4 Lessons Learned in 4 Years of Running My Design Business
Let’s rewind to 2018; I was recently fired from my job as a digital media manager at an advertising agency and just started working at Anthropologie.
My fiancé (now husband) at the time was up for a promotion, which meant we’d be picking up to move again for the third time in 4.5 years.
I have always loved fashion, design, and anything that allowed me to use my creativity — and working at Anthro was the pivotal moment I knew I wanted to start something of my own.
A few months later, we moved, and in March of 2019, Flair by KD filed as an LLC. My dreams and passion for becoming a business owner became my reality.
And now, after four years of making this business my full-time job, I have learned so much. There have been so many moments of failure, success, feelings of the unknown or what’s next, and gratefulness.
And I would just like to go back and thank the 27-year-old me for taking the leap, believing in myself, and making it to where I am today.
Looking back on the years, I’ve learned more about my craft, business, and myself while working with dozens of inspiring women.
Which leads me to the four lessons I’ve learned in four years of business -- and I hope these help your journey in entrepreneurship as well.
Lesson #1 — Investing always pays off
After a few years in business, I’ve realized that my time and energy are best spent doing what I’m good at and like. And for the things that fall short, those are the tasks I’ve hired out for.
When I first started my business, I was super scrappy and wanted to learn everything I could to put those learnings into play. As the years have passed, time is money, and some things aren’t worth fussing over (or spending countless hours trying to do by myself).
And when I started investing in my business, I finally saw movement and growth.
Here are the things I’ve invested in over the years to help move the needle.
I’ve hired a business coach that helped bring in a fresh (and unbiased) perspective, held me accountable at times I didn’t think I could do something, provided clarity when needed, and gave me the confidence I needed and have today.
I’ve hired a copywriter that helped me refine my messaging across my website and carries through all touchpoints of my business.
I’ve invested in photography to showcase my personality and to have professional brand imagery to utilize throughout my marketing.
I’ve invested in multiple branding, website design, course creation, and marketing courses to help me lean into my craft and better my skills for my clients. I’ll list a few below if you’re interested.
Rowan Made — Branding Course: use code flair25 for 25% off her course
Morgan Rapp — Amplify Shopify Course (this is an affiliate link)
BTL Copy — Emailing Marketing Course
I’ve invested in tools and systems that help me streamline and elevate the experience I provide my clients.
And many others...
While it can be scary to invest in your business, it has always paid off and has helped me move closer to my business goals.
Lesson #2 — I should have refined my brand sooner
Your brand is the heart and soul that sets up the foundation for your business.
And because I have the honor and privilege of supporting women-owned businesses that bring their brand and vision to life through design, I can speak to how impactful this can be.
When you have clarity in your business, you can show up confidently and understand exactly to whom you offer your services + products, your values, and your overall vision for your business's future.
And when you align on the bigger picture of your business, the design of your brand identity, the experience you provide your customers + clients, the services and products you provide, and the content you create, it all returns to your brand.
It took me over three years to define my design style. And, I don't have just one, but two design styles I cater to.
Many designers showcase a distinct design style, but I've discovered that I have two that define the design style for Flair by KD. Those two styles are chic and modern boho.
(And if you've found yourself on my Instagram page — you can get a better feel for what I'm talking about and how my projects fall into those two styles. Basically, neutrals + vibrant colors palettes.)
I've found it difficult these last couple of years to lean into my design because I needed to figure out where I stood as a designer. But now that I have my design styles figured out and have refined my brand to attract my people, I have got to work with various women-owned brands and businesses in the lifestyle, wellness, and creative industries.
Lesson #3 — Defining what success means to me
Success can mean different things to different people. It's easy to get sucked into or influenced that success means having $10k months consistently or being able to take lavish trips every couple of months.
But who is to decide what success means? YOU.
I'll admit that sometimes my business isn't as successful as it could be, but then I would be lying to myself. I've created my business to be successful in my own eyes and how it works for my family.
Your goals and outlook on success will stay the same because they definitely will. But what has helped me stay focused on my success alone? What has helped me is writing down my year goals and breaking down those goals even further into monthly goals. Staying in my lane and focusing on what matters to me has helped define success for my business (not anyone else's).
Lesson #4 — I am my business’s greatest asset
You've heard me right — you are your business's greatest asset.
Since starting this business a few years ago and entering my wiser era (aka my thirties), the only thing that will serve your business the best is being your best self.
And this means filling your cup first to help run your business better. This looks like investing time in personal development and things that fill me up (physically and mentally).
Things that have helped me over the years step into entrepreneurship with a clear mind:
Understanding what brings me joy in my work and what doesn't
What schedule works best when I'm most creative (even though I work for myself, I typically stick to the 10-6 window)
Going to therapy for a fresh and unbiased perspective (mental health is so essential y'all)
Recognizing the red flags before getting myself into sticky situations
Working out most days of the week before starting work helps set my mind right for the day ahead
Getting to know yourself better, your limits, and recognizing what's not serving you will help support a long, sustainable, and happy business (as well as a personal life).
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Hey there — if we haven't had the chance to meet yet, I'm Karli — a brand and web designer for women-owned businesses and creatives. If you like my content, feel free to browse below for other ways to connect with me:
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