Starting a business is tough. It’s exciting, but also full of unexpected hurdles. When I founded Life Science Animation, I had no idea how many obstacles would come my way. But looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Because today, I get to do what I love: help biotech companies explain their science in a way that sparks excitement and gets them the recognition they deserve.

Here are the biggest struggles I faced and how I overcame them.

1. Money (Or Lack of It)

When you start a business, income doesn’t just roll in. I had bills to pay, but no clients yet. That’s a scary place to be.

How I solved it:

  • I saved up before taking the leap.
  • I tested how little I could live on, cutting unnecessary expenses.
  • I focused on building trust, offering a money-back guarantee for my first projects to get clients on board.

2. No Portfolio

Clients want proof. But how do you show work when you have none? It felt like a chicken-and-egg problem.

How I solved it:

  • I created free or discounted projects to build my portfolio.
  • I offered money-back guarantees: low risk for clients, great experience for me.
  • I showcased even small projects to demonstrate my skills and gain credibility.

3. Missing International Travel

Before starting Life Science Animation, I traveled a lot. Running my own business meant working long hours and staying put. I thought I’d miss it.

How I solved it:

  • I reframed my thinking. Instead of seeing travel as lost, I focused on the new joys of building something meaningful.
  • I realized that working with global biotech companies meant I was still connected to the world, just in a different way.

4. No Demand for Biotech Videos

I worried: What if no one needed what I was offering? I loved explaining science through animation, but did biotech companies even want that?

How I solved it:

  • I stopped waiting for demand, I created it.
  • I showed companies how an animation could simplify their pitch, attract investors, and save them time.
  • I explained the benefits in a way that clicked. Once they saw the value, they were in.

5. No Deep Knowledge of Biotech

I wasn’t a scientist. How could I create videos for biotech companies without deep industry knowledge?

How I solved it:

  • I built a team of PhDs who knew the science inside and out.
  • I learned enough to understand my clients’ needs but relied on experts for the details.
  • I positioned Life Science Animation as the bridge between science and storytelling, something many scientists struggle with.

6. Leaving the 9-5 Routine

Being my own boss sounded great, but it was a big shift. No more clear work hours. No guaranteed paycheck. No external structure.

How I solved it:

  • I embraced the freedom, if I worked late, I could take time off when I needed.
  • I created my own structure, setting work hours and sticking to them.
  • I reminded myself: every challenge also meant opportunity.

7. Working with My Wife in a Cramped Home Office

Starting a business from home meant sharing a tiny space with my wife. Work and personal life blended together.

How I solved it:

  • We adapted, creating separate work zones (even if just different corners of the room).
  • We set clear boundaries, work was work, home was home.
  • Eventually, we moved to a coworking space… but not before welcoming twins into our lives.

The Conclusion: Worth Every Struggle

Yes, starting Life Science Animation was hard. But today, I get to wake up and do something I love. I help biotech companies bring their science to life. I run my own successful studio. I work with an incredible team. And I get to be my own boss.

Every struggle led to something better. Every hurdle taught me a lesson. And now, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.