What I wish someone had told me when I was starting my business
Five years of lessons as a self-employed creative
Hello you!
I’ve been a self-employed creative for over 5 years now. It started with a love / obsession with Instagram, which grew into a blog, that became books and finally I added a YouTube channel to the family.
I wanted to share what I would go back and tell my younger self at the beginning of this journey. She was so hopeful but so afraid. So in awe of those around her, those she looked up to and so desperate for so little. If I could just replace 3/4 of my annual salary I’ll be happy I’d tell myself as if I was wishing on a star. Anything not to go into that office anymore. But I didn’t know what was possible, how it all worked. If you find yourself in similar shoes this is what I’d love you to know.
Everything you envisage (and more) is possible
You’ve got this! - first and foremost I wish someone had believed in me. Nobody did. I barely believed in myself. It was this speech from Nora Ephron that made me say F you to everyone. I have Nora to thank for the inspiration to commit to being the heroine of my own life, as I believe we all should. Her words penetrated me and still echo inside me now, especially when I feel lost. We’re all capable of so much more than we ever imagine.
It will be messy
It has to look silky and smooth on the surface because there’s no other way to market it sucessfully but the truth of creative business is that it’s as messy as it gets, emotionally and physically. Those influencers you see gliding around in their beautiful outfits and perfectly contoured faces I GAURANTEE are sitting home with no make up on in their comfies right now editing their work, chatting with their community or coming up with new ideas. Once you get a look behind the curtain you’ll never unsee it. Nobody looks put together behind the scenes and that’s ok.
An accountant will save you money
When you work for a company the idea of having to pay for something like an accountant feels outrageous. It isn’t. It’s just a different way of living and essential for your finances. There are so many financial advantages to being self-employed I never knew about and they’re always changing. An accountant is worth every penny.
There’s no blueprint
What works for one person doesn’t work for another, and nor should it. Yes there are hard rules like create beautiful things but every business has a difference audience and what works is ever changing, just like they are. The beauty of this experience, and sometimes frustration, is that it’s uniquely yours.
Just focus on being the best at what you do
This is what matters. The secret is this - create incredible content, products and or services and build a community. That’s it. The cream always rises to the top. Focus on being the best florist, writer, coach, photographer, filmmaker or whatever you want to be and you’re guaranteed success. This is also the path that never ends. We can always improve, learn and aim to be better. Perfection doesn’t exist - there you’re officially off the hook!
It’s all an experiment
The way you figure out what works is by figuring out what doesn’t work first. Then, instead of throwing in the towel and pronouncing yourself a failure you try something else. You never stop trying, tweaking, revising and moving forwards. Those who create something sustainable have all encountered failure along the way, they just kept showing up anyway.
Focus on community
If you can create a community around your business then you’re more than halfway there. This is a magical experience, to feel the energy of other likeminded people surround your creations. Pay attention to who’s interested in what you do; get to know them, take them seriously, take yourself seriously and add value where you can without trying to rescue people or solve all their problems. This is too much for anyone and they will feel the pressure. It’s enough to share what adds value in a way people can take what serves them and leave what doesn’t.
Everyone is winging it
There will be those you look up to and admire, see as having it all and aim to be like. Know that they are winging it, suffer from imposter syndrome and most likely have no idea what they’re doing most of the time. They feel just like you even with all that so called ‘success’. These feelings never go away, for any of us. Those who go the distance are those who learn to create alongside them.
Go slow and steady
It really does win the race. This is how we build strong foundations that carry us for long periods of time. Think long term. There are seasons for sprints for sure but a consistent slow and steady pace will always pay off in the end. It all adds up to something. Choose to go deeper and focus on quality over quantity.
If you can make some money you can make more
There’s a jumping off point for everyone. When is the right time to commit myself 100% to my business? If you can make a little money from something that means people are interested and you’re selling something of monetary value. This is all you need to know. If you can make a little bit of money from your creations then you can expand to make more. There is no right time to commit and it’s a scary decision for everyone.
Beware of the niche
Niching will help you grow quicker on social media but it can also make you feel restricted just as quick. Be careful. What if you don’t have that killer bikini bod one day? Want to paint as well as write? Or you no longer want to make floral displays? Make sure you balance out what you’re about by including at least 20% of yourself and your story in your branding and marketing. Mix up your topics and themes. We fall in love with people and their stories not things. The human element of any business is its beating heart.
I’m going to host a creativity clinic as our monthly live session next week on 23 November at 7:30 GMT. I’ll be there to answer all your business or creative questions in depth whether it’s writing a book, launching a new business, a substack or starting an instagram account. You can send your questions ahead of time if you can’t make it live and watch the replay as I’ll record the whole thing.
If you’re a paid subscriber you will be able to see the link at the bottom of this email. If you haven’t upgraded yet and you’d like to join us you can upgrade below. Look forward to seeing you there!
Lots of love
Jessica xxx
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