The Realities of Entrepreneurship: Insights from Chriselle Lim and Morgan Zanotti

On March 25, 2026, Chriselle Lim, founder and creative director of PHLUR, and Morgan Zanotti, founder and CEO of Waay, participated in a discussion at Newsweek’s Women’s Global Impact Forum held at the London West Hollywood in Los Angeles. The conversation, moderated by Newsweek Senior Reporter Katherine Fung, focused on the complexities of entrepreneurship, contrasting the glorified portrayal of self-employment on social media with the harsh realities faced by entrepreneurs.

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During the forum, Lim and Zanotti addressed the perception that entrepreneurship is an ideal alternative to traditional 9-to-5 jobs. Zanotti emphasized that pursuing entrepreneurship requires a specific mindset, stating, "Someone who has a high risk tolerance and values freedom." This perspective highlights that not everyone is suited for the entrepreneurial path, as it demands significant personal and financial sacrifices.

Newsweek

Lim echoed Zanotti's sentiments, noting the emotional toll that entrepreneurship can take. She remarked, "We all work really hard and we're chasing what we love, but I think we all get to a point where we're like, 'God, do I still love this anymore?'" This statement underscores the challenges entrepreneurs face, including burnout and the constant reevaluation of their passion for their work.

Newsweek

While the discussion primarily focused on the experiences of Lim and Zanotti, it also implicitly critiques the broader societal narrative that romanticizes entrepreneurship. The speakers pointed out that the portrayal of entrepreneurship as a glamorous lifestyle often overlooks the struggles and sacrifices involved, which can lead to disillusionment among aspiring entrepreneurs.

Newsweek

In their conversation, both Lim and Zanotti provided insights into the entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the need for resilience and a genuine passion for one's work. Their reflections serve as a reminder that while entrepreneurship can offer freedom and fulfillment, it also comes with significant challenges that are often unacknowledged in popular discourse.

Newsweek

• “Someone who has a high risk tolerance and values freedom,” — Morgan Zanotti, Founder and CEO of Waay

Newsweek

• “We all work really hard and we're chasing what we love, but I think we all get to a point where we're like, 'God, do I still love this anymore?'” — Chriselle Lim, Founder and Creative Director of PHLUR

Newsweek

The insights shared by Lim and Zanotti at the Women’s Global Impact Forum provide a nuanced understanding of entrepreneurship, highlighting both its allure and its inherent challenges. Their discussion encourages a more realistic view of what it means to be an entrepreneur in today's society.

Newsweek