The Biggest Myths About Being an Entrepreneur—And the Truth We’ve Learned Firsthand

What People Get Wrong About Entrepreneurs: The Real Story from Red Rocks Spirits

When people picture entrepreneurs, they often imagine something like this:

• Total freedom

• Flexible schedules

• Working from the beach

• Instant success

And while there are moments that feel kind of  like that (okay, maybe the beach is pushing it), the truth about entrepreneurship is far messier, and far more rewarding, than the highlight reel.

As the founders of Red Rocks Spirits, we’ve learned that building a business isn’t all cocktails and creativity. It’s grit, hustle, exhaustion, doubt… and a kind of joy that only comes from betting on yourself and pushing through.

In this episode of UNDISTILLED by Red Rocks Spirits, we’re setting the record straight about what it’s really like to be entrepreneurs.

Common Myths About Entrepreneurs...Debunked

1. “You get to be your own boss!”

Yes, and that boss is a relentless perfectionist who expects you to work weekends, fix problems at 2 a.m., and never stop.

Being your own boss means total responsibility. When things go wrong, there’s no one else to blame. And when things go right, you’re still usually behind the scenes making deliveries or managing inventory.

Reality: You don’t work less—you work differently. And often, more.

2. “You’ll have more free time.”

This one makes us laugh. In our first year building Red Rocks Spirits, “free time” meant maybe 20 minutes in the car between meetings, usually to answer emails or eat lunch on the go.

Entrepreneurship isn’t a time-saver—it’s a time investment. But if you’re lucky, it’s in something you love.

3. “Success happens fast.”

Unless you go viral (and even then…), most small businesses take years to find momentum. What looks like “overnight success” is usually built on long nights, failed attempts, and constant tweaking.

At Red Rocks Spirits, we’ve poured ourselves into every bottle, every partnership, every step. We’re proud of where we are, but it didn’t happen overnight and we have a LONG way to go.

4. “It’s all passion and creativity!”

Sure—we’re passionate. But we’re also doing bookkeeping, managing shipping logistics, meeting compliance standards, booking events, and cleaning out the tasting booth tent after/during a storm.

The creative part is the heart of it, but the operational side is the backbone.

So Why Do We Still Love It?

Even with all the chaos and challenges, being entrepreneurs gives us something we never had before: ownership of our effort, our future, and our impact.

We get to:

• Create a brand that reflects our values

• Work together as a family

• Connect with people who share our love for great spirits and real stories

• Be a part of Colorado’s vibrant small business and craft beverage community

The road isn’t easy. But it’s ours.

What We Want You to Know About Entrepreneurs

Whether you’re thinking about starting your own thing or just want to support the people who do, here’s what we hope you take away:

🛠 Entrepreneurs work hard behind the scenes—support them where you can.💡 Success takes time—be patient with your goals.❤️ Passion is real, but it needs structure—don’t skip the systems.🔥 You’re allowed to love it and still feel overwhelmed—both things can be true.

Listen to the Full Episode

🎧 In this episode of UNDISTILLED by Red Rocks Spirits, we dive into:

• The biggest misconceptions people have about entrepreneurs

• The personal highs and lows of running a spirits company

• What keeps us going when things get tough

• Why we keep showing up bottles, booths, burnout and all

Keep It Real With Us

Follow us on Instagram at @redrocksspirits for behind-the-scenes stories, podcast updates, and a look at the real lives behind our Red Rocks Vodka and Red Rocks Cut Cask Whiskey.

We’ll keep sharing what it’s like to build a brand that’s bold, local, and always undistilled.