especially during high-stress weeks. Here’s
Steven Bou

Steven Bou

2901 likes

Feeling Burnt Out? These 5 Hacks Can Lower Stress
If you’re constantly battling email overload, tight deadlines, or feeling like you’re drowning in work… You’re not alone. This breakdown shows exactly how top leaders manage stress without burning out — using simple but powerful strategies like: • Inbox Zero (bye clutter) •
Steven Bou

Steven Bou

382 likes

5 Signs Your Burnt Out (and need rest) 🤍
Lately I’ve been learning that burnout doesn’t always look like being tired, sometimes it looks like losing motivation, feeling overwhelmed by small things, and feeling disconnected from yourself 🤍 This is your gentle reminder that rest is not a reward… it’s a need. If this resonated, save it f
SHEspiration

SHEspiration

1717 likes

West Virginia Burnt Ends
Ingredients 3 (32 oz) packages hot dogs ⅔ cup BBQ sauce ⅓ cup yellow mustard 2 teaspoons liquid smoke 1 tablespoon paprika 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons onion powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper ½ cup brown sugar, divided Preparation Lightly grease a 9x13-inch bakin
Andrea J

Andrea J

438 likes

How to love studying when your brain is completely burnt out and empty
#study #studytips #examtips #school #studygram
The topper tips

The topper tips

0 likes

50 Ways to Fight Depression This Summer ☀️🍉⛱️
Your Summer Reset Guide for Mental Health, Movement, and Self-Respect!!❤️ 💭 Let’s Talk About It: Depression Is Real, Common, and Not Your Fault If you’ve ever smiled in a group photo while secretly feeling like you were crumbling, this is for you. If you’ve laid in bed all day and called i
Chalie_Baker

Chalie_Baker

804 likes

A person is curled up in bed under blankets, with a black text overlay introducing "5 signs you are Burnt out Not lazy." The room has a neutral color palette with a white heater on the wall.
A skeletal figure is surrounded by scattered papers, with a black text box explaining "You feel Disconnected," detailing feelings of detachment and helplessness as a sign of burnout.
A skeletal figure with papers, featuring a black text box describing "You feel Unmotivated," highlighting exhaustion, apathy, and lack of drive as signs of burnout, not laziness.
5 sings you are Burnt out Not lazy
The progression of burnout occurs gradually, typically evolving through stages such as losing interest and motivation, feeling detached, and neglecting oneself. Recognizing these signs early is crucial to effectively address burnout. Misinterpreting burnout as laziness is common due to a lack of un
Milaidy🫧🌺🍕

Milaidy🫧🌺🍕

220 likes

Hot Dog Burnt Ends 🔥
It’s still cookout season, right?! Add these hot dog burnt ends to your summer menu and I promise — you’ll never want a regular one again. How do you like your hot dogs? #food #summer
The Flavour Goddess

The Flavour Goddess

445 likes

signs you are burnt out 🫠
if you’re burnout, you’re not alone & things can get better!! The key to burnout is resting ACTUALLY resting! Giving your body a chance to recover from the emotional & physical stress you feel. This may look like taking time off work, decreasing your responsibilities, sleeping more,
rachel

rachel

143 likes

Baked Hot Dog Burnt Ends
Ingredient • 8 Hot dogs (I use all beef) • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce • 2 tablespoons Honey • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce • 1 tablespoon Yellow mustard • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder • 1 teaspoon Onion powder • 1 tablespoon Olive oil Directions 1. Preheat the Oven: • Preheat your oven to 3
LaDonna Barr

LaDonna Barr

319 likes

A hand holds a single UGG Tasman slipper in a leopard print pattern, featuring a dark sole and braided trim. The background shows a retail store setting with other footwear. Text on the image identifies the slipper and advises quick purchase.
UGG Tasman Caspian in Burnt Cedar
I found these at Dillard’s! ❤️ And I’m in love! If you know me you know I love a good animal print. I have last years version and it’s a lighter color but this years is really really cute. I can tell this one will go fast. I also just got an email from UGG.com that they’re back in stock. So th
Sami

