Four years in business. That’s four years of growth, trial and error, unexpected wins, and plenty of mistakes. If I could go back and tell my day-one self a few things, these lessons would be at the top of the list.
1. Authenticity Matters
People can see through the BS. The best thing you can do for your business is to show up as yourself—flaws, quirks, and all. When you do, the right people will find you, support you, and stick around.
Early on, I thought I had to fit into a certain mold—look a certain way, speak a certain way, follow trends just because they were popular. But the moments that resonated most with my audience were always the ones where I was just me.
Lesson learned: Connection starts with being real. The more authentic you are, the stronger your brand will be.
2. Invest in Yourself
It’s easy to pour everything into your business—new supplies, upgraded packaging, marketing tools—but if you don’t pour into yourself, you’re missing a key piece of the puzzle.
The best business decisions I’ve made weren’t just about inventory or strategy; they were about personal growth. Taking courses, reading business books, working on my mindset, and even booking a brand photoshoot helped me become the business owner I needed to be.
Lesson learned: When you grow, your business grows. Prioritize learning, confidence, and personal development just as much as everything else.
3. Not Every Trend or Opportunity Is for You
The online business space moves fast. There’s always a new trend, a new product idea, or a new strategy everyone seems to be chasing. And while it’s great to evolve, it’s just as important to recognize when something isn’t right for you.
I’ve jumped on trends before just because they were popular—only to realize they didn’t align with my brand or bring me joy. I’ve also taken on opportunities that looked great on the surface but didn’t actually move my business forward.
Lesson learned: Just because something is working for someone else doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Stay true to your vision, even when the trends are tempting.
4. Mistakes Are Inevitable (and Necessary)
No one builds a business without making mistakes. No one. I’ve miscalculated inventory, sent the wrong orders, priced things too low, and made a thousand other little errors along the way.
But here’s what I’ve learned—mistakes don’t define you. How you handle them does. Owning up, making things right, and learning from them is what really matters. Some of my biggest lessons came from things I wished I hadn’t done, but those experiences made me a better business owner in the long run.
Lesson learned: You’re not supposed to get everything right the first time. Pivot, adjust, and keep moving forward.
Four Years in, and I’m Still Learning
This journey has been anything but predictable, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Whether you’re just starting out or years into your own adventure, I’d love to hear from you—what’s the biggest lesson you have learned in business? Drop it in the comments so we can learn from each other!