Speaking from Experience

It can be challenging to start your own business while juggling family obligations.

This is something I can personally attest to. I spent almost ten years in the same job and felt underappreciated and unhappy.

I knew I wanted to start my own business and spend more time with my family, but it was a slow process. I kept my day job and discreetly built a client list while attending networking events before and after business hours.

Fate, however, had other plans and I was laid off while 6 months pregnant with my second child. This was a now or never moment, and I took it. I signed small business clients and began building my empire.

But then, the Covid-19 pandemic hit and my clients, who were all solopreneurs, financially struggled.

Instead of panicking, I persevered and by the end of 2020, I was earning only $10,000 less than my salary at my previous job.

The following year my business made over six figures!

There were definitely hurdles that needed to be overcome.

The biggest obstacle to getting started was that my former employer did not allow me to use former design work in my portfolio as they were confidential.

Despite my seven years as a designer, this meant I had nothing to show except graduate school mock-ups.

To bring in any type of revenue, I lowballed my prices to rates I’m too embarrassed to discuss. It didn’t take me long to recognize that this wasn’t sustainable and, as a result, my proposals and contracts became more thorough and outlined limitations and concessions.

It’s not an easy journey, but it’s worth it when you’re doing something you’re passionate about and spending more time with your family.

The entrepreneurial dream doesn’t come easy, especially when caring for a family, but with determination and perseverance, it can be achieved!