Sami

663 likes

🪐 Feeling stuck, scattered, or burnt out?
Productivity doesn’t have to be harsh or hustle-heavy. I believe in soulful productivity. The kind that flows with your energy, not against it. This is your soft guide to staying focused without the pressure. Gentle tips include: • Working in sacred sprints • Choosing 1–3 aligned tasks •
Sundaze Blooms

Sundaze Blooms

144 likes

🦋 I got burnt out by social media & went back to the early 2000s internet.
Modern social media can feel so draining, and I’ve been desperately looking for a way to curate my 90s baby aesthetic without the overwhelming pressure of hustle culture. I decided to completely step back from the main algorithms to protect my peace. ​Instead of doom scrolling, I’ve started pour
Angel Beth Y2K

Angel Beth Y2K

7 likes

Biscoff Burnt Basque Cheese Cake
3 blocks of cream cheese 24 oz• •1 cup sugar •3 eggs• •1 tsp vanilla •1.5 tbsp flour •1 tsp cornstarch •1/2 jar Biscoff •1.5 cups heavy cream •Biscoff cookies Whipped cream cheese •4 tbsp cream cheese •1 cup heavy whipping cream •1/2 cup powdered sugar Ps. Make sure eggs, cre
MsWEEZIEbaby

MsWEEZIEbaby

44 likes

A woman with a weary expression, holding her head, is featured with the overlay text "LET'S TALK BURNOUT & how to recover." The background appears to be an indoor setting, possibly a store.
A woman with a tired expression, hand on her forehead, is shown with the overlay text "Recognize & Acceptance:" and a detailed explanation about acknowledging physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion from burnout.
A woman joyfully swinging on a playground swing set amidst trees, with the overlay text "Set Boundaries:" and an explanation about establishing clear work-life boundaries for rest and relaxation.
I WAS BURNT OUT & how to recover from burnout! 💭🧘🏼‍♀️
I’ve felt extremely burnt out lately, and wanted to share with you what helped me get out of my really bad burnout rut! With rest, support, and self-care, and these steps, I feel a lot more better and now I finally can have some time for myself. Which is what everybody deserves!! 💕 #embracevuln
Caroline 🫶🏼

Caroline 🫶🏼

49 likes

A nurse in navy scrubs and glasses, with her hand on her forehead, appearing tired or reflective, embodying the feeling of being a burnt-out healthcare professional.
A close-up of medical packaging for 50% Dextrose Injection, USP, alongside a prefilled syringe, illustrating the daily tools and responsibilities of a nurse.
A person in navy scrubs and a beige jacket, holding an iced coffee, representing a nurse's busy schedule or a moment of self-care during a demanding day.
Affirmations to use when you’re a burnt out RN ✨
💌 Sometimes I have to remind myself of these affirmations as a nurse - quick reminders that help me push through the burn out: 1.) I am capable, even when I’m tired. (I tell myself this on my way to work when I already feel drained before walking in.) 2.) My work matters, even if it feels lik
𝓑𝓻𝓲𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓪 ◡̈

𝓑𝓻𝓲𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓪 ◡̈

71 likes

Burnt Basque Cheesecake Recipe 🍋✨
Burnt on the outside, creamy on the inside — the easiest cheesecake you’ll ever make 🤍🍰” Creamy center • Caramelized top • No crust ✨ Why you’ll love it • No water bath • No crust • Minimal ingredients • Foolproof & bakery-style ⸻ Lets Make it 😉”
ItzzzMay

ItzzzMay

17 likes

Burnt hat design 😍
I love how fun this hat is. Everything is a little off set to make it funky. I love the way it turned out for my fist time😍 it has so much going on. #burnthat #woodburning #cowboyhat #western #skull
Samantha Olsen

Samantha Olsen

123 likes

A slice of cheesecake with a dark crust and creamy filling is topped with red berry compote and powdered sugar. A fork is shown piercing into the compote, which drips down the side of the cake.
‏Basque Burnt Cheesecake: The ‘Perfectly
‏For Cheesecake: ‏· 24 oz (3 packs) full-fat cream cheese, room temp ‏· 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar ‏· 4 large eggs, room temp ‏· 2 cups heavy cream ‏· 1 tsp vanilla extract ‏· ¼ cup all-purpose flour ‏· Pinch of salt ‏For Berry Compote: ‏· 2 cups mixed berries (frozen or fresh) ‏· ¼
Jeencalven

