'I Can Work 80 Hours and Get Zero Checks:' How This Wellness Entrepreneur Is Balancing Growth and Stress Get practical advice from Dr. Drew and investor Kim Perell on this episode of Entrepreneur Therapy, featuring SuperMush co-founder and CEO Alli Schaper.

By David James

After battling chronic gut issues since childhood and cycling through a bunch of traditional medicine, Schaper found relief through functional mushrooms and never looked back. She teamed up with a co-founder to create SuperMush, a line of sugar-free mushroom-based gummies, mints, and mouth sprays that promote energy, focus, and relaxation.

But as the company has grown, so has the stress. "The irony is we're creating a mental health brand," Schaper said, "and the attempt to maintain our own mental health through the process of building and scaling a CPG company is pretty wild."

Schaper recently appeared on Entrepreneur Therapy, presented by Amazon Business, to talk with Dr. Drew and Kim Perell about what keeps her up at night—and how to protect her peace while scaling a wellness brand in a highly competitive space.

Related: The Wellness Industry Is Now Richer Than Big Pharma and Sports

The first problem? Finding balance between the creative side she loves and the operational demands of a startup trying to grow fast. "We've now had to shift completely into like operations spreadsheet mode," she said. "It's been dominating our time."

Perell suggested that it might be time to consider hiring someone whose strength is in backend operations. "That person will be a game changer in your business," she told Schaper. "It may mean giving something up, but it will allow you to do your best work."

Dr. Drew honed in on Schaper's stress level. "You gloss it over with that beautiful smile," he told her, "but it's going to catch up with you." He encouraged her to find a real way to relieve the pressure—whether that's boxing, therapy, or talking to a close friend.

Schaper agreed that the emotional ups and downs of entrepreneurship can be discouraging, especially when the grind doesn't always lead to immediate results. "I could work 80 hours a week and get zero investment checks," she said. "Then the next week, I work three hours and get a million dollars."

But she left the session with a new perspective. "I love what they shared," she said. "And I have some good, clear takeaways."

Entrepreneur Therapy is presented by Amazon Business. Smart business buying starts with Amazon Business. Learn more.

Related: 'You Need Support:' Honest Advice for a Founder Trying to Do It All Alone

David James

Entrepreneur Staff

Staff writer

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

More from Entrepreneur Therapy

'Our Product Works Too Well.' Dr. Drew and Kim Perell Advise a Founder on How to Fix Her Customer Retention Problem

'It's Okay Not to be Okay': How to Face the Emotional Side of Entrepreneurship

'I Can Work 80 Hours and Get Zero Checks:' How This Wellness Entrepreneur Is Balancing Growth and Stress

This Founder Is Scaling a Spicy Food Brand—and It's Putting the Heat On Her Marriage

Growing a Business

How to Get Your Business Recommended by AI Tools Like ChatGPT — and Win More Clients

AI tools like ChatGPT are now recommending businesses — here's how to make sure yours gets picked.

Business News

'You Will Have a Difficult Time Aligning Your Priorities With the Company': AT&T CEO Tells Employees to Comply With 5-Day Office Rule or Leave

In a memo to employees, AT&T CEO John Stankey made it clear that the company's future will not include remote-first flexibility — and those resisting the change may need to move on.

Business News

The No. 1 Place to Retire in the World Might Not Be On Your Radar — Plus, 9 Other Top Retirement Destinations

With cost of living, safety and more to consider, a retirement relocation requires careful thought.

Growing a Business

6 Unconventional Habits That Actually Help Entrepreneurs Find Work-Life Sanity

Tired of traditional work-life balance advice? Here are six unconventional strategies that help entrepreneurs prevent burnout, reclaim energy and align work with life in a way that actually works.

Business News

Tesla Awards Elon Musk a Massive $29 Billion Pay Package to 'Retain and Incentivize' the CEO: 'More Important Than Ever Before'

The Tesla board announced it unanimously approved the pay package for Musk, as his 2018 pay package remains tied up in legal limbo.