Three years ago, I took the leap into entrepreneurship…
Leaving the stability of my full-time job as an Office Coordinator at a busy elementary school to build something of my own. I wanted flexibility, freedom, and the chance to create meaningful work on my own terms. While that vision has certainly come to life in many ways, the journey has been filled with challenges, unexpected lessons, and personal growth that I never could have anticipated.
Here’s what I’ve learned so far.
1. The Reality of Running a Business
Before starting my business, I had certain expectations: I thought I’d have more free time, that success would come faster, and that I’d feel fully in control. The reality? Running a business often requires more time, effort, and mental energy than I ever imagined.
There’s no set schedule, no boss telling me what to do, and no guaranteed paycheck. I quickly learned that being an entrepreneur means wearing multiple hats: marketer, customer service rep, content creator, and strategist. It took time to adjust, but once I embraced the reality of running a business, I found ways to make it work for me.
And as my client load grew and things got busier, I found it even trickier to prioritize my own business needs. Client work always felt more urgent, and it was easy to push my own goals to the back burner. Learning to carve out time for my own growth and strategy became just as important as serving others.
2. Mindset Shifts and Personal Growth
One of the biggest hurdles I faced was imposter syndrome. At first, I questioned whether I was qualified enough, experienced enough, or skilled enough to run a successful business. But over time, I realized that no one starts out as an expert. The only way to grow is to keep showing up, learning, and adapting.
I’ve also learned to trust myself more. Decisions that once felt overwhelming have become easier because I’ve gained confidence in my ability to figure things out. Resilience and adaptability are essential in entrepreneurship—things don’t always go as planned, but pivoting and problem-solving are part of the process.
3. The Power of Boundaries and Balance
When you work for yourself, it’s easy to blur the lines between work and personal life. In the beginning, I felt pressure to always be available and productive, leading to burnout. I had to learn to set boundaries—both with my time and my energy.
Now, I make a conscious effort to define my work hours, step away from my desk when I need a break, and prioritize personal time without guilt. Creating structure has helped me maintain a balance between my business and my life, making entrepreneurship more sustainable in the long run.
That said, setting boundaries is still a work in progress—especially when working with international clients in completely opposite time zones. It’s a challenge I’m continuing to navigate, and a good reminder that boundaries aren’t one-and-done—they evolve as your business does.
4. The Importance of Systems and Organization
One of the biggest game-changers for me has been creating systems that keep my business running smoothly. From managing my schedule to automating tasks, organization has been the key to staying on top of everything.
I’ve found that planning ahead, using tools to track my progress, and having a clear structure in place makes a huge difference. Whether it’s organizing my finances, streamlining content creation, or setting up workflows, these systems help me stay focused and productive without feeling overwhelmed.
5. Lessons in Marketing and Growth
Marketing has been one of the biggest learning curves for me. I quickly realized that simply having great products or services isn’t enough—people have to know about them. I’ve experimented with different strategies, from social media and email marketing to collaborations and lead magnets.
What I’ve learned is that consistency matters more than quick results. Showing up regularly, providing value, and engaging with my audience has helped me grow my email list and connect with the right people. I’m still refining my approach, but I now understand that marketing is an ongoing process, not a one-time effort.
6. The Unexpected Joys of Entrepreneurship
Despite the challenges, there have been so many rewarding moments. The freedom to set my own schedule, the excitement of creating something from nothing, and the ability to help others through my work have made this journey worth it.
One of the greatest joys has been seeing my ideas come to life and knowing that my work is making a difference. Even on the hardest days, I remind myself why I started and celebrate the progress I’ve made.
The flexibility has also been a huge benefit—especially as a mom. With a daughter in competitive dance, being able to adjust my schedule during competition season means I can be present for the moments that matter. And the best part? I don’t need to ask anyone (other than myself—hello, I’m the boss!) for time off.
Anniversary Sale: Celebrating Three Years
To celebrate this milestone, I’m offering 50% off my digital products for a limited time! Whether you’re looking to boost your focus or set better boundaries, now’s the perfect time to invest in tools that support your goals.
Use code: 3YEARS at checkout to save 50%
Offer ends September 30
Check it out here and grab your favorites while they’re half off!
Final Thoughts: What’s Next?
Three years in, I’ve learned that entrepreneurship is a constant evolution. There will always be new challenges, new opportunities, and new ways to grow. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue expanding my business, refining my systems, and creating even more valuable resources.
If I could give advice to someone just starting out, it would be this: trust yourself, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to pivot when needed. The journey isn’t always easy, but the lessons and personal growth make it all worthwhile.
