The Mindset of the Modern Entrepreneur
by Jen Appel
In this article, entrepreneur and educator Jen Appel shares insights from her work mentoring students and business owners across industries – from tech to pet care to education. She challenges the assumption that an idea has to look serious to be serious, and offers practical mindset shifts that help founders at every level take their work more seriously – even when others don’t. With a focus on value creation, self-trust, and problem-solving, this piece is a grounded reminder that business success starts with believing in your own instincts. Her two companies can be found here https://www.16-paws.com/ and https://www.viplistclub.com/ and the film endeavor she is trying to produce is here https://www.somewhereiread.com/
“Why the seriousness of your idea isn’t what makes it work.”
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In working with business owners, from seasoned CEOs to students in our ivy league summer internship programs, and everything in between, I’ve noticed a subtle but significant pattern: People often equate the perceived “seriousness” of an idea with its potential.
Growing up on the North Shore of Long Island, I was always so surprised to find out how the people who made fortunes that allowed them to live on 40 million dollar estates made their mark. Often, I’d be told they invented the zipper, or had a mattress company. I was startled – so mundane? Had they told me they were embarking on such an endeavor I would have laughed at how absolutely lame they were! And yet, here they were, kings and queens of the world in their Great Gatsby mansions with rolling acres that end as they crash into a gorgeous shoreline with sea views into the sunset horizons. Zippers. Mattresses. Hmnnnn.
Industries like healthcare, education, or government tend to carry an inherent legitimacy. No one questions their worth. But others, say pet care, creative media, or even certain tech applications, can get brushed off as whims, hobbies, or “passion projects.”
This mindset holds people back.
I’ve seen it in students I teach in entrepreneurship programs, and in adult professionals alike. Someone has an idea that lights them up, something rooted in real experience or genuine curiosity, but then they hesitate and ask “But is this a real business idea?”
The question is flawed. The market doesn’t reward “seriousness”, it rewards solutions. One could argue the zipper was one of the greatest solutions in the last century and certainly, the mattress helps us all sleep better!..which then goes on to improve health and so on. So seemingly silly inventions often change the world.
People say follow your passion or bliss. And I think that is wonderful. But sometimes you just figure something out that people really need. That’s also enough and extremely valuable. And if you can do both – well, now you have a real winner.
Follow the Problem, Not the Optics
If an idea solves a clear problem, meets a growing demand, or makes life easier, more beautiful, or more connected, then it is serious. Whether it’s a QR code system that prevents restaurant no-shows or a beautifully designed dog accessory that turns care into joy, the key is value – not optics.
For example, the global pet care industry- often seen as a niche or sentimental space – is actually valued at over $346 billion and growing rapidly. Even narrow segments, like puppy potty pads, have near-billion-dollar valuations. That’s not whimsy; that’s opportunity. Why do I know this? Because I launched companies in both these spaces just this year. And the opportunity, both domestically and globally, is nothing short of extraordinary. A tech collaboration with a friend or some more time thinking about how to make life with my dogs better sounds more like a hobby or pastime – but for me, it’s real business. Big business. And it can be for you too.
Why Self-Doubt Creeps In
Entrepreneurs often don’t give themselves credit when their instincts lead them into unconventional territory. There’s a hesitation to call oneself a founder or CEO, especially if the venture doesn’t look like the textbook definition of a “startup.”
But if you built it, run it, and take responsibility for it – that’s leadership. That’s business. And, poof, you’re a CEO and founder. No big deal. The zipper leads to fortunes.
We talk a lot in the business world about grit, vision, and innovation. What we talk less about is how much of that starts with simply giving ourselves permission to take our own ideas seriously, even (and especially) when others don’t.
Advice I Give My Students – and Try to Remember Myself
Whether I’m mentoring Ivy League interns or teaching younger students how to launch their first ventures, I always offer this:
- Don’t wait for outside validation. Markets respond to relevance, not resume titles.
- Define success on your terms, but build your business with the user in mind.
- And most of all, if you see a need and feel compelled to meet it – start. Talk to people. Share your ideas with others.
And, most of all, be willing to fail and get messy because every lap around the success track you take teaches you something invaluable for the next round. Perfectionism is a real dream killer.
Some of the most successful ideas in the world started with someone quietly solving a problem they understood deeply..like how to zip up cloth with metal instead of buttons. It’s weird and quirky but it sure worked and launched an entire fashion industry.
Sometimes it looks like a new app.
Sometimes it looks like a better dog pad.
Sometimes it looks like both.
But in all cases, what matters most is that you believed it was worth building.
That belief is the foundation of entrepreneurship – and often the hardest part to master – your thoughts matter.
