When I first started my business selling candles and skincare products, I was determined to save money by building my own website. It wasn't the prettiest thing, but it was the catalyst for everything that followed. Being my own boss was always a dream of mine, and discovering how my services could impact others' lives drove me to learn more about website design, strategy, and marketing. The more I worked on my newfound passion, the more my creativity and natural styling abilities came to light. From there, I took on clients and my business blossomed. Looking back, I'm grateful for the journey that led me here. Fast forward to a year after launching my web design agency, I landed a partnership with Wix!

 

Building a website on my own was a challenging experience, but it taught me valuable lessons about resourcefulness and perseverance. It also allowed me to develop a deep understanding of my brand and what makes it unique. By having full control of my website, I was able to make changes quickly and efficiently, experiment with different layouts and designs, and fine-tune my messaging. These skills proved invaluable as my business grew, and I found myself working with a more diverse range of clients and projects. Without that initial leap of faith in building my own website, I'm not sure I would have discovered my passion for design and entrepreneurship.

 

There was a time when I struggled to see the desired results in my business. Despite getting leads through Wix and word-of-mouth, I couldn't pinpoint the issue. Even when some leads converted, I was often left feeling overworked and underpaid, which affected my motivation! There were moments when I considered closing my business, questioning if this path was truly meant for me. I would worry about when my next client would come and if I’d have the resources to support myself. But these thoughts prompted the change I needed to transform my business.

 

Many new entrepreneurs, myself included, believe that a great logo, decent portfolio, and well-designed website are all that's necessary to succeed. However, without structure, strategy, and discipline, success is going to be hard to come by. Don't make the same mistake I did – learn from my experience and take the necessary steps to build a thriving business. Believing in yourself and taking action is equally important to avoid failure as well. 

 

One of the most significant lessons I had to learn was to recognize my self-worth in my business. Despite noticing red flags in certain clients, I would still continue to work with them. I wasn't charging what my work was worth, some clients wouldn't pay me on time, and would even request additional work that wasn't included in our initial agreement. As a result, their projects would drag on for weeks or even months beyond the expected completion date. Allowing this kind of behavior made me feel stressed and unmotivated to keep doing the work. It was clear that changes needed to be made in terms of the things I tolerated, the clients I attracted, and my decisions regarding who I chose to work with.

 

I also realized that my doubts were a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey and that I should give myself grace, and recognition for how far I had come. The fear of failure and uncertainty about the future can be overwhelming, but I also knew that success is not achieved overnight. It takes dedication, hard work, and perseverance to build a thriving business. Instead of giving up, I decided to focus on the things that I could control. I changed my mindset from a state of lack to abundance, networked more actively, reaching out to potential clients and collaborators. I also worked on improving my skills and knowledge, taking courses, reading books, and attending workshops that could benefit my business.

 

As I took these steps, I began to see the results of my efforts. My client base grew, and I received more referrals from satisfied customers. I also gained more confidence in myself and my abilities. Looking back, I am grateful for it all. They pushed me to evaluate my business and make the changes necessary for growth. I no longer will be burnt out, overworked, and underpaid. Today, I am proud of how far I have come, and I am excited for what the future holds.

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I was born to help you believe in your dreams and create a place online that gives you the freedom you deserve. You deserve it all, don't ever forget that!