In a rare and emotional confession, Home and Away actress Maddison Brown, known to millions as the strong-willed Jo Langham, has revealed the deeply personal challenges

she’s faced while balancing her thriving acting career with the demanding world of entrepreneurship. Behind her radiant smile and seemingly effortless success lies a story of exhaustion,

perseverance, and the unrelenting pursuit of a dream.

In an emotional Instagram video posted over the weekend, Brown opened up about the overwhelming stress of running her skincare brand, Outside Beauty, which she co-founded in 2023 with her sister, Allison Papovich. Fighting back tears, Brown admitted she rarely allows herself to show vulnerability publicly — but this time, she decided it was necessary.

“I sat down to shoot some ads and suddenly just felt so burned out and exhausted,” she confessed. “I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. I never thought it would be this hard. I thought I had such a clever idea, but the reality is brutal.”

Brown’s honesty struck a chord with fans and fellow actors alike, offering a rare glimpse behind the curtain of fame. While she portrays strength and independence through her Home and Away character Jo Langham, in real life, Maddison revealed that maintaining that same composure has been far more difficult than viewers might imagine.

Since launching Outside Beauty, a sunscreen-focused skincare line, the 28-year-old actress has poured her heart and soul into the business. What started as a passion project soon became an all-consuming mission.

“We’ve been going nonstop for over three years,” Brown said. “We both work seven days a week and have never paid ourselves a cent. It’s been rewarding but absolutely draining.”

Her words highlight the often unseen side of entrepreneurship — the long nights, self-doubt, and endless effort that accompany building something from scratch.

Despite the emotional toll, Outside Beauty has gained impressive traction since its debut. The brand’s luxurious, eco-conscious sunscreens have earned glowing reviews from customers, who praise their smooth texture and hydrating formulas. One fan raved, “The most moisturizing and luxurious creams!” while another commented on how effortlessly the products fit into their daily routines.

But as Maddison explained, success in business rarely comes without sacrifice.

“I think I try to portray this image of success and hard work — and that’s all real,” she admitted. “But these moments, like I’m having right now, happen way more often than people think.”

In her heartfelt caption accompanying the video, Brown reflected on the unique pressures of being a self-funded entrepreneur. Every triumph feels monumental, but every setback hits even harder.

“Being self-funded means every win feels personal, and every challenge feels even more so,” she wrote.

Her candid confession sheds light on the reality of life behind the lens — where “success” on paper often conceals the sleepless nights, self-doubt, and quiet perseverance required to achieve it.

After more than a decade living and working in the United States — where she gained international fame playing Kirby Anders in the Dynasty reboot — Brown returned home to Australia in 2024, ready to reconnect with her roots. Her return to Home and Away marked not only a professional homecoming but a personal rebirth, too.

“Being a success on paper only tells half the story,” Brown wrote in another post. “Behind the scenes, it’s late nights, small victories, and a whole lot of persistence.”

The emotional video quickly drew an outpouring of support from fans, co-stars, and friends within the entertainment industry.

Home and Away’s Emily Weir (who plays Mackenzie Booth) responded with a string of heartfelt emojis, while model and entrepreneur Megan Gale shared words of encouragement:

“Oh honey, I feel you. I’ve been there and it’s brutal. The lessons from it all will emerge, I promise you — and they’ll be invaluable.”

The warmth and support reflect the bond between Australia’s entertainment community, many of whom understand the immense pressures of balancing public life with personal ambition.

Brown’s entrepreneurial journey began as a tribute to both her personal values and her family’s experiences. She and her sister were inspired to start their brand after witnessing the devastating effects of melanoma, which claimed the life of their father’s best friend when they were children. The tragedy left a lasting impression, driving them to create products that not only protect but educate.

“We grew up acutely aware of the dangers of UV exposure, tanning, and sunburn,” they explained on the brand’s page. “Together, our dream is to revolutionize the way people use SPF — with elevated, inclusive, and eco-friendly formulas that feel like skincare.”

That vision has clearly resonated. With over 29,000 followers on Instagram, Outside Beauty has built a loyal community devoted to mindful sun safety and self-care. Yet, as Brown’s emotional confession revealed, the cost of success has been steep — personally, mentally, and emotionally.

Her raw honesty has only made fans love her more. Many praised her courage for speaking so openly about burnout, especially in a culture that often glorifies relentless productivity. Others related deeply to her words, thanking her for normalizing the struggles that come with chasing one’s dreams.

As Jo Langham on Home and Away, Maddison’s character is known for her resilience, emotional depth, and ability to rise from the ashes. Off-screen, it seems the actress embodies those same qualities.

Even through tears, Brown made it clear she has no plans to give up.

“I always find a way to pick myself back up,” she said, her voice steady with determination. “There are hard days, but they remind me why I started — to make a difference, to build something meaningful.”

Her story is a reminder that even those who seem to “have it all” are often fighting unseen battles behind closed doors. Maddison Brown’s heartfelt admission not only humanizes her but also inspires others to be honest about their struggles — and to keep going, no matter how steep the climb.

As her journey with Home and Away continues and Outside Beauty grows, Maddison stands as a powerful example of authenticity, resilience, and courage — proof that true strength lies not in perfection, but in the willingness to show our most vulnerable selves.