6 Months of Running My Own Business: Here's What I've Learned
Six months ago, I took the leap and started my own business.
I don't have everything figured out—not even close. Some days I feel like I know exactly what I'm doing. Other days I'm Googling things, second-guessing myself, and hoping the next email isn't a problem I haven't solved before.
But somewhere between launching a business, signing clients, building websites, taking photos, and learning how to wear every hat imaginable, I've picked up a few lessons that I wish someone had told me from the beginning.
Here are six of them.
1. Stop announcing things before they're real.
This one came with a little sting.
Early on, I shared excitement about a potential project before it was officially happening. In my mind, it was practically done.
It wasn't.
The opportunity fell through, and even though it wasn't because of anything I did, I still felt embarrassed. It felt like I had to explain why something everyone knew about suddenly wasn't happening.
Now, I keep exciting opportunities close until the contract is signed and the work has begun.
Not because I don't get excited—but because not every opportunity becomes reality. Celebrating something after it's official feels a whole lot better than explaining why it disappeared.
2. Celebrate the small wins.
For some reason, I thought milestones only counted if they were huge.
Then I hit 100 followers.
I almost ignored it.
No celebration. No post. No confetti. I just noticed it and moved on.
But later I realized that every business is built on tiny moments like that.
The first inquiry.
The first client.
The first referral.
The first repeat customer.
The first testimonial.
Those moments deserve recognition.
Maybe not from everyone else—but at least from you.
If you only celebrate the massive milestones, you'll spend most of your journey feeling like you're behind.
3. You don't have to work 9–5.
One of the biggest reasons I wanted to work for myself wasn't to work less.
It was to work differently.
Some mornings I'm most productive before 8 a.m.
Other days I need a Pilates class, a walk, or lunch with a friend before I can think creatively again.
Sometimes I answer emails late in the evening because that's when I'm focused.
I've stopped trying to force myself into someone else's schedule.
Owning a business has taught me that productivity isn't about sitting at your desk for eight straight hours. It's about recognizing when your brain is ready to do great work—and giving yourself permission to step away when it isn't.
4. Don't mentally check out before vacation.
This lesson was learned the hard way.
Before a trip, it's tempting to think, I'll deal with that when I get back.
Don't.
Future you will regret it.
Nothing makes coming home harder than opening your laptop to unfinished projects, unanswered emails, and a to-do list you could have chipped away at before leaving.
Now I try to finish strong before I leave instead of coasting into vacation mode.
My vacations are more relaxing, and coming home feels much less overwhelming.
5. I like talking to people more than I thought I would.
If you had asked me a few years ago, I would've said I preferred sitting behind a computer designing websites.
Turns out, running a business isn't just about the work.
It's about people.
Client meetings.
Discovery calls.
Networking.
Coffee chats.
Following up.
Building relationships.
Some of my favorite parts of this business have come from conversations I almost didn't have.
The websites, branding, and photography are what I create.
The relationships are what make the business meaningful.
Six months in...
I'm still figuring things out.
I still make mistakes.
I still wonder if I'm doing enough.
But every month, I become a little more confident—not because I suddenly know everything, but because I've proven I can figure things out as they come.
Running a business has challenged me in ways I never expected, but it's also given me flexibility, creativity, and opportunities I wouldn't trade for anything.
Six months isn't a long time.
But it's been long enough to know that I made the right decision.
And I can't wait to see what the next six months look like.
If you're in a season of building something—whether it's a business, a side hustle, or a dream you've been putting off—I hope this encouraged you.
And if you're looking for someone to help bring your brand to life, I'd love to be part of that journey.
Let's create something you're proud of.