by Debbie Garcia, CMP
Starting a business is exhilarating. The ideas, the growth, the possibilities. But what many people don’t talk about is the emotional and mental weight it carries, especially when you’re doing it all yourself.
As I reflect on the journey of virsitour, I realize just how much it took—physically, mentally, and emotionally—to get here. And while I’ve always been a go-getter, the path of entrepreneurship is full of moments where the pressure can feel suffocating.
When I first launched virsitour, I had no idea what I was getting into. I was navigating a pandemic, raising two kids at home, and struggling with the loss of my job. It was a time of uncertainty, and the weight of trying to build something from scratch was overwhelming. I felt the mental toll every day. The constant juggling of tasks, the sleepless nights, and the constant battle with self-doubt took a serious toll on my mental health.
It wasn’t just the external pressure of running a business. It was the internal pressure—the belief that if I didn’t succeed, it would be a failure not just for me, but for my family, for my clients, and for the community I was trying to serve. I put my heart and soul into virsitour—but it came at the expense of my well-being. I remember feeling like I was always behind, that there was never enough time in the day, and no matter how hard I worked, I was never truly “on top of it.”
There were moments when I wanted to give up. When the stress of it all felt too much. But what kept me going was my belief in virsitour’s mission—to make event sourcing and planning more efficient and accessible for everyone, and to help planners, suppliers, and event professionals like me find balance and support in their work. It became clear that in order to make that vision a reality, I had to change my approach.
I couldn’t keep pushing myself to the brink of burnout. I realized that if I didn’t take care of myself, I wouldn’t be able to build the business that I believed in.
That’s why I’m so passionate about virsitour’s commitment to promoting mental health in the event industry. Virsitour isn’t just about creating a platform to make event sourcing easier—it’s about creating a space where professionals can thrive, where their mental and emotional well-being is just as important as the event itself. It’s about creating tools that help planners save time, money, and travel—so they can spend more time on what matters most: their lives outside of work.
As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that awareness doesn’t end when May is over. Mental health is a lifelong journey, and it’s crucial that we stay mindful of our emotions every single day. Acknowledge how you feel, respond thoughtfully instead of reacting, and reach out to a friend when you’re feeling low. Don’t be afraid to be honest with yourself—sometimes, that’s the hardest part.
Take time for yourself. Seek therapy if you need it. Make time for the things that recharge you. Mental health isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving, finding balance, and staying connected to what matters most.
It wasn’t easy to get to this point. There were many long nights, many moments of doubt, and many lessons learned the hard way. But looking back, I know it was worth it. Virsitour isn’t just my business—it’s a reflection of everything I’ve gone through, everything I’ve learned, and everything I want to offer to others in the industry.
If you’re an event professional, I want you to know that you’re not alone. We all face the mental and emotional toll that comes with this work. But there’s a better way forward. We don’t have to sacrifice our well-being to create great events. At virsitour, we’re here to make that change.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Together, we can make the industry healthier, more sustainable, and more supportive.