Starting a small business is a dream for many, but those who dive in quickly realize it’s no walk in the park. It’s a wild, rewarding, exhausting, and exhilarating journey full of unexpected twists. Owning a studio startup means wearing all kinds of hats—marketer, accountant, social media manager, customer service rep, and sometimes, even the janitor. With so much on your plate, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But it’s also incredibly fulfilling to see your ideas come to life and connect with customers who appreciate what you’re creating. Here’s a little glimpse into the ups and downs of running a small startup.
The Struggles Are Real: Time Management and Juggling Multiple Roles
One of my biggest challenges is managing my time correctly. There are only so many hours in a day, and in the early days of a startup, those hours fill up quickly. I might start my day with the intention of updating my website, only to realize there are orders to fulfill, emails to answer, and marketing to manage. A single day can easily feel like a week, and staying organized is critical.. especially if you have ADHD like I do. Many startup owners rely on tools like project management software, scheduling apps, and time-blocking techniques to keep the chaos under control. But even with the best tools, there are moments when you have to be ready to roll with whatever comes your way.
Then there’s the balancing act of learning on the go. It’s amazing how quickly you become a “jack of all trades” when you’re running a business. For many of us, learning these skills is both a struggle and a thrill, and it’s rewarding to see growth in areas we once found challenging. For example, marketing might be intimidating at first, but as you dig in, you learn to love the process of finding creative ways to reach customers. The same goes for budgeting, website design (which I realized pretty quickly that I actually like doing), and everything in between.
Lessons Learned: Growth Through Trial and Error
Running a startup is full of trial and error. You learn what works, what doesn’t, and at best, you even learn what really matters to you.. something that even podcasts or youtube couldn't even teach me. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that mistakes are just part of the journey. There were times when I invested in the wrong tools, spent money when I shouldn't have, or spent too much time on projects that didn’t pan out. But each mistake taught me something valuable, and in the end, these lessons have helped shape the business and point this in the direction where I really want to go.
Patience is another key lesson. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and success isn’t always linear, it's something that you chase. Some weeks bring big wins, while others are a slow grind. But the satisfaction of knowing that every bit of effort is going into something meaningful keeps me going, even on the hardest days.
A big part of the journey is also learning to rely on others. I have a tendency to hyper-focus on things when I get into them and my Wife is my lifeline. Everytime that I'm obviously overwhelming myself, she pulls me away and makes me go take breaks, reminds me to eat, and basically keeps me alive. Friends and family have been invaluable in supporting the business, offering advice, let me test ideas on them, and even lending a helping hand when needed. Our kids like to hand out our business cards to people that they know and I think that's awesome. As the business grows, I’ve learned the importance of outsourcing certain tasks or even collaborating with other small businesses. It’s an amazing feeling to connect with others who are just as passionate about their work.
Supporting a Small Startup: How You Can Help
Starting a business is tough, but the support from customers and the community can make all the difference. Whether it’s sharing a post, leaving a review, or simply spreading the word, every bit of support counts. Your feedback, interest, and encouragement mean the world to small business owners who are putting their hearts into their work.
If you’re looking for ways to help small startups thrive, check out our website here to explore our unique, handcrafted products. Your support goes a long way in helping small businesses like mine continue to grow and create. Whether you’re a customer, a fellow business owner, or just someone who loves the idea of supporting local dreams, you’re an essential part of this journey. Thank you for helping us make it all possible.