Failure tastes different when we find success.
Struggles taste sweeter when we achieve.
Humiliation tastes lighter when we’re recognized.
Insomnia tastes worth it when we accomplish our mission.
Criticism tastes meaningful when we become leaders.
I tasted them all when I became an entrepreneur.
By S.Anand Nataraj
They say family is your anchor — the people who catch you when you fall, the voices that remind you who you are when the world forgets. But what happens when the storms of life are so strong that even your anchor feels shaky?
In 2018, my life entered what I now call the perfect storm phase. My tech cofounder left, a trusted employee faced a personal crisis, my property got stuck in litigation, and an old partner filed a false legal case against me. If that wasn’t enough, a fire took down the one cash-generating coffee shop I had left.
I made a bold decision then — to create Advaith’s Nest, a rental asset meant to bring residual income. The plan was simple: build a stable foundation so I could focus on my main business, free from daily financial turbulence.
But life, as always, had its own script.
When a shield becomes a battlefield
I envisioned Advaith’s Nest as a protective wall for my family. In reality, it became a battleground for debts.
Originally, it was planned as a quick, smart move — deliver the building in 8 months, start earning rental income, and finally build a life where I was shielded from daily financial turbulence.
But then came a series of punches I couldn’t block.
The builder delayed far beyond what I could question or control. COVID lockdowns slammed the brakes on construction, freezing everything in place.
Instead of 8 months, it took 41 months to finally see it completed. Those extra 33 months weren’t just a delay on paper — they were a slow bleed on every plan I had carefully charted out.
By the time the project was ready, my financial shield had become a battlefield of debt repayments and emotional damage. Every rupee of rental income went into plugging holes from the past instead of protecting my future.
I built Advaith’s Nest for my wife — so she could live stress-free, focusing on her dreams and passions. But instead, she had to step into a job, facing the very financial storms I promised to keep away.
What was meant to be a fortress became a front line. A safe haven turned into another battleground. And watching that transformation unfold in slow motion — unable to stop it, unable to fight it — is a pain I still carry in every breath.
The slow poison of lost trust
When you lose money, you feel pain. When you lose trust, you lose the very fuel that keeps you moving.
Family trust isn’t just about financial support — it’s about feeling seen and understood. Without it, every business pitch feels heavier, every new idea seems riskier, and every sunrise feels a little less bright.
I didn’t want my wife to work because I believed I could be her shield. Now, watching her step into the battlefield with me stings in ways words can’t capture.
Rebuilding: brick by brick, breath by breath
Many say, “Start again! Rebuild!” But what they don’t tell you is that rebuilding after a major collapse is not just a logistical task — it’s an emotional surgery.
You carry every past betrayal, every criticism, every silent stare at dinner. You build not just a new business, but a new identity. You move with double caution, second-guess every decision, and question whether your “big comeback” is even possible.
The toughest part isn’t raising money or building products. It’s rebuilding trust — in yourself, in your vision, and most painfully, in the eyes of those you love the most.
A quiet promise to myself and my family
I know I cannot fix the past. No apology or explanation can fully heal the wounds that unexpected financial struggles have caused. But I can honor the pain by transforming it.
I still believe in the core reason I started: to build something meaningful, not just for the market but for my family’s dignity and future.
To my family: I see the weight you carried. I see your sacrifices. I see your silent prayers at night. And I see the disappointment too.
I don’t seek blind forgiveness or instant validation. I seek your presence as I try again. Not as a flawless savior, but as a man who refuses to stop fighting for his family — even when he bleeds internally.
I may not be the man who always wins, but I am the man who never stops coming back home.
Today was one of those days that just felt *right*. It started with a meeting at 10 AM with Prakash Anna, who was excited to introduce us to a group of budding young entrepreneurs in conversational AI. I picked up BT at the Ashok Nagar metro, and we headed to Dr.Smilez in Ashok Nagar, where our meeting took place. The energy in the room was fantastic; we clicked instantly with these entrepreneurs, sharing ideas and launching our latest product, Glance, specifically for Dr.Smilez. It felt like the start of something great.
Just as we wrapped up, Roshan called, needing his car back. So BT and I headed over to Urban Square for a quick chai discussion before dropping BT off in Asarkhana and delivering the car to Roshan. With that errand complete, I made my way to my cousin Bala’s place. En route, I ran into two of my uncles, and we ended up having a spontaneous, heartfelt conversation. The day was shaping up to be a mix of productivity and meaningful connections.
At Bala’s house, I enjoyed quality time with him and my periamma. However, I’d forgotten to pick up the CCS IT papers from Roshan’s car, so I asked him to drop them off at Saravana Stores, where I picked them up before walking home. I then booked a Swiggy Genie to get the documents over to Vani.
As evening set in, I connected with Balaji and BT over a few calls and took a walk in Porur Gardens. Later, I joined a Gmeet entrepreneurs meetup hosted by KBF. Finally, I packed up, walked to the Porur toll, and caught my bus to Madurai. Now here I am, jotting down this day’s adventures from the comfort of my bus seat, feeling deeply fulfilled.
Today started with an early pick-up for an important meeting with Balaji at Kathipara Starbucks. The drive was a perfect blend of productive discussions and light-hearted moments, setting a positive tone for the day. We chatted about product plans, upcoming features, and even managed to squeeze in some humor. It was refreshing to connect on both a professional and personal level, making the ride as enjoyable as it was useful.
As we pulled into Starbucks, BT joined us right on time. The atmosphere was buzzing, and it set the stage for an effective and engaging meeting. We dived into preparing our roadmap and setting goals, mapping out the next steps for our product. There’s something about the mix of caffeine and creativity that always gets ideas flowing. By the time we wrapped up, I felt we had made significant progress—plans were laid out clearly, and objectives were set. It was one of those meetings that left me feeling motivated and focused.
With the meeting concluded, I drove back home, reflecting on the discussions and plans we had set. Once home, I allowed myself a quick nap—a much-needed recharge after a busy morning.
Later in the evening, I took some time for myself, heading out for a walk from 5 PM to 6:15 PM. It’s become a routine I look forward to, and today, I managed to hit my daily goal of 10,000 steps. Walking clears my mind, and it’s the perfect way to reset after a busy day. The satisfaction of completing my step goal adds to the sense of accomplishment.
From there, I drove to Maraimalai Nagar to finalize the rent agreement with the tenant. After a smooth signing process, I headed back home, satisfied with how efficiently the day had gone.
Now, as I sit down to write this entry, reflecting on the day, I realize it’s days like these—where work, personal errands, and health goals all come together—that keep me motivated. Each small task, from discussions over coffee to signing agreements, felt purposeful.
Tomorrow, I’ll take on new challenges, but for now, it’s time to call it a night.
AnandNataraj 