Jeencalven

8 likes

A graphic titled 'HIGH CORTISOL' lists symptoms like being tired but wired, mid-section weight gain, high blood sugar, anxiety, irritability, and poor exercise results. Solutions include breathwork, adequate salt, auditing caffeine, addressing stressors, avoiding extreme diets, and smart exercise.
🧠✨ Feeling Burnt Out? It Might Be High Cortisol.
📉 Struggling With… • Constant fatigue (even after sleep) • Weight gain, especially around the belly • Feeling anxious or wired all day • Brain fog + low focus • Craving sugar or salty snacks • Trouble falling or staying asleep 🧠✨ It cou
Texasbuttercup

Texasbuttercup

522 likes

5 signs you’re burnt out part 2
#burnout #depressed
WhyYouFeelLikeCrap

WhyYouFeelLikeCrap

44 likes

Burnt honey & cardamom loaf
✨ Burnt honey & cardamom loaf: more than a recipe, it’s a fall ritual. 🍂 Slice, sip, and savor golden mornings with this spiced treat. #FallBaking #CozyRecipes #CardamomMagic #AutumnVibes
Aurora-Ember-Co

Aurora-Ember-Co

15 likes

Lamborghini Burntacan
Jalopy Jeff Sutton

Jalopy Jeff Sutton

91 likes

study spots as a burnt out student
as i am in my last final semesters as a pre-pa/biology student, burn out is nothing new! some tricks i do to combat is changing up scenery! this semester especially, the uni’s library has been too distracting and packed!! so here are some places i got in the zone! #studyvibes #studydiaries
steph 🤍

steph 🤍

49 likes

A whole Carnivore Burnt Basque Cheesecake, still in its parchment paper, sits on a textured mat. Text overlays highlight it as a 'High protein dessert' and prompt to 'Swipe'.
A burnt Basque cheesecake with a slice removed is presented on a white plate. The background features blurred floral decorations.
A hand holds up a slice of the burnt Basque cheesecake, revealing its creamy, dense interior. The rest of the cheesecake is blurred in the background.
Carnivore Burnt Basque Cheesecake
Carnivore Burnt Basque Cheesecake Ingredients: 2 Blocks Cream cheese (Room Temperature) 1 Cup Plain Yogurt 5 Eggs (Room Temperature) 1/3 Cup Heavy whipping cream 1 Tsp Salt Splash vanilla (optional) * You can add sweetener of your choice if you are not carnivore. Method: Mix a
Anne’s Lifestyle25

Anne’s Lifestyle25

8 likes

Psalms 49-50 Notes
Worship on the hard days & thank Him in advance. . . . . . . #bible #biblestudy #biblequotes #biblejournaling #bibleverse #bibleverses #biblequotes #biblescripture #biblequote #infertilityjourney #infertility #ivf #ivfjourney #miscarriage #findingfaith #hopeafterloss #christ
jazz_whit

jazz_whit

64 likes

From Burnt Out to Becoming
Some days, the most honest thing you can say is: “I’m tired. I’m overwhelmed. I’m just trying to make it through.” That doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human. You don’t have to earn your rest. You don’t need permission to pause. You’re allowed to take up space, even while you
Glow Within

Glow Within

59 likes

Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Cut in 1” cubes Liberally flavor with your favorite dry seasoning. Put on smoker at 275 degrees for roughly 2-2.5 hours. Smother in your favorite bbq sauce and I added some pepper bacon jam. Return for another 30-40mins and bam!!! Delicious!
Codeman

Codeman

5 likes

Burnt out
This skill takes time to develop. Many of us have been taught to people please, so burn out is the “norm” . Being spent ALL the time is not normal. Operation from survival mode is not normal. We must stand against the lies the world and the enemy has circulating. Yes, mentally first.
Modelchristlikeliving

