My First Year in Business with Only $200: Crying, Thriving, and Succeeding

My first year in business has been a wild ride. I’ve experienced moments of excitement, doubt, growth, and triumph—and learned more than I ever imagined. Starting this journey was both thrilling and terrifying, but looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.

This blog is a reflection on the lessons, challenges, and successes from my first year as an entrepreneur. Whether you’re curious about what it takes to launch a business or searching for inspiration to pursue your own dream, I hope my story encourages you to take the leap and embrace the journey ahead.

Here’s what the past year has taught me.

Breaking Ground the First Year in Business

Starting my business was inspired by watching other brand designers thrive. Seeing their success lit a fire in me to take the leap into freelance work. I knew I wanted to fuse my passion for design and storytelling into a single mission: helping business owners dominate their markets with bold, unforgettable brands.

But like every new entrepreneur, I had fears. Failure was always at the back of my mind, and money was tight. I opened my business checking account with the bare minimum—$200—and after paying for city and county taxes, I was left with less than $100. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to get started.

I didn’t waste time worrying about what I didn’t have. Instead, I focused on what I could control. I dove into learning everything about brand design, creating a seamless client process, and fine-tuning my internal workflows. I began marketing myself, shaping my message, and zeroing in on my ideal audience.

Every small step felt monumental, and it was in these early moments that my business truly began.

Lessons Learned

The hardest moment this year was betting on myself. I invested in summits and courses to sharpen my skills, refine my systems, and strengthen my marketing approach. It was a big financial risk, especially in those early days, but I trusted the process. And it paid off. Every dollar spent pushed me closer to building a brand and business I’m proud of.

One of the biggest surprises was how the design community operates. It’s tight-knit but also divided. I love how different designers bring unique approaches to the table, but I learned not everyone operates with the same level of integrity. I had the rug pulled out from under me after realizing a designer I admired wasn’t who I thought they were.

That experience taught me to trust my own path and values over someone else’s curated persona.

The biggest mistake I made was comparing my business to others. It’s easy to get lost in the polished feeds and highlight reels, but those aren’t the full picture. I had to remind myself that I’m in year one, while others are years ahead. Social media is marketing—mine is too—so I stopped letting someone’s curated grid define my progress.

Setbacks and self-doubt were easier to handle than I expected, thanks to my years of design experience and some hard-earned resilience. Plus, the summits I attended tackled impostor syndrome head-on, normalizing those feelings and showing me they’re just part of the process. It’s not about avoiding doubt—it’s about pushing forward anyway.

Momentum and Milestones

Starting my business was the biggest win of all. It’s easy to overlook how massive that first step is, but I won’t downplay it. Beyond launching, I stayed consistent with my marketing, booked several clients, and even had a few promising discovery calls. Attending the Designer Boss Summit and the Brand Builders Summit pushed my skills further, and graduating from Design Biz Academy with The Brief Collective felt like a turning point.

This year, my business grew as much as I did. My confidence in my client process has skyrocketed, and my approach to strategy feels solid now that I’ve put it into practice.

Client feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and I’m grateful for every kind word. Hearing that my work resonated with them has been the biggest motivator for me to keep refining and pushing forward.

One of the most pivotal decisions I made was investing in myself during the third quarter. After moving into our new house, I signed up for the two summits and enrolled in Design Biz Academy. Those experiences gave me the tools and clarity I needed to level up my business. It wasn’t just about learning—it was about believing I was worth the investment.

Growing Through It All

This year wasn’t just about building a business—it was about navigating a whirlwind of life changes. I got engaged in December 2023, launched my business in March 2024, bought a house in April, and faced the loss of two beloved family members along the way. By December, we welcomed a two-month-old puppy into our lives. It’s been a year of incredible highs and heartbreaking lows, but every experience has shaped me into a stronger, more grounded person.

Through all of it, I found confidence—not just in myself, but in my business. Becoming part of focused networking communities and attending industry-specific events made me feel more connected and capable. Each interaction reinforced my place in this field and gave me the tools to keep growing.

The biggest lesson? Boundaries. Learning to say no protected my energy and helped me avoid burnout. It’s a skill I didn’t realize I needed until I felt stretched too thin. Now, it’s a non-negotiable.

Overall, my mindset has shifted. I’m more confident, more positive, and more prepared to tackle what’s next. The growth I’ve experienced isn’t just professional—it’s personal, and it’s changed the way I see myself and my future.

Reflections and Realizations

If I could restart my first year, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every step, decision, and even misstep brought me to where I am now, and I believe I’m exactly where I need to be.

For anyone ready to start their business journey, my advice is simple: just start. Make it legal, and dive in. Don’t let perfectionism or fear hold you back. The hardest part is taking that first step, but once you do, everything else starts falling into place.

My vision hasn’t changed—it’s sharpened. At the start of the year, I had a clear sense of what I wanted to do but no idea how to make it happen or who I was speaking to. Now, I know my audience. I’ve refined my message to connect directly with them, and I feel focused and ready to keep improving.

Looking back, the clarity and confidence I’ve gained are proof that every messy, uncertain moment was worth it.

The Road Ahead

Next year is all about expansion. I’m planning to launch a newsletter and create some valuable freebies for my audience. A podcast might even be on the horizon. I had one during my influencer days, but now that I’ve found my perfect calling, I’m excited to explore how rewarding it could be in this new chapter.

Challenges will come, but my approach is simple: roll with the punches, focus on what’s within my control, and ask for help when I need it. This mindset has carried me through my first year, and it’s not going anywhere.

What excites me most is the sheer potential. The possibilities for my business feel limitless, and that’s a powerful feeling.

Starting this business was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. This first year has been a mix of hard work, growth, and lessons I’ll carry forward. I’m proud of what I’ve built, and I’m eager to see where it takes me next. Here’s to bigger goals, bolder risks, and another year of unstoppable momentum.