Lessons from Two Years as a Small Business Owner

Lessons from Two Years as a Small Business Owner

Two years in, and I’m still standing! Running a small business while juggling a 9-5 and being a mom hasn’t been easy, but it’s been rewarding. From financial mistakes to small wins that keep me going, I’ve learned a lot along the way. If you’re thinking about starting a business—or if you’re already in the trenches—maybe my lessons will help you avoid some of the pitfalls I’ve encountered.

Lesson #1: Don’t Start with a Mountain of Debt 

When I first set up my studio, I made what I now know was a huge mistake: I put most of my equipment purchases on credit cards. The excitement of launching my business had me thinking more about getting up and running than about long-term financial sustainability. The reality? New businesses don’t start off generating a ton of revenue, and that debt quickly became a strain on my personal finances. If I could do it again, I’d start smaller, buy only what I absolutely needed, and reinvest profits rather than relying on credit.

Lesson #2: Revenue ≠ Profit

One of the biggest wake-up calls was realizing that just because money is coming in doesn’t mean I’m making a profit. A lot of the revenue goes back into the business—on supplies, rent, internet, phone bills, packaging, and everything else it takes to keep things running. That’s why I recently started using QuickBooks to better track where my money is going. My goal is to funnel all business income and expenses through QuickBooks so I can truly understand my financial picture and make smarter decisions.

Lesson #3: The Work Doesn’t Stop When You’re Tired

Running a business while working a 9-5 means late nights, early mornings, and weekends spent grinding. Some days, I don’t feel like working on orders, marketing, or admin tasks—but the business doesn’t pause because I’m tired. I’ve learned that discipline, not motivation, keeps things moving. Balancing work, business, and motherhood is tough, but I remind myself that I’m building something meaningful, which keeps me pushing forward.

Small Business Wins

Even with the challenges, there have been some big wins that make it all worth it:

• Loyal Clients: I have regular customers who continue to trust me with their designs and visions. That means the world to me.

• New Clients & Growth: Word of mouth and social media have consistently helped me grow my clientele. It is gratifying to see new people find my work and love it.

• Quality Over Everything: Whether making custom shirts, transfers, or DBMTK designs, I put real care into my work. From the quality of the shirts to the packaging, I want everything to feel intentional and professional.

The Biggest Lesson: Keep Going & Give Yourself Grace

Building a business isn’t a straight path—it’s a constant learning process. I’m working on being more organized, keeping track of receipts, staying on top of taxes, and improving the day-to-day operations. But more than anything, I’m learning to give myself grace. Success doesn’t happen overnight; every challenge is a chance to grow.

As I continue to scale my business and work toward making it financially self-sustaining, I want to use my platform to help other Black women-owned businesses. If you’re on this journey, too, keep going! Learn from your mistakes, celebrate your wins, and, most importantly, believe in what you’re building.

Have you learned any lessons from running a business? Please share them in the comments—I’d love to hear them!