Confessions of a female founder. What happened when I launched my own business. ??

After launching my business, Flyhawk just over 3 years ago now I can reflect on the rollercoaster ride so far and share my experience with others setting out on their own path. Some key learnings and observations from launching my own business….

1?? THE HIGHS ARE HIGHER BUT… ???

Compared to when I worked for someone else, I’ve found running my own business the emotional highs are much higher and the lows are lower. This is great on the good days but takes a toll on challenging days. I’m still working on trying to neutralise the rollercoaster of emotions ???

2?? DON’T EAT YOUR STRESS ??

Stressful times lead to your body reacting in different ways to cope. I’ve found when I’m busy the first thing to go can easily be sacking off the gym, or grabbing a midweek glass of vino (or 2) but actually being consistent with gym and good diet helps manage number 1??. Don’t let your training/healthy eating slip if you can help it, trying to lose my start up pounds to get back to pre-launch weight is apparently much harder than I hoped ??

3?? YOUR CHEERLEADERS ???

When you launch you’ll have people that really support your vision and become cheerleaders for your business. These people have been amazing for me, both friends and business contacts that have backed me and given me energy boosts when needed.?

4?? SOME WON’T LIKE IT ??

You’ll also have people that won’t like what you are doing and try to cause disruption for you somehow especially if your business is shaking up a tired & predictable market.?

5?? FEEL THE FEAR & DO IT ANYWAY ??

Taking on those first one or two members of full time staff or that first office lease is terrifying but if your figures are stacking up, back yourself. This is easier said than done and I’m currently in the phase of agonising over which skill sets to hire next and in which order. It changes daily, I’m still no closer to a decision on what's next ??. Hiring our Operations Manager, Sammy Veneroso has been one of the best decisions so far as not only is he MUCH better at organisation and ops than me, its allowed the business to grow without me being a bottleneck.

6?? PROTECT YOUR TIME - FOR SANITY ????

Where possible I’ve learnt to protect my time especially on weekends. I’m not great at switching off but have found that actively protecting my weekends really helps me recharge properly and fill my cup. Make time to get off the rollercoaster every now and then.?

7?? LAUGHTER IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS ??

I’m a true believe that not only is laughter good for the soul, it’s good for business. If you can have a laugh with customers and suppliers, there’s a good chance you’ll be working together longer as quite frankly you’re just more fun to do business with ??.?

8?? RELISH IN BEING UNDERESTIMATED ???

Being a female in the largely male dominated space of teamwear, a few people have underestimated myself and also what a niche brand like Flyhawk is capable of. I have LOVED this as it’s meant we often fly under the radar and win business people don’t expect us to. It’s a lovely feeling quietly growing behind the scenes, keeping ourselves to ourselves and our business model tight.?