How Highly Sensitive Entrepreneurs Can Thrive: Building a Business That Honors Your Nature
"Émilie, you’re too sensitive. You need to build a thicker skin."
"If you’re this emotional, you can’t make it in the real world."
If you’ve ever heard messages like this, you know how discouraging they can feel. Growing up, I heard narratives like this around me all the time. Being a highly sensitive person (HSP) is often viewed as a weakness—especially in the workplace or business world.
But over time, I learned that being highly sensitive is actually one of my greatest strengths. I don’t have to run my business like everyone else because I need to honor my own way of doing things.
I left my agency job in March 2024, and I’m loving this new path. Today, I want to share how I’ve built a business that respects my highly sensitive nature—and hopefully, it’ll give you ideas for honoring yours.
What It Means to Be Highly Sensitive
If you haven’t heard the term highly sensitive person, I recommend checking out Dr. Elaine Aron’s website. She explains the concept in detail and even provides tests to see if you’re highly sensitive.
Here’s how high sensitivity shows up for me:
I get rattled when there’s too much to do in a short amount of time.
I’m easily overstimulated by noises, smells, and lights.
I have strong emotional reactions and need quiet time to recharge.
I overthink and struggle to make decisions because I consider all possibilities.
My threshold for stress is lower than average, so it doesn’t take much to push me past my limit.
Being highly sensitive comes with challenges. We’re often more prone to anxiety, stress, and even depression. But it also comes with superpowers:
Deep and thorough processing of information
Empathy and attentiveness to others’ needs
Strong detail orientation
Creativity and innovation
A rich inner world
Recognizing these traits has been key in designing a business and life that truly work for me.
Strategies I Use to Honor My Highly Sensitive Nature
1. Create a Designated Quiet Space
I work from home, so having a space dedicated to rest is essential. Whether it’s a short nap or just a quiet moment, I allow myself this time without guilt.
2. Build Slowness Into Your Day
I process things deeply, so I don’t respond to emails immediately. There’s no rush—nothing is an emergency. I give myself 24–48 hours to respond.
I also schedule slow mornings, slow lunches, and breaks between clients. This intentional slowness prevents overwhelm and helps me stay grounded throughout the day.
3. Set Clear Work Boundaries
My work schedule is Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. These are the times I see clients, answer emails, and return calls. Fridays are for administrative tasks only.
No evenings, no weekends, no early mornings. This boundary protects my energy, my family time, and my capacity to show up fully for my clients.
4. Build Your Business Slowly and Intentionally
As a therapist, I could have taken every client and gone on insurance panels from day one, but I chose to specialize. I work with clients who align with my values and interests.
I test my capacity—2 clients a day, 3 clients, up to 10 a week—and adjust according to what feels sustainable. It’s okay to turn people away rather than overextend and risk burnout.
5. Define Your Own Version of Success
My goal is to serve clients, do work I love, and maintain balance. My husband and I evaluated our needs, so I see the number of clients that matches my capacity.
6. Choose Mentors Intentionally
I’m supervised by a psychotherapist who understands my highly sensitive nature and business vision. Choosing mentors who align with your values and approach ensures you get guidance that supports—not pressures—your authentic path.
A Simple First Step for Your Business
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck, start here:
Ask yourself why you became an entrepreneur.
What was the number one reason you wanted flexibility and freedom?
Are you honoring that reason now?
Be honest. Are your decisions coming from fear, scarcity, or pressure—or are they aligned with your true goals? Reflect on this first, and you’ll see where changes need to happen.
Being highly sensitive isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower. When you honor your nature, set boundaries, and build your business intentionally, you can thrive without sacrificing your health, relationships, or creativity.
I’d love to hear from you: How do you honor your sensitivity in your work or life? Share your thoughts in the comments—I always love learning from this community.
Watch the full video version of this blog here: How I Built a Business as a Highly Sensitive Person