Building in Public: The Truth About Starting Something from Scratch

Starting something new is never easy—but doing it in front of the world adds a whole other layer of pressure, vulnerability, and unexpected growth.

In this episode, I talk with Kelsey Tran, an indie founder who’s gained a loyal following by sharing the raw, behind-the-scenes process of building her startup in public. No filters. No perfect launches. Just the real, messy, often uncomfortable work of making something from nothing.

We dive into why “building in public” has become a movement among creators, solopreneurs, and early-stage founders—and what it actually looks like day to day. Kelsey opens up about what she’s learned from showing her wins and her failures online, how she handles feedback from strangers, and the mental toll of always being “on.”

🔍 In this episode, we explore:

• What it really means to “build in public”—beyond the buzzword

• Why transparency builds trust (and when it can backfire)

• The emotional side of creating with an audience watching

• How to separate your identity from your project

• Tips for showing up consistently—even when you’re not feeling 100%

💬 Favorite Quote:

“People don’t fall in love with polished brands—they fall in love with progress. They want to root for you.” – Kelsey Tran

💡 Whether you’re launching a product, writing a book, or just trying to be more open about your process, this episode will give you the tools and mindset shifts to share your work more authentically—and maybe even enjoy it along the way.