The Power of Vulnerability in Business: Why You Should Let People Show Up for You

How One Coffee Shop Owner's Vulnerability Led to Unlikely Success—and What It Means for Your Business

When Rachel quit her high-paying corporate job to open a coffee shop in Brooklyn, she wasn’t just chasing a dream—she was determined to build something real, something lasting. For years, she poured her heart into the business, roasting her own coffee beans, winning loyal customers, and even earning recognition in top publications. But then, disaster struck.

Her rent shot up. A big-chain coffee shop moved in next door. And just like that, her business was at risk.

Now, most of us would have just kept pushing through, eyes on the grindstone, pretending everything was fine. After all, who wants to admit their business might fail? But Rachel did something many business owners would hesitate to do—she turned on her camera and shared her struggles with the world.

What happened next was nothing short of remarkable.

✨ A flood of unexpected support ✨ An internet-driven movement ✨ A hard business truth we all need to hear

But here’s the real takeaway—this story is about more than going viral on TikTok or having a celebrity drop by. It's about vulnerability in business, the power of asking for help, and the incredible support a community can offer when you're brave enough to let them in.

The Struggle We All Face

As handmade sellers, we know the grind. We juggle the pressures of production, marketing, customer service, and finances, often doing everything ourselves. We dream of building a brand that’s recognized, trusted, and loved. But the reality can feel overwhelming. When the orders slow down, or a key part of our business hits a wall, we often suffer in silence. Why? Because we think we have to. Because we believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Rachel’s story proves it—being vulnerable can be your greatest strength.

Vulnerability Isn't a Weakness—It's Your Superpower

Rachel’s decision to share her struggles with the world didn’t just humanize her business; it created a genuine connection with her community. When she let people in, they showed up. In a huge way.

The truth is, people want to support you—they want to root for your success, especially when you’re honest about the challenges you're facing. As entrepreneurs, we often think we need to have it all together before we can ask for help or show any cracks in our armor. But the opposite is true. Vulnerability creates trust.

And trust is the foundation of every successful business.

So, What Can You Learn From Rachel’s Story?

1. Be Honest About Your Struggles

It’s tempting to hide when things aren’t going well. Whether it's slow sales, an inventory issue, or a marketing campaign that flopped, business owners often try to put on a brave face. But sharing your real story—whether on social media, in a blog post, or in your newsletters—can help you build deeper connections with your customers. They want to know the “real” you, not just the polished version of your brand.

2. Ask for Help (Yes, Really)

Rachel’s story isn’t just about vulnerability—it’s about the power of asking for help. She didn’t just let people know she was struggling; she asked for support. And people answered. Sometimes, you need to tell your audience what you need, whether it's a boost in sales, referrals, or even emotional support. The act of asking opens doors.

For handmade sellers, this could mean:

• Asking your loyal customers to share their favorite products on social media.

• Reaching out to influencers or other makers for collaborations.

• Asking your community for feedback or ideas to improve your products.

You don’t have to do everything on your own.

3. Build Your Community

Rachel’s success wasn’t just about going viral—it was about building a community that truly cared about her business. That’s the key to sustainable growth. By being vulnerable, you show your customers that you’re not just a brand; you’re a person, and your story matters. When you do that, you’re not just asking for a sale; you’re inviting people to be part of something bigger than a transaction.

4. Embrace the Unexpected

Rachel’s business took a huge hit when she was faced with rising rent and a big competitor. But instead of folding, she embraced her vulnerability, and that sparked an unexpected chain of events. What started as a personal video asking for support turned into an entire movement. Sometimes, the best opportunities come when you least expect them.

Takeaway: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

The hardest truth about business is this: you can’t do it alone. And asking for help isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a sign of strength. Whether it’s seeking advice, building a support network, or simply sharing your journey with your community, you’ll find that people want to show up for you.

As a handmade seller, your authenticity is your biggest asset. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable, to ask for help, and to build a community that supports you, even when things feel uncertain.

Rachel’s story proves that sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs come when you admit that you can’t do it all on your own—and when you’re brave enough to let people help you.

So, what do you need right now? If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need some encouragement, I want to hear from you. Drop a comment or send me a message, and let’s talk about how you can let your community show up for you.