Deya Aliaga, Berlin-based entrepreneur, has launched a revolutionary ‘cozy entrepreneurship’ model aimed at balancing work-life dynamics and promoting mental wellbeing in the business sphere. The traditional narrative of constant hustle frequently results in burnout which can limit creativity, Aliaga posits. She suggests replacing this with an approach that allows for regular breaks, self-reflection, and routines for personal care in the work environment.
Aliaga began her entrepreneurial endeavor as a freelance digital business manager, and at the age of 28, established ‘Digital Business Manager Bootcamp’ in April 2020. The bootcamp was created to help bloggers, content creators, and entrepreneurs grow their digital ventures. Despite facing significant stress and self-doubt, Aliaga remained committed to her brand, acknowledging the value of maintaining her mental health and seeking professional help.
As business bloomed, however, so too did inner turmoil. The productivity-focused culture enhanced strain, bred mental health issues, and eroded satisfaction among employees. Uglier implications emerged as the employees were pushed to their limits.
Promoting balanced dynamics in entrepreneurship
Even attempts to restore balance, like team-building activities, failed to root out the discord.
Recognizing the severity of the issue, the managerial team decided to reassess work culture to establish a healthier work-life balance. They determined that the welfare of their employees took precedence over purely commercial success. They wanted to cultivate a working environment that was helpful and empathetic, where everyone felt valued, and had the freedom to voice their anxieties.
Aliaga grasped the drawbacks of the unrelenting growth-chasing mindset. In response, she decided to revolutionize her entrepreneurial strategy. Aliaga became a ‘cozy entrepreneur’, fusing work and personal life in harmony without sacrificing her business objectives. Aliaga’s success offers a powerful lesson that success isn’t only judged by business achievements.
Currently, she propagates ‘cozy entrepreneurship’, enforcing strict work hours, setting achievable goals, and making self-care a priority. Aliaga’s perspective, while simple, has the potential to transform traditional business practices to nurture a healthier work-life balance. Her ‘no shame’ approach contends against conventional entrepreneurial norms, claiming that mental well-being need not be compromised for establishment of successful businesses.
