This past weekend, I had the chance to watch a movie for entrepreneurs called Dumpling Queen. I wrote about this specifically on The Founders Press.
Betting on yourself is the starting point. But what happens after you put your product out there? That’s where the real test begins—listening to paying customers.
Prioritize Feedback from Paying Customers
In Dumpling Queen, we see this when she sells dumplings and one customer gives feedback. That feedback matters because it comes from someone who actually paid. This is why founders must prioritize feedback from paying customers above all else.
In the Age of Vibe Coding, Distribution is Everything
These days, anyone can launch a product—but can you actually find paying customers? This is where the majority of startups fail. In the movie, we see the founder make significant changes to the business, including rebranding the product with a new name to better connect with customers.
As You Walk, the Path Will Appear
This is one of my favorite sayings by the Persian poet Rumi. You have to keep moving! I call this the do-something principle in startups. Too many founders fall into zombie mode—stuck in endless planning instead of aggressively launching products that win.
Being a Solo Founder is Something Else
Being a solo founder is absolutely brutal. You have to build a support system as early as possible. The best support often comes from founder communities, because most people simply won’t understand your struggles. In the movie, we see she’s not just a founder—she’s also a single parent. That’s a whole different ball game.
Choose a Partner Who Supports Your Business
Dating as a founder is complicated—you need a partner who understands and embraces your lifestyle. There’s real pressure on them, especially with the financial uncertainty that comes with building a startup. No, we didn’t sign up for a pension or steady paycheck, but the potential upside is huge.
Sometimes You Don’t Have a Runway
In the movie, she started her business out of necessity. No employment. No opportunities. No safety net. Sometimes, you just have to dive in fully. When you start a business, you have to be prepared to struggle for years—sometimes earning just pennies—before things work out.
Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle. You have to start with the philosophy of building something sustainable—that’s the only way to win in the long run.
Besides Dumpling Queen, there are plenty of other great films out there. Check out 20 Movies Every Entrepreneur Should Watch.
