Being an ADHD Business Owner

Starting a business is never a walk in the park, but doing so as a woman diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 30 presents its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. My journey as an ADHD business owner has been an incredible ride of self-discovery, resilience, and growth. Here, I share the hurdles I’ve faced and the strategies that have helped me turn what many consider a disadvantage into a powerful entrepreneurial edge.

Discovering ADHD at 30: The Turning Point

Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD at 30 was both enlightening and overwhelming. Suddenly, there was an explanation for the whirlwind of thoughts, the constant need for stimulation, and the struggles with focus that had punctuated my life. Finally, I can’t even begin to describe the sensory issues. While the diagnosis initially brought a sense of relief, it also meant learning how to adapt to a new understanding of myself—especially as I was in the throes of launching my second business.

I’ve been a full-time boudoir photographer for 4 years with my studio Audrey Rouzer Portraits. Then, in late 2023, I opened Aloft Studio which serves as a creative space that can be rented daily by other photographers. Both brands have allowed me to expand my offerings for education and mentoring. But there were some huge shifts as I started to realize that being an ADHD business owner was going to have its own challenges in additon to the standard ones.

Challenges on the Entrepreneurial Journey as an ADHD Business Owner

As a business owner, ADHD has surfaced in various ways. One of the most significant challenges is maintaining focus on tasks that aren’t immediately exciting or rewarding. The administrative side of running a business can often feel tedious, yet it’s crucial for success. Time management is another hurdle. ADHD often makes it difficult to gauge how long tasks will take, leading to an ever-expanding to-do list. I struggle with time blindness and it never feels the same two days in a row. Most of the time, I can get what I need to have done for my business, but at the expense of not being able to fuction well in my home life.

Strategies for Success as an ADHD Business Owner

Over time, I’ve developed strategies that have helped me harness the positive aspects of ADHD while mitigating its challenges:

1. Structuring My Day: My brain is incapable of forming habits. Period. There’s not a single thing I do every day out of “habit.” Each task large or small requires emotional effort. So for me, structure is very hard. I find it helpful to make a list of tasks I want to accomplish each day, without worrying about the order or time frame. I lean into what I want to do first and then go from there.
2. Leveraging Technology: Tools like project management apps and digital calendars have become my best friends. They help me track tasks, set reminders, and visualize deadlines, reducing the mental clutter that often accompanies ADHD.
3. Outsourcing and Delegating: As a business owner, it’s crucial to recognize when to delegate tasks. By outsourcing areas that are less aligned with my strengths, such as bookkeeping, retouching, social media management, and literally anything else that doesn’t bring me joy, I can focus on the creative and strategic aspects of my business that truly energize me. By seeking the expertise of other professionals, I ensure my businesses thrive with high-quality products, rather than settling for my half-effort version just to get it done. The money spent on these services always replenishes itself and then I get to free up those aspects of my life to truly be creative.

Embracing ADHD as a Strength

Despite the challenges, ADHD has been a boon to my entrepreneurial spirit. The ability to hyper-focus means that when I’m passionate about a project, I can work intensively with unparalleled creativity and drive. This passion often translates into innovative solutions and a unique approach to business challenges.

ADHD also fosters a high level of empathy and intuition, which has been invaluable in understanding and meeting the needs of my clients. This empathetic approach has helped me build strong relationships and a loyal customer base.

Advice for Women in Similar Situations

For other women navigating business ownership with ADHD, here are a few pieces of advice:

• Accept and Celebrate Your Uniqueness: ADHD contributes to a unique perspective that can be an asset in business. Embrace it and focus on your strengths.
• Build a Support System: Surround yourself with a supportive network. Whether it’s family, friends, or fellow entrepreneurs—who understand your journey and can offer encouragement and accountability.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Balancing personal and professional life is crucial. Regular exercise, meditation, and hobbies can help manage stress and maintain mental health.
• Seek Professional Guidance: Don’t hesitate to reach out to coaches or therapists who specialize in ADHD. They can provide tailored strategies and support to help you thrive. For me? I find timers extremely helpful for completing certain tasks.

The Road Ahead

Being an ADHD business owner is a journey filled with learning and growth. While the path may be unpredictable, it’s also vibrant and full of potential. By embracing my ADHD, I’ve not only found success as an entrepreneur but also a deeper understanding and appreciation for who I am. For every woman out there juggling business and ADHD, remember: your journey is uniquely yours, and your potential is limitless. It doesn’t need to be filled with shame that your brain doesn’t work like everyone else’s. It isn’t meant to.

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