The idea that every dream must start from scratch is a myth.
When Chykeann Consults started, it didn’t start from scratch. I took inspiration from my former boss, who was known for having spacious, beautifully furnished offices. I followed suit and started big. I secured a 57-square-meter space and partitioned it into multiple well-furnished offices. On the Island, office billing was based on square footage, so every cost was tied to the space you occupied.
Looking back, many would expect that as a first-time business owner, I’d start small and scale gradually. I chose differently. Money wasn’t there but I went all in, and that decision pushed me to work harder, to cover rent, pay salaries, and stay committed to my vision.
It wasn’t easy, but it paid off. The office setup, its ambience, design, and comfort, sent a clear message to anyone who walked in. Being in a business complex meant reliable electricity and consistent air conditioning, which added to the professional feel. That atmosphere began attracting high-level clients, top executives and influential individuals.
That’s the power of packaging and the value of dreaming big, rather than simply starting small.
The world is already filled with blueprints, stepping stones, and shoulders of giants to stand on. Innovation rarely means starting over; more often, it means seeing farther by climbing higher. You don’t need to clear the land, you just need to build on the foundation already beneath your feet.
Ideas exist. People have paved paths, left lessons, told stories, and made mistakes for you to learn from. Use them. Let their experience be your launchpad. Every masterpiece you admire was once someone’s next step, not their first.
So here’s my advice.
Pitch your dreams high. Don’t water them down to fit what you think you can build alone. Dare to aim for something bold, knowing that tools, mentors, and opportunities are already within reach. The higher you dream, the stronger the pull to rise.
You’re not starting at zero. You’re starting from momentum.
Sometimes, starting small is wise, but other times, starting bold forces you to rise to the occasion. Your environment can shape perception, and perception often drives opportunity. Invest in outlook, in comfort, and in a space that reflects the kind of business you want to build, not just where you are, but where you’re headed.
✍️ Amara Ann Unachukwu
