Privilege plays a role in your experience of running a business. There, I said it.

My own privilege / circumstance has influenced the opportunities that are presented to me and my ability to take risks. I’m white. My parents have my back financially if I need it. I don’t have a mortgage or people depending on me. I’m physically able to work long hours. And my parents are somewhat well connected.

My business literally began because my Dad introduced me to someone who offered me my first freelance role and I was able to take the risk of leaving school at 17.

Admitting the role privilege plays DOESN’T MEAN YOU DON’T WORK HARD. It doesn’t mean you’ve got it easy. It also doesn’t mean it’s right. It just means you were dealt a set of cards which, whether you like it or not, helped you along the way.

Too many times I’ve spoken about this and been met with people rushing to defend my hard work or removing the section from interviews (on multiple occasions). And I’m bored of it. I know I’m to credit for building this business. But I refuse to let people think that’s the only thing that’s played a role.