To quote Steve Blank, entrepreneurs are everywhere. Sometimes we think success depends on personal circumstances, but quite often inspiring entrepreneurs have experienced the contrary. In the end, entrepreneurship is a state of mind and a personal decision, as Carmen’s story about entrepreneurship and disability proves.
Carmen survived polio. Now that is a fearful image to most people. Even though I’m sure she would have preferred to not have had to live that situation, I think it only mentally made her stronger. It seemed to have triggered a deep-rooted belief in justice and equal opportunities. Coming from a quite dusty village, Carmen moved to the city to graduate university like she would have done without her physical disability, traveled, and worked as a professional.
Being physically bound to a wheelchair didn’t have a devastating impact on her ambitions and achievements.
She also started several companies and projects, all evolving around justice and equal opportunities. Tramitec, helps people to stand up to the mistreatment of government institutions and commercial companies. Usually, its customers come from the lower social classes, who are less educated and therefore not able to write petitions and complaints. Tramitec gives these people a voice.
Wheeling Women, focused on women with disabilities and helping them be successful and finding equal opportunities. These are just a couple of examples of her projects. Even though she is still in the process of creating and growing her initiatives, I would bet there are people from more beneficial circumstances that have done worse.
Carmen herself is probably the first success story of her own companies and projects.
So what about your excuses not to go after things you want? Setbacks might win some battles, but in the end, it is about winning the war. What are you willing or need to accept, to progress your life as an entrepreneur?
There are many lessons to be learned from Carmen, her story of disability and entrepreneurship, and her ventures. First and foremost, if you really want to be an entrepreneur, there will always be opportunities coming up to make a difference. Once entrepreneurship gets into your veins, you will be able to apply it to whatever situation you are in.
Also, the best entrepreneurship comes from the heart and a sense of purpose. Maybe even destiny, using her situation to help both herself and others overcome obstacles.
