Starting a business is a whirlwind of excitement, creativity, and, let’s be honest: lots of mistakes. Looking back, there are definitely things I would have done differently, but that’s part of the journey. If you’re just starting out or feeling like you need a reset, perhaps these lessons will save you some headaches.
1. I Would Have Separated My Personal and Business Accounts from Day 1
For almost two years, my personal and business finances were tangled together like a pair of earbuds in the bottom of a bag. Not only did this make tax season a nightmare, but it also made it hard to see how much my business was truly making (or losing).
Lesson learned: Open a business bank account immediately. Even if you’re not making big money yet, treating your business like a business from the start makes everything more professional, organized, and stress-free.
2. I Would Have Stuck to a Consistent Brand from the Beginning
In my first year and a half, I changed my logo and branding so many times that I lost count. I also wasted money on overpriced packaging from big-box stores instead of ordering in bulk.
Branding is about consistency. If you keep changing things up, customers will struggle to recognize your business. And if you’re not strategic about where you’re buying supplies, you’ll end up spending way more than necessary.
Lesson learned: Pick a brand aesthetic early on and stick with it. And when it comes to packaging, order smart—bulk buys from the right supplier will save you time and money.
3. I Would Have Set Boundaries with Orders Sooner
In the early days, I said yes to everything. Custom requests? Sure. Last-minute rush orders? Of course. Products that didn’t fit my business? Why not?! I was terrified that saying no would turn people away.
Spoiler: It led to burnout. And worse, I ended up making things I didn’t enjoy, which took the joy out of running my business.
Lesson learned: Not every opportunity is the right opportunity. Setting boundaries and staying aligned with your vision is crucial for long-term success.
4. I Would Have Prioritized Email Marketing from the Start
For too long, I relied solely on social media to connect with customers. But the thing about social media? Algorithms change, posts get buried, and you don’t actually own your audience. I didn’t start an email list until much later, and I regret not doing it sooner.
Lesson learned: Start an email list early. Even if you don’t have many subscribers at first, it’s a direct way to connect with customers and build a loyal community outside of social media.
5. I Would Have Invested in the Right Tools Instead of Doing Everything the Hard Way
When I started, I was doing everything manually such as printing shipping labels at home without a thermal printer, tracking sales in a random Excel spreadsheet in January instead of using accounting software, and packaging every order like I was sending a gift to a best friend. While that personal touch is great, it was time-consuming and inefficient.
Lesson learned: Some things are worth investing in early, like a good label printer, a bookkeeping system, and time-saving tools. They might feel like a big expense upfront, but they save you money, stress, and time in the long run.
6. I Would Have Given Myself Permission to Take Breaks
In the beginning, I thought I had to work all the time. If I wasn’t actively creating, packing, or marketing, I felt like I was failing. But burnout is real, and running a business is a marathon, not a sprint.
Now, I understand that rest is productive, too. Taking breaks allows me to recharge, come up with fresh ideas, and actually enjoy running my business.
Lesson learned: Hustle culture is overrated. Building a business is important, but so is having a life outside of it.
I wouldn’t trade my journey for anything because every mistake taught me something valuable. But if I could go back, these six changes would have made things a lot smoother from the start.
If you’re just starting your business, I hope these lessons help you avoid some of the mistakes I made. And if you’ve been in business for a while, tell me—what’s one thing you would do differently if you could start over?