Modelchristlikeliving

31 likes

A smiling woman with red hair is featured alongside text about "6 trauma-blocks that keep Successful Women stuck in survival mode" and how to reclaim true identity, introducing the topic of the article.
A text slide titled "The Hyper-Independence Trap" explains this block as a trauma response and suggests shifting to safely receiving support without losing control.
A text slide titled "Fear of Stillness" with a clock icon describes how busy-addiction prevents facing feelings and advocates for finding purpose and identity in quiet moments.
Why high-achieving women are secretly burnt out 🕯️
I see you. You’re the 'strong one.' The one who has it all together. The one everyone goes to for advice. But lately, the weight of your own success feels like a cage. For years, I thought my drive was just 'ambition.' But then I realized I was actually running on a survival-sta
Winona Maddox

Winona Maddox

3 likes

how to feel rested when you’re burnt out 😩
Rest is more than just crashing on the couch for 3 hours scrolling on your phone or watching TV. Often it feels good at first but by then end you feel even worse and more lethargic. 🫠 Getting the seven different types of rest will leave you feeling not just rested, but RESTORED. By looking at th
mind body mel

mind body mel

34 likes

burnt Carmel cake
I condensed a full day of mess to a 50 second reel. Yes, I used every dish, bowl and utensil in my hose, twice. Making a Burnt Carmel Cake. Was it good? I guess. The neighbors lived it. Me? I was secretly hoping it turned out horrible so I'd never get asked to make it again. that plan failed! L
SunburnAndDolly

SunburnAndDolly

5 likes

A diagram titled 'Key Topics to Highlight and Tab in a Bible,' showing six categories: Major Events, Significant Characters, Main Prayers, Popular Stories, Significant Teachings and Promises, and Prophetic Visions and Fulfillments.
A list of specific Bible stories, characters, events, teachings, and prayers categorized under the six topics from the previous image, along with instructions on how to organize Bible tabs using color-coding and keywords.
An open Bible with numerous colorful tabs marking different books and sections, showing the 'Introduction to Leviticus' page with details about its author, themes, and outline.
Let’s tab our Bible.
There’s plenty to tab in the Bible. Use these as a guide to tabbing your Bible. #bibleready #bibletabs #biblestudy #bible
Pen & Prayer

Pen & Prayer

16 likes

A laptop displays a Canva design for a 'Soft Reset' booklet, a digital product for burnt-out nurses. The screen shows booklet pages and printing options. An energy drink and food are nearby, with pink text 'Made for burnt out Nurses' on the keyboard.
Made for burnt out Nurses
I created what I wish I had on my hardest shifts 🤍 today was one of those shifts… new admits, transfers, code blue. no real break. no time to reset. but instead of pouring from an empty cup, I started building something for nurses like me— a soft reset. a routine you can actually fol
Yesiigb

Yesiigb

28 likes

50 Free Resources for the Burnt Out Sandwich Gen
Join our free community and get instant access to 50 real resources for the caregiver nobody checks on. Mental health support, government benefits, respite care, legal tools, and so much more. All free when you subscribe at join.betweengencare.org/subscribe. Because you deserve support too. CLICK
BetweenGenCare

BetweenGenCare

1 like

Multiple servings of macaroni and cheese mixed with barbecue pork pieces, prepared for meals in various containers and bowls.
Ingredients for the dish: two boxes of flavored macaroni and cheese and a package of seasoned and seared pork burnt ends with barbecue sauce.
A close-up view of macaroni and cheese combined with saucy pork burnt ends in a clear plastic container, ready to eat.
Pork burnt end Mac
BBQ pork burnt ends (I get mine from aldi for 7$ then 2 boxes mac and cheese (I prefer Kraft. I decided to try the new ranch flavor this time) (the BBQ kraft is also really good) heat burnt ends in microwave cook your mac and cheese as instructed on box and mix them together I had enou
Cassidi

Cassidi

5 likes

What to do when you’re burnt out from a meal plan
I give these tips because they will help you reboot your entire relationship around food and you don’t feel like you’re starving from a meal plan or deprived. It’s about making healthier decisions around your favorite meals that way you know you can be consistent with it and it doesn’t feel lik
Kat Loya

Kat Loya

15 likes

See more