Starting a small creative business is amazing and such a big leap, but it's also a steep learning curve. When I started my first biz, I had no idea what I was doing and I made a lot of mistakes - ones that cost me time, money, and sanity. My first venture was a reworked vintage clothing company, and I absolutely loved it. The joy of finding unique vintage clothing pieces, redesigning them, and giving them a second life was incredibly fulfilling. I sold at markets locally and also had an online store, the biz was super successful from the get-go.
But despite my passion and how well everything was going, I didn’t really know what I was doing when it came to running a business. I was making decisions on the fly, learning as I went, and often making mega mistakes. Over time, I’ve learned so much from those missteps, and I want to share three major lessons so you can avoid them and set yourself up for success.
1. Saying Yes to Everything
In the beginning, I was so excited about my business and that anyone wanted anything from me that I said yes to every opportunity that came my way. I thought more work meant more success, but instead, I stretched myself too thin, wasted resources, and felt completely drained.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Set clear boundaries from the start. Not every opportunity is worth your time. Before saying “yes,” ask yourself: Does this align with my goals? Is this worth my time and effort? If the answer is no, it’s okay to pass. Protect your energy so you can focus on work that truly matters.
2. Undercharging & Undervaluing My Work
I once sold an entire collection at such a low price - after letting the client negotiate me down because I couldn’t say no! - that I ended up losing money just to fulfill the order. Why? Because I didn’t want to let them down. But in reality, I was letting myself down by not valuing my own work.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Know your worth and price your products or services accordingly. Research industry standards, factor in your time and costs, and stick to your pricing. If someone doesn’t see the value in what you offer, that’s on them - not you. Stand firm in your pricing, and the right clients will come.
3. Trying to Do It All on My Own
I wore all the hats - designer, marketer, admin, accountant, customer service rep - you name it. I avoided investing in help because I was afraid of spending money and thought I would end up losing out if I did. But doing everything myself led to burnout and actually slowed my business growth.
How to Avoid This Mistake: You don’t have to do it all. Outsource, delegate, and invest in tools that make your business more efficient. Whether it’s hiring a virtual assistant, working with a coach, or using automation software, investing in your growth is key. Spend wisely, but remember - you have to invest to grow.
Mistakes are part of the entrepreneurial journey, but they don’t have to define your business. Learn from them, adjust your approach, and keep moving forward. By setting boundaries, valuing your work, and knowing when to seek help, you’ll build a creative business that thrives.
What’s a lesson you’ve learned in your business journey? Share in the comments - I’d love to hear your story!
L x
Creative Founder, Kelp Collective
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