June 29, 2025
I Built a Business From My Kitchen Table—Here’s What I’d Tell Anyone Struggling to Keep Going
Starting a business from scratch is not for those without Grit.
Sometimes I ask myself that exact question.
There’s a pile of boxes by the door.
Some days, I see progress. Other days, I see pressure. Debt. Doubt. Hope, maybe. But mostly survival mode.
When I started Kamo’s Market, it wasn’t about chasing success. It was about trying to create something that mattered—something that gave me a reason to keep going. Something that proved I could build safety, security, and a future out of thin air and stubborn belief.
I built this business from my kitchen table. Literally.
With a laptop, a label printer, and way too many late-night tears, I started packing first aid kits while my kids slept. I researched, designed, emailed, posted, pitched—hoping someone, somewhere would see the value in what I made.
But here’s the truth that most people won’t say:
It’s lonely. It’s exhausting. And yes, sometimes it feels like a mistake.
You question everything.
You hit “refresh” on the store dashboard, hoping today is the day something breaks through.
You give away products for exposure. You get ghosted by people who said they loved your idea.
You wonder how long you can keep pouring energy into something that hasn’t paid you back yet.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
1
Why I Started Kamo’s Market From Scratch
If it’s in your heart, it’s worth doing—even if it’s hard.
You don’t have to be profitable overnight.
You don’t have to prove your worth through orders or likes.
Your vision has value—even if it’s still invisible to others.
2
What No One Tells You About Starting a Business
It’s okay to feel broken and still build something beautiful.
Some of my best ideas came in my lowest moments.
That’s not weakness. That’s creativity under pressure.
That’s survival turning into something more.
3
How I Kept Going When I Wanted to Quit
You can take a break and still be brave.
If today isn’t a sales day, let it be a soul day.
Write, walk, organize a shelf. Regroup. Cry if you need to. Then come back stronger.
4
What I’d Tell You If You’re Struggling to Keep Going
You’re not alone—even if it feels like it.
I know what it’s like to stare at your bank account and your dream at the same time.
I know what it’s like to wonder if you made the wrong decision.
But I also know what it’s like to get one order that changes your whole mood.
You are doing more than you realize.
You are further than you think.
And someone out there needs what you’re building.
5
Final Thoughts on Building a Business From Scratch
If you’re struggling to keep going, this post is for you.
If you’re packing orders between crying spells or applying for part-time jobs just to keep your lights on—you’re not failing. You’re in the fight.
And that fight? It means you still believe it’s possible.
So do I. For you. And for me.
Building a business from scratch is not easy, and at times you will want to give up...
We’re going to figure this out. Together.
And when we do?
This part—the kitchen table phase—it’ll be the part of the story we’re proudest of.
—
Kali Runk
Founder, Kamo’s Market
(A woman with a dream, some debt, and a fire that won’t go out.)
🛍️ Want to see what I built through all the chaos?
A Real Day in My Life as a Mom, Employee & Business Owner
If you think starting a business is about cute planners and working in coffee shops… this might surprise you.
Make coffee
Check emails, orders, and schedule for the day
Sometimes squeeze in product prep or social post drafting
Make breakfast
Pack lunches
Sign last-minute forms
Remind everyone to wear clean socks
Break up a sibling fight or three
One kid at basketball
Another at gymnastics
The others wrestling, begging for snacks, or fighting over TV
Answer a customer DM from the car or update Shopify while waiting in the parking lot
Clock in and shift into manager mode
Lead meetings, respond to emails, solve team issues
Sometimes eat breakfast… most days, don’t
Reply to customer emails or vendor inquiries
Print shipping labels
Post a reel or pin
Call a supplier or follow up on inventory
Pick up kids from school/sports
Help with homework
Cook dinner
Do laundry
Prep for tomorrow (or forget and panic in the morning)
One kid at basketball
Another at gymnastics
The others wrestling, begging for snacks, or fighting over TV
Answer a customer DM from the car or update Shopify while waiting in the parking lot
Pack orders
Update listings
Write blog posts or pitch emails
Cry a little (optional but real)
Schedule tomorrow’s content
Try to feel like it’s working
No, I didn’t “wind down with a book”
I passed out while checking if we got another order
If you want to jump on the entrepreneur bandwagon, grab my free pdf version of my daily schedule, here!
🔥 Reality Check
This isn’t a highlight reel.
It’s not cute.
It’s commitment over comfort.
It’s choosing progress over perfection.
And yes—things get dropped. Emails go unanswered. Dinner is cereal sometimes.
But I keep showing up.
Because I believe in what I’m building.
Because I want my kids to see me trying, not quitting.
⚠️ Honest Truth
If you’re someone who gets discouraged when things don’t go right the first time…
If you think sales will roll in just because you posted a cute product pic…
If you’re not ready to sacrifice time, comfort, and sleep—
This path might not be for you.
But if you’re ready to grind behind the scenes…
If you’re stubborn enough to keep going when no one’s clapping…
If you’re willing to keep betting on yourself even when you’re exhausted—
Then welcome.
You’re already doing the hardest part.
📚 Recommended Books for Women Starting a Business From Scratch
💼 For Practical Business & Strategy
She Means Business by Carrie Green
A relatable guide for women ready to turn ideas into action—without the overwhelm.Start Ugly by Chris Krimitsos
A must-read for perfectionists—reminds you that progress beats polished.Company of One by Paul Jarvis
Challenges the “grow at all costs” mindset and embraces sustainability over scale.
💪 For Grit, Motivation & Courage
1. Grit by Angela Duckworth
Builds your mental stamina for long-term goals—perfect for the low days in business.
2. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
A poetic, heart-centered call to create with bravery—even when fear whispers otherwise.
3. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
Humorous and high-energy. Helps you quiet the inner critic and own your value.
💖 For Women Balancing Business & Life
1. Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
An empowering belief system that turns “I can’t” into “How can I?”
2. More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth
A memoir-style look at rising through adversity, carving your own path, and knowing your worth.
3. Fair Play by Eve Rodsky
Essential for entrepreneurial moms. Helps redefine time, partnership, and your own boundaries.
4. The Middle Finger Project by Ash Ambirge
Rebellious, raw, and real—a permission slip for women who feel underestimated or stuck.