Running a business—hard truths and lessons learned

Building a business takes a lot of work and it’s easy to neglect other aspects of my life when I get hyper-fixated on tracking all the moving parts of the business. There is sooo much to learn! Between keeping up with advancing technologies, best accessibility practices, ethical marketing, social media, SEO, content strategies, business regulations, etc. I find it hard to make time to recharge. Some days life forces you to take that step back—you need days off to let your soul rest and recover. Just like a normal 9-5 you’ve got to give yourself sick days and vacation time, trust me, it’s easy to forget when everything is rolling along.

People might claim to have the quick solution, an easier path to reach your goals, but the truth is it isn’t likely to be happen overnight. It takes time to establish a business, standards and processes that work for you. What works for someone else might not work for you, people are all unique and (in my opinion) their businesses should run differently too.

Sometimes those closest to you aren’t going to be as excited as you. Sometimes you will feel alone. Sometimes you will be scared of what is next. Will you find another project or client? Will you be able to create a sustainable business? Can you do it? Some days I’ve felt like giving up.

To tell you the truth, there are a lot of hard days.

Days when I feel I’m not doing enough.

Days when I feel like I’m failing.

Days when I feel like I made the wrong choice.

Days when I think about student loans and the debt that needs repaid.

Days when clients screw you over or disrespect your time and energy.

Days when I look at my to dos and become overwhelmed.

Days when life throws you something that you didn’t see coming

and it smacks you in the face.

Despite the hard days, I’ve found that running my own business has been rewarding.

I get to do what I love to support the dreams of others.

I get to have full control over my career.

I get to build true relationships with the people I design for.

I get to set my own foundation for success.

I get to use my design skills to create brands for truly inspiring people.

I get to work with people with similar values.

I get to support others working towards a brighter tomorrow.

There are plenty of surprises, but no unexpected layoffs that catch you off guard.

I’m not saying that starting a business is for everyone—no not at all.

But if you feel you must, I say do the research, call on your biggest supporters and take the leap!

Starting a business was never the easy path but I always felt the pull to set out on my own. The timeline was not one that I expected or planned on but when life gives you a swift kick in the right direction, I couldn’t choose another route.

What helps me make it through is making time to do things that I love.

Going outside to breathe in fresh air.

Walking through nature to observe this beautiful world.

Spending time with loved ones.

Eating ice cream, lots of ice cream!

Talking with friends, especially fellow business owners and freelance designers (shoutout Angela and Malia—you’re the best!). I’ve found that discussing my fears and latest challenges with others helps remind me that I’m not alone.

Along the way I’ve learned a few lessons to help me find a better balance between the things that must be done and the things I want to do. In no particular order (dependent on who you are and what you struggle with), here they are:

1. Set better boundaries (with clients and with yourself)
2. Be clear about your time and energies to avoid burnout
3. Be very clear on project scope, so you have clear rules on when to push back
4. Set rules for yourself to separate work time and you time (something I’ve done recently that helps bring me peace)
5. It’s okay to say “no” (I’m still working on this myself)
6. Passing on projects leaves room for new ones that might be a better fit
7. When I first started out, I said yes to everything and there were days I regretted that—sometimes you just aren’t the right fit
8. Lean into your biggest supporters (I’ve always been someone who solves my own problems, never wanting to trouble anyone else while seeking help)
9. Confide in your loved ones
10. Talk to other business owners for thoughts / advice
11. Have a contract and get it signed before starting work (Thankfully I figured this out pretty early on but it’s worth mentioning)
12. They help protect you, your business, and your client
13. Listen to your gut and trust your instincts
14. There are lots of scammers targeting young business owners, if something feels off—don’t engage
15. If a client doesn’t feel like a good fit, walk away
16. You know if something isn’t quite right, trust that inner voice
17. Adapt and grow as you go
18. Refine systems and processes
19. Add new clauses and details to your contracts
20. Structure your day in a way that leaves room for everything you want to do
21. Block out the noise
22. Step away from the socials if and when you need to
23. There are a lot of people out there claiming to be the expert but what works for them might not work for you
24. Read and research all you want, but take only what feels right for you
25. Make time for yourself and your business
26. Just as you should separate business and personal money, you should separate business and personal time—yes I’ve learned this the hard way
27. My personal time is filled with bowls of ice cream, walks with Finn (our sweet pup), strolls through nature, trying new food spots with my husband and getting cozy with a book on the couch

I’m not sharing these as the coach or consultant sharing advice, but as a friend listing what I’ve learned along my own business journey. Everyone learns at their own pace but I’ve found that many of us have similar lessons to learn. I’m sure I’ve missed a few, perhaps I’ll continue adding as I learn and grow myself.

To all the entrepreneurs, inventors and innovators of the world:

Keep pursuing your dreams.

Listen to your heart.

Fight for a better world for all.

Pursue what others deem impossible.

Acknowledge your greatness.

Learn and grow as you go.

And enjoy the journey for all its worth, it’s not one that everyone gets to live.