Until you actually get out there and start a business yourself, there is no way to know what challenges might come your way. That’s why we created our From Scratch series, where entrepreneurs and founders share how they turned their vision into a small business from the ground up including the mistakes they made and how much they pay themselves—and they don’t hold back.
We browsed through the interviews from the series so far and pulled some helpful words of wisdom from their small business journey to help you with yours. Read on to discover how five small business owners answer the question: For those who haven’t started a business (or are about to) what advice do you have?
“Ask for help! There is no shame in asking others for advice, help or their opinion on something. Although you are the expert of your business and idea someone looking from the outside in might be able to see something critical that you’re missing. You have to be willing to pivot and adapt if something isn’t working.”
—Facile Dermatology founder, Danielle Nadick Levy
“Have a story. Have a purpose. Have a differentiator. Know your competition as well as you know yourself.”
—Able Cosmetics founder, Dana Rae Ashburn
“My advice would be to always be your own biggest fan. If you don’t truly love your own product or believe in your own brand, people will know.”
—CLE Cosmetics founder, Lauren Jin
“Make sure you’re really ready to do a massive amount of work and know you’re probably going to make a bunch of mistakes. It’s just part of the process.”
—Onekind co-founder Madison Ruggieri
“If there's anything for certain, building a business is a rollercoaster, you have to be up for the ride.”
—Squeeze, co-founder and CEO, Brittany Driscoll
“Owning a business is the most rewarding, creative, self-confidence boosting, non-stop, draining thing ever… Self-imposed boundaries are important… Happiness is the goal, after all.”
—Alison Carroll, founder, Wonder Valley Olive Oil
“Listen to advice but rely on yourself the most. Don’t start a business just to make money, because you probably won’t for a very long time. I didn’t use a branding agency… Authenticity is key so if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.”
—MARA founder, Allison McNamara
“Do it! But do it the safe and smart way... where you can test the waters without putting your whole life savings into it from the get-go. If this all went away tomorrow, I’ve grown so much and learned more about myself, managing people, and business than any other course of life could have taught me.”
—Ellyette Gheno, CEO and founder, BootayBag
To read more advice from these successful small business owners, take a look at each of their From Scratch segments!
Missed out on Gina Bianchini’s incredible session from our Offsite? No worries! We’re sharing her insights on building a thriving community that feels like a real network, not just an audience.