Lessons I’ve Learnt Since Running My Small Business.

When I launched my small business, I thought I had a fairly good idea of what to expect. I knew it would be hard work, time-consuming, and at times overwhelming, but I don’t think anything could have truly prepared me for the rollercoaster that comes with being your own boss.

Over the past months, I’ve learnt so much more than how to manage orders and design beautiful custom gifts. I’ve grown as a person, made mistakes, set boundaries, and found my creative flow. Here are a few lessons that have truly shaped me and my business.

1. Learning to Say “No”

This was a big one for me. In the beginning, I wanted to say “yes” to every single order, even the ones that didn’t align with my values, style, or schedule. I was scared of turning people away and missing opportunities. But all it did was burn me out. Now, I’ve learnt that saying “no” is not rude, it’s necessary. It allows me to focus on the work I love and the clients who respect my time and skills.

2. Setting Boundaries Between Work and Personal Life

Running a business from home means your work is never far away. For a long time, I’d be working until midnight or replying to messages on weekends. I was constantly “on”, and it drained me. I’ve since started setting clearer work hours and reminding myself that rest is part of the job too. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m learning to put the laptop down and be present outside of my business.

3. Finding Joy in Creating What I Love

When I stopped trying to please everyone and started creating things I was passionate about, everything changed. I found my style, the kind of designs that make me feel excited to work. Not every trend is for me, and that’s okay. I’ve learnt that when I enjoy what I’m creating, my clients can feel it too, and those are the orders that light me up.

4. Putting Policies in Place (the hard way)

Unfortunately, I’ve had a few clients who taught me some tough but valuable lessons. Chasing payments, late cancellations, and last-minute changes all took a toll. So, I’ve implemented clearer policies, including deposits to secure bookings. It’s not about being harsh; it’s about valuing my time and energy. And you know what? The right clients respect that.

5. Discovering New Skills I Didn’t Know I Had

One of the most surprising parts of running my own business has been realising just how many hats I can wear. I never thought I’d be managing my own social media accounts, filming and editing videos of my creative process, or learning how to update and maintain my own website, but here I am, doing it all. It’s been empowering to discover what I’m capable of, and while it’s definitely a learning curve, it’s also shown me how resilient and resourceful I can be.

6. Growth Happens in the Messy Middle

There’s no “perfect” way to run a small business. It’s messy, emotional, and deeply personal. I’ve cried, celebrated, doubted myself, and surprised myself — sometimes all in the same week. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Every lesson, even the hard ones, is shaping me into a stronger, more confident creator.

If you’re a fellow small business owner or thinking of starting your own thing, I hope this post reminds you that it’s okay to learn as you go. You’re allowed to evolve, set boundaries, and build something that works for you.

Thank you to every client who’s supported me, every friend who’s cheered me on, and every lesson that’s helped me grow. Here’s to learning, unlearning, and blooming at our own pace.