Forging Our Own Path: Why Neurodivergent Minds Often Turn to Entrepreneurship

The world is built for the "typical" brain—structured, linear, predictable. But for those of us who are neurodivergent, navigating this world can feel like running an unfamiliar operating system in a world optimized for something entirely different. If life were a computer network, neurotypical minds might be running on Windows or MacOS—seamless, universally compatible, designed with the majority in mind. Meanwhile, neurodivergent folks? We’re Linux, custom-coded, requiring modifications and workarounds, yet powerful in ways others don’t always understand.

Many of us don’t fit neatly into the 9-to-5 mold, not because we lack drive, but because the traditional workforce wasn’t built with our strengths in mind. What’s seen as a "deficit"—difficulty with executive function, sensory sensitivities, or unconventional thinking—is often just a mismatch between how our brains work and how the world expects us to operate. The systems in place don’t always accommodate our unique processing styles, making it exhausting to conform. So, we adapt. We create. We build our own systems. And often, we start our own businesses.

For me, one of the biggest struggles is communication—especially under stress. My brain slows down when pressured to respond quickly, not because I don’t understand, but because I need more time to process information in the way it was given to me. Sensory sensitivities make everyday life even harder when others are in control. The scent of perfumes and lotions on coworkers can completely derail my ability to focus or use executive functioning skills. Densely decorated or brightly lit areas overwhelm me with visual overload. Something as simple as eating around others can be an entirely overwhelming experience. It’s not that I am incapable or lack intelligence; I just require different conditions to thrive.

Entrepreneurship becomes not just a career path but a form of self-acceptance. It allows us to lean into our strengths—hyperfocus, creativity, pattern recognition, problem-solving, and resilience—while designing workflows and environments that suit our needs. We’re often the ones who innovate, who notice what others miss, who challenge the status quo. And while the world may see us as the "odd ones out," we know the truth: we are trailblazers, visionaries, and problem-solvers who are redefining success on our own terms.

Starting a business isn’t easy for anyone, but for neurodivergent entrepreneurs, it’s an act of perseverance, adaptability, and self-trust. It’s about building something that works for us in a world that often hasn’t. It’s about proving—mostly to ourselves—that we are not "broken" or "too much," but that we were simply meant to forge our own way.

At One Sun Commercial Cleaning, I know firsthand what it means to take an unconventional route. My journey from cleaning homes for neighbors in need to running a business wasn’t just about making a living—it was about creating a structure where I could thrive while also serving my community. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit the mold, maybe it’s because you weren’t meant to. Maybe you were meant to build something different. And that’s not just okay—it’s extraordinary.

Meghan Tate

Owner, One Sun Commercial Cleaning