I never thought I was smart enough to start a business…
I never thought I was smart enough—or capable enough—to launch a business.
That’s me in the photo, circled in red. I was eleven years old. School was always a struggle. I was likely dyslexic (I still had to Google the spelling), but back then, no one talked about it. I just assumed I wasn’t as smart as everyone else.
Reading was hard. Writing was harder. Spelling felt impossible—and, honestly, it still does sometimes.
I judged my intelligence by my academics, and for a long time, I believed I simply didn’t measure up.
My father used to return the letters I wrote him from summer camp covered in red circles around every misspelled word. You can imagine what that did to my confidence. Eventually, I stopped writing altogether. It felt easier than being embarrassed.
I got through school by the skin of my teeth. Back then, 50% was enough to pass—and that’s exactly what I aimed for.
While my friends went off to college, I chose creative arts because I thought it was the only place I might be accepted. Eventually, I pursued a BFA at university.
I never took a single business or marketing class.
In fact, the first time I ever stepped into a business classroom was when I was invited to give a lecture on entrepreneurship to a graduating class.
Life has a sense of humor.
I was probably the least likely to succeed—but I did.
Over time, I realized something important: intelligence doesn’t look the same for everyone. I wasn’t “not smart”—I just learned differently. And as it turns out, I’m also a pretty good writer… thank you, spellcheck.
The challenges I faced didn’t hold me back—they shaped me.
In 1996, I launched Anna Goodson Illustration Agency with no formal business education, no money, no mentors, and no artists to represent.
Today, it’s one of the most respected international illustration agencies in the world.
We’re all capable of doing hard things—far more than we give ourselves credit for.
Don’t underestimate yourself. One day, you might realize you’re the person who can change everything.
