Top 5 tips for women starting a business

Hey there!

It’s been five wild and wonderful years since I started Lemon Crush, and boy, what a ride it’s been. As a fellow entrepreneur and mom of two, I know first-hand the challenges and rewards of starting a business while raising a family. And I’m just as proud of my business baby after 5 years as I am of my own babies.

Let me tell you, it’s been a rollercoaster of ups and downs. The ups have felt like a total rush – like nailing a pitch, selling your first product, repeat customers, and having your best sales month! You’ll feel a sense of pride that you have achieved all that on your own. But when you’re headed down, it can be easy to start doubting yourself. Quiet months, making mistakes, losing a client, dealing with challenging customers, comparing yourself to others on Instagram, feeling lonely or overwhelmed – they’re all part of the ride.

But here’s the thing: even when you’re in a down…it will be temporary. Building a business does not happen on a straight line trajectory. There are bumps and turns and maybe even a couple of loops along the way. And for most of us, it will be totally worth it. The freedom, flexibility, creative outlet, pursuing your passions and the independence it provides is like nothing else in the working world.

So, I wanted to share my top 5 pieces of advice for other badass women starting out in their own businesses based on the past five years:

1. Self-Care is essential.
   Look after yourself through the ups and downs. Take mental health days when you need them. Figure out what works best for you to pick yourself up when you’re feeling unmotivated or in a funk. Make sure you take time out of the day-to-day running of the business to think big picture. I personally take myself on a business retreat every year – on my own! This is my self-care + planning time.
2. Be authentically YOU.
   The one ingredient that will make your business a success above all others? You. Your uniqueness, your gifts, your experiences, your story. Social media makes it easy for us to fall into the comparison trap. You see what other people are doing and you might think “they’re nailing it, why aren’t I?”. Truth is – because they’re not you. We are all on our own track, and there is room for all of us. Success looks different for each individual person. If you stay true to who you are and your values, you’ll be happier and more successful in the end.
3. Surround yourself with the right people.
   Starting a business is a team sport. You can’t do it alone. You need partners, collaborators, mentors, and supporters who share your values and understand the journey you are on. Look for suppliers and providers who bring diverse perspectives and skills to the table, and who are committed to helping you achieve your goals, not just theirs.
4. Be patient and persistent and unafraid to adapt.
   Starting a business takes time, effort, and patience. It’s not going to happen overnight, and there will be setbacks and challenges along the way. But don’t give up. Stay persistent, stay committed, and keep pushing forward. Remember, every successful entrepreneur has faced failure and setbacks. It’s how you respond to them that will determine your success.
5. Put yourself out there.
   Even for an introvert like me, it can be lonely in your own business at times. Fortunately, there are so many other amazing women running their own businesses. Attend networking functions, conferences and webinars. Join brilliant and supportive groups like One Roof, Freelancing Gems and She Mentors. I get such a buzz from meeting other female business owners and seeing all the inspiring things they are achieving. It always gives me a boost!