Four Years in Business: The Wins, Woes, and Lessons of Going Solo

Four years! I can't believe it! As I approach the fourth anniversary of my entrepreneurial journey, it's an opportunity to reflect on the path taken. These past years have been a whirlwind of challenges, triumphs, and invaluable lessons. Starting as a sole trader was daunting; it felt like standing at the edge of an abyss, armed only with a sheer do or die, vision and a heap of determination. Looking back now, I can say it has been a profoundly rewarding experience and continues to be.

The early days were marked by uncertainty. I had no seed money and had to barter and trade skills to get up an running. There were countless sleepless nights, grappling with self-doubt and the constant fear of failure. The time old tale of "The Stories We Tell Ourselve" become our reality. Luckily the support I surrounded myself with helped keep those stories truthful. The freedom of being my own boss was liberating, yet the weight of responsibility was often overwhelming. I had to be everything at once: the strategist, the marketer, the accountant, and sometimes even my own therapist! In those moments, I learned the true value of perseverance and adaptability.

With every experience, you alone are painting your own canvas, thought by thought, choice by choice.” - Oprah Winfrey

One of the most significant lessons was understanding the importance of building relationships. Business is not just about transactions; it’s about trust and mutual growth. Whether it was with clients, suppliers, or peers, nurturing these connections became a cornerstone of my business.I made some mistakes along the way, we all do and it's important not to judge yourself too harshly. I realised early on that success is rarely achieved in isolation.

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” - Mark Twain

Financial management was another steep learning curve - still is! In the beginning, every penny counted, and managing cash flow became a skill I had to master quickly. There were months when business was slow, and it felt like walking on a tightrope. Learning to plan for the lean times and making informed financial decisions has been crucial for sustainability.

Perhaps the most unexpected lesson has been the significance of embracing failure. Not every idea worked, and not every risk paid off. Yet each misstep was an opportunity to learn and refine my approach. Rather than viewing setbacks as the end, they became stepping stones to growth.

Above all, I am learning is to make sure what I am doing aligns with my values and revisiting what they are and how my actions and decisions match up is imperative.

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

As I celebrate this milestone, I’m reminded that entrepreneurship is not a destination but a journey—a continuous process of learning, evolving, and striving for better.

Top 5 Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

1. Start with a Clear Vision but Be Flexible: Know your ‘why’. A clear vision will guide you through tough times, but be prepared to adapt. The business landscape is ever-changing, and flexibility can be the key to survival.

2. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with people who understand the entrepreneurial path. Whether it’s mentors, peers, or a supportive community, having a network can provide guidance, encouragement, and sometimes a much-needed reality check.

3. Master Your Finances: Understand your cash flow and keep a close eye on expenses. Budget wisely and plan for lean periods. Being financially savvy can make the difference between a temporary setback and a crisis.

4. Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool: Don’t be afraid to fail. Each failure brings valuable lessons that contribute to your growth. It’s part of the process, so embrace it, learn from it, and move on stronger.

5. Take Care of Yourself: Entrepreneurship can be all-consuming. Remember to take time for yourself. Your business relies on you being at your best, so prioritise your well-being. Burnout helps no one.

A special thanks to all I've worked with thus far and continue to collaborate with GSC Bishopton , Future Focus TwentyOneC The Ocean Race Code Division The London School Srl 英国格拉斯哥大学 Nomadéire

These four years have been a testament to resilience, learning, and growth. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted, but every challenge faced is a step towards something greater. To anyone starting their entrepreneurial journey: it won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. A special shout-out to all the fellow entrepreneurs out there who are making a difference ( Linda Monahan The Habit Boss? Rebecca White Dr Anita McKeown, FRSA, FIPM Lucy Hunt Dani Maletic Michelle Coulson Alice Nettleingham Marc Christensen Kyle Wagner and manymore ) —your drive, innovation, and courage inspire others to pursue their own paths. Here’s to the dreamers, the risk-takers, and the changemakers. Keep pushing boundaries and turning visions into reality.