Five Lessons I've Learned From Owning A Business
Happy Friday!
So this post is a longer one, but I promise...it's worth it! For those of you that don't know, I'm the boss lady behind Lexi's Loft; an online clothing boutique with everything from baby onesies and kid's tees to women's tees and tank tops.
So this post is a longer one, but I promise...it's worth it! For those of you that don't know, I'm the boss lady behind Lexi's Loft; an online clothing boutique with everything from baby onesies and kid's tees to women's tees and tank tops.
Owning your own business is great! It definitely comes with a unique set of challenges, but I'll save that for another post. Today I want to talk about several important things I've learned during my time as a small shop owner. Some lessons I learned the hard way, and others came fairly easily. But all of them have played a crucial role in who I am as a person and how I run my business.
This first one was definitely learned the hard way. You Can't Please Everyone. By nature, I'm such a people-pleaser. I like to be happy, but I also like to make others happy. This isn't necessarily a bad thing; there's just a fine line you have to walk in terms of pleasing your customers. In the beginning, my reviews were all positive, upbeat, and kind. But as with any business that deals directly with consumers, there are bound to be unhappy customers over time.
Since I focus so hard on customer satisfaction, seeing those few dissatisfied customers really ate away at me. I began to let those few negative people outweigh all of the positive feedback and encouragement I was receiving. I was constantly beating myself up and asking "What could I have done differently". There came a point where I had to step back, see if I'd done everything I could, and if so just wash my hands of it. I finally started to see that there is absolutely no way to please everyone. We will always face people in business or in life that cannot and will not be pleased, but instead will always demand more. You will be so much better off when you can be like Elsa, and let it go (cheesy I know!).
"I can't tell you the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone"
~ Ed Sheeran ~
Number two. Owning a Business Takes Discipline and Structure...especially if you work from home! This is something I have to work hard at and master every day. There are times when I stay in yoga pants all day and there are mornings when I don't wake up until 9:30. But for the most part, I have a schedule that I try to stick to. After my morning routine, I sit down and prioritize what things need to be done that day and what can wait until tomorrow. For my business this usually means looking at what orders need to go out, if I need to order more supplies, are customers waiting on their custom designs from me, etc.
I also try to do batch work and keep structure in my days. Boss ladies...batch work is your friend! I was recently listening to my new favorite podcast (Goal Digger Podcast) and Jenna was talking about how no one is a good multi-tasker...even if they think they are. Studies show that people are far more efficient when they have a schedule, prioritize tasks, and complete them before moving onto the next thing. So don't bounce back and forth between tasks; stick to one at a time. In my business I like to do one stage for all my orders, then move to the next step. It's much more efficient for me to do it that way instead of cut, peel, layout, press, and package one shirt at a time.
So find a process that works for your business and stick to it. Be disciplined in having a schedule and a routine. Treat work like work and home like home. Set "office hours" if you need to. Find your groove and start slayin'!
This next lesson was another one I learned the hard way. People Will Rip You Off. I often find myself frustrated over this concept because it's hard enough in a business like mine to come up with new, trendy, fashionable designs. So when you see that another company or person is selling your design or something almost exactly the same, it can be discouraging.
I won't bore you with the details, but this has happened to me on several occasions. It was giving me serious heart burn and I would get so worked up about it. Yes it's unfair, yes it sucks, yes people are shady. But it's the reality of the world we live in. People don't want to come up with their own ideas and work through the trial and error process. They want to jump immediately to the end result of making money. I fought it for a long time and if I happen to come across my designs somewhere, I'll take action. But I don't really actively seek out infringers anymore.
The anger, anxiety, frustration (and yes, heartburn) it would give my wasn't worth it. My mental and physical health is more important. Lexi's Loft can't function without me so I gotta stay sane! I just keep doin' my thing and try to ignore all the haters!
Your Business Will Only Be as Successful as You