What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My First Business
Lessons from the messy, honest middle of entrepreneurship
When I started my first business, I had no clue what I was doing.
I had passion. I had big ideas. I had a vision of freedom, creativity, and income.
But I also had a lot of trial-and-error, late nights, second-guessing, and figuring-it-out-on-the-fly.
Looking back, there are a few things I really wish someone had told me—and if you're just starting your own creative business, maybe these lessons will save you a little time (and a lot of stress).
1. You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out
I thought I needed a perfect business plan, a full brand package, and a five-year vision.
What I really needed was to start—messy, small, and honest.
👉 Clarity comes through doing. Not planning.
👉 Start with what you have, where you are. Adjust as you go.
2. Not Everyone Will Understand What You’re Doing—And That’s Okay
Some people will support you.
Some will stay silent.
Some will think it’s a hobby until you “get a real job.”
That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.
It just means they’re not your people—or not yet.
👉 Keep going. Let your work speak for itself.
3. Your Time Is More Valuable Than You Realize
When I started out, I undercharged, overpromised, and stretched myself way too thin.
If I could go back, I’d say:
Set boundaries early
Build rest into your schedule
Know that “busy” doesn’t equal successful
👉 Don’t trade your peace for hustle. It's not worth it.
4. You’re Allowed to Evolve
The business I started with isn’t the business I have now—and that’s a good thing.
You’ll grow. Your customers will shift. Your ideas will change.
That’s not failure. That’s progress.
👉 Give yourself permission to pivot.
5. You Don’t Need Fancy Tools—You Need Consistency
I wasted a lot of time researching the “best” software, equipment, and platforms.
What actually moved my business forward?
Showing up regularly
Talking about my work
Getting my products in front of real people
👉 Simpler is better. Use what you have. Just start.
6. You Can’t Do It All Alone (And You Don’t Have To)
Trying to do everything yourself leads straight to burnout.
Ask for help. Trade services. Join a Facebook group. Hire when you can.
Let people support you.
👉 Community is everything—especially in creative business.
7. Success Looks Different for Everyone
Some people want 6-figure launches.
Others want a flexible side hustle they can run from home.
Both are valid.
You define your version of “enough.” You get to decide what winning looks like.
👉 Build a business that serves your life—not the other way around.
💛 Final Thoughts
If you're just starting out, here's what I want you to know:
You’re not behind. You’re not unqualified. You’re not too late.
God gave you a gift—creativity, grit, and a vision.
Use it. Grow it. Trust it.
You're building something beautiful—even if it doesn't look perfect yet.
Want a Freebie?
“Start Smart” Business Checklist with the tools and steps I actually used (not just the fancy stuff).