They tried to put us out of business. Here’s what happened.

We all strive to build successful businesses.
We want to be known, respected, admired in our sector.

But here’s the bit people don’t talk about…
With success comes envy. And sometimes, it shows up in ugly ways.

Years ago, we bought a business in our sector — a deal that came through last minute because the seller was fed up with someone else messing her around.
She needed out.
We stepped in.
Done deal.

What we didn’t know at the time was that someone else had been trying to buy it too — but he kept lowering his offer and dragging his feet.

When the deal didn’t go his way, he was outraged.
And in his own words, he set out to “put us out of business.”
He opened a shop right near us.
Deliberately undercut our prices.
Tried to poach our customers.

It was nasty. And at the time, quite shocking.

But here’s the truth:

These things only happen when you’re doing well.

Jealousy doesn’t come for the struggling business.
It shows up when people notice you.
When your brand is strong.
When you’re making noise.
When they see you growing and it stings.

And yes — it’s tempting to get caught up in the drama.
To obsess over what they’re doing.
To stalk their socials.
To waste hours trying to outmanoeuvre them.

But every minute you spend on their business…
…is a minute less on yours.

And that’s exactly what they want.

Here’s the kicker:
The business he opened to spite us?
It never went anywhere.
All that time, energy, money, bitterness… it became a noose.
Meanwhile, our business kept thriving — because we stayed focused.

We kept showing up.
Serving well.
Keeping our customers happy.
And remembering that people buy from people.
They can copy your offer, your prices, even your packaging.
But they can’t copy you.

So if you’re in a phase where you feel someone watching you, copying you, trying to undercut you — take it as a weird compliment.
You’ve got something worth copying.

And then lift your chin, roll up your sleeves, and get back to doing what you do best.

Because their obsession with you is their distraction.
Your obsession with your customers is your advantage.

Speak soon,

Cherie