Why Not Start? Building a Business While Becoming a Doctor

Balancing Medicine, Business, and Self-Belief

Recently, I’ve started something I’ve always dreamed about but never had the time, or courage to truly commit to: creating my own business and to learn about finance.

It used to intimidate me. The idea felt huge, like something only people from entrepreneurial families or with business degrees could do. But over the past few months, I began breaking it down into smaller, actionable steps. And in doing that, I realized something important:

I already have what I need.

I have the ideas.I have the creativity and direction.I have the experience, the network, the discipline, and most importantly, I have the drive.

So I asked myself, as I always do when something feels daunting:Why not start?

✍️ Creating in Every Spare Second

Right now, my days start early and end late.I study between 9 to 13 hours a day preparing for the MCAT, focusing on content review, practice questions, and strategy. At night it's my "free time" which is drafting ideas, having meetings, and seeing what else I can learn. It’s a full-time commitment, but even that isn’t the whole picture.

On weekends, I shift gears slightly, training the next generation of Miss Universe Japan candidates. I help them build confidence, teach them how to express themselves in both English and Japanese, and guide them in public speaking so their messages resonate no matter where they are in the world. It’s been such a meaningful way to pass on what I’ve learned and support women finding their voices.

And then, in the little “free time” I have left, the moments I used to spend watching shows or scrolling on social media, I’m doing something else:

Learning how to build something of my own. (I don’t use social media to scroll anymore. I utilize it. It doesn’t use me, I use it, and only when it serves a purpose. That means fewer hours, more intention, and only for things that move my work forward.)

Instead of Netflix, I listen to podcasts on entrepreneurship. Instead of endless Instagram scrolling, I dive into YouTube videos on branding and business models. Instead of overthinking, I act. I create. I plan. (I have also created a habit of just opening the NEWS app instead of instagram. I only use social media to post and luckily now have a manager for my instagram! Meaning, I can spend more time on what I want to invest my time into)

One book that truly shifted my mindset is The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ DeMarco.It reminded me that trading time for money isn’t the only way to live, and that real freedom comes from systems you build, not just jobs you work.

That message stuck with me.

So I pushed myself further. I started the 75 Day Challenge: daily workouts, clean eating, reading, and staying focused on discipline and better habits. It’s made me sharper mentally and physically, and it’s helped me prove to myself that I can stay committed, even when no one is watching.

🧠 Branding, Business, and Background Work

Behind the scenes, I’m developing multiple brands! Yes, more than one. I spend time designing logos, building brand themes, curating tone and messaging, and creating pitch decks for future investors. I’m learning how to make ideas not just exist, but live, breathe, and grow.

I’m also doing video production and editing work for Miss Universe Japan, running our Instagram and YouTube content, editing reels, designing visuals, and managing social media strategy. Everything I’ve learned from that role is helping me build my own businesses from the ground up. It’s real-world, real-time experience that’s shaping the way I grow.

And as a tangible step toward passive income, I’m about to purchase my first rental unit. I secured the location myself, negotiated the terms, and ready to be up in late August/September. It might seem small, but to me, it’s huge. It’s mine, and it’s proof that I can build something from scratch. From working part time jobs and also with my recent success with my business, which I will reveal another time :) , I have been able to secure enough money to get it, without my parents help! (This is huge for me, and it also makes them happy too).

🇺🇸 Preparing for What’s Next

This journey isn’t just about business, it’s also part of a bigger transition: My return to the United States and a new place to call home, a new move.

Even while I’m in Japan, I’ve been locking in research and lab opportunities for when I return. I’ve already been accepted into a neuroscience program and will be joining a lab soon after. Balancing pre-med life and business building is not easy, but both mean the world to me.

I’ve always wanted to be a doctor and I’ve always wanted to be a creator.

Now I’ve realized I don’t have to choose. I can be both.I can create and lead, study and build, dream and do.

💭 Why I’m Sharing This

Yes—this is the start.And I’m doing all of this now because something inside me flipped: a light switch. Something in me told me it’s time to stop waiting and just begin.

I might not be able to show everything yet, and not everyone will understand what I’m building. But I’m okay with that. Because the ball is already in motion, and I know how far I’m capable of going.

Some people still doubt I can do all this. They say business and medicine are separate worlds, and I don't have the knack to tackle either. But to me, they’re connected—both fueled by the same desire to understand, to innovate, to connect, and to help.

This life I’m building might look blurry on the outside, but every day I wake up knowing exactly what I’m working toward. Even if it takes three years, or more, I’d rather be in the process now than regret never starting. I'm still young, I will always be young.

And if you’re sitting on something—a dream, a goal, a version of yourself you’ve been too scared to explore, ask yourself the same question I did:

Why not start?

Because as usual, if anyone says I can’t...I'll prove, like I always do. That I absolutely can.

Always with love,

Kaya