Lessons from Running My Own Business: What I’ve Learned, My Setbacks and What’s Next

Mentor Storytime

It all starts with an idea. Sometimes it’s big and bold, other times it’s just a quiet whisper in the back of your mind—what if I did this for myself? That’s how my journey into running my own business began. I didn’t have it all thought out, but I had a idea, a bit of courage, and a lot of questions.

At first, I thought it was all about having the perfect plan. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that the real learning comes from doing—and sometimes, from getting things wrong. I made mistakes. I took on too much, said yes to everything when I should have said no or maybe and often let imposter syndrome get the better of me. But every setback came with a lesson, and every lesson brought me closer to focusing my idea.

One of the biggest lessons? Being me matters. Whether you're building a brand, launching a product, or just writing your “About” page, people connect with what is real. Don't try to sound like someone you’re not. If your voice isn’t coming through when you read your copy back, it’s time to get back to the drawing board. You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be you.

Running a business is messy. It’s not linear. The great thing about working for yourself is that your story can grow and change along with you. Your website, your brand, your offer—it can (and will) evolve. What matters is that it feels right for where you are now. You don’t have to have your five-year plan, leave that to the corporates. Focus on the hear and now.

As I develop my own business, I am taking on what I’ve learned: that focus comes through action, that setbacks are just that, and that telling your story as it is, is your greatest marketing tool. Whether you're just starting or looking to pivot, start where you are and be honest about the journey.

You don’t need permission to begin. Just your voice, your story, and a bit of courage to share it.