Getting Kicked Out of PTP: 1 Year Later

Getting Kicked Out of Proof to Product: 1 Year Later

It’s been a little over a year since I was kicked out of Proof to Product, and looking back, I can confidently say it was one of the best things to happen to my business—both professionally and personally. At the time, I thought I needed this program to succeed. After all, it was marketed as a game-changer for creative small businesses like mine. The founder had pivoted from her own unsuccessful stationery business to teaching others how to do what she couldn’t. That fact alone should’ve been a sign.

In the year since leaving the program, I’ve learned that trusting my instincts and creativity was the real key to success—not expensive business coaching. My Shopify store has seen tremendous growth, surpassing five figures in sales both last year and again this year. The difference? I did it on my own, without any of the “guidance” I once thought I needed.

But more than just business success, this year has been huge for me personally. For a long time, I didn’t think I could do it alone. I didn’t trust myself enough. But the more I leaned into being authentically me, the more success I experienced. Whether it’s through Shopify or my growing TikTok community, the results have shown me that I already had everything I needed.

On TikTok, I’ve seen my follower count explode, and my content regularly reaches thousands of engaged viewers. My TikTok Shop has become a massive part of my revenue, with five-figure sales and my most popular products selling hundreds of units. I feel more confident and connected with my audience than ever before.

The epiphany I’ve had is simple: you don’t need these programs to succeed. The reality is, that many of these so-called experts are pivoting from their own failed ventures and capitalizing on smaller businesses’ desire for success. I fell into that trap, but breaking free was the best decision I ever made. If you’re starting a small business, trust yourself. The only person who truly knows what’s best for your brand is you.

So here’s to believing in yourself, betting on your creativity, and knowing that you already have what it takes to be successful—no overpriced programs required.