Petruta Tuliga, the heart and soul behind Parentool, unveils her journey from drawing inspiration from her own childhood to confronting the intricacies of entrepreneurship. Balancing the exhilaration of starting a new venture with the unique challenges it brings, Petruta provides a candid look into the life of a startup CEO.
What inspired you to become a founder?
My own childhood and the vision I have about the world we live in.
During your time as a founder, have there been specific instances where you’ve felt particularly stressed or overwhelmed? If so, could you share a brief overview?
Yes, post the public launch of Parentool, I often felt overwhelmed, particularly due to the challenges of bootstrapping the venture and simultaneously freelancing on the side.
What warning signs indicate to you that you might be feeling stressed or overwhelmed?
Lack of concentration, panic attacks, and a dip in motivation.
Could you share an instance when your mental health impacted your business and how you navigated through that?
Certainly. We released an ebook, and my overwhelming feelings hindered its promotion. I put undue pressure on those involved and felt regret. To cope, I practiced breathing exercises, meditation, and reminded myself of the ebook’s purpose.
Can you identify specific aspects of your role as a founder that have had a substantial impact, either positive or negative, on your well-being?
Financial challenges stress me, while engaging with our customers brings me immense joy.
Who are in your support system, and how do you engage with them during challenging times?
My best friend, fiancee, and the LinkedIn community are my go-to. I openly discuss my feelings and experiences with them.
Have you ever considered professional help to address mental health concerns during your founder journey?
Yes, I’ve sought therapy and previously engaged in coaching.
What are some practical strategies you’ve implemented to maintain your mental health while managing your startup?
Morning routines including walks, stretching, journaling, meditation, weekly financial planning on Sundays, therapy, coaching, and a strict no-work policy post 8 P.M.
How do you strive for a balance between your professional and personal life? Are there any particular boundaries or practices you’ve found helpful?
I have a designated “Brings me joy” slot in my calendar for personal activities. Additionally, my fiancee and I commit to evening walks and discuss our relationship and work’s influence on it.
If you could offer one piece of advice to fellow founders on managing well-being or stress, what would it be?
Avoid the hustle trap. Prioritize yourself because your body and nervous system need space for growth. Fill your cup first.
Are there any other aspects of your experience as a founder related to mental well-being that we didn’t ask about but you think are important to share?
Founder journeys often involve navigating guilt, shame, and identity shifts amidst fluctuating expectations and market dynamics.
The entrepreneurial path, as Petruta portrays, is not just about business growth, but also personal evolution. The highs and lows, from financial struggles to meaningful customer interactions, offer profound lessons. With a strong support system and dedicated self-care practices, she emphasizes the importance of holistic well-being. Her advice to fellow founders is clear: prioritize oneself and avoid getting engulfed in the relentless hustle. The essence of her journey underscores the significance of resilience, self-awareness, and the continual quest for balance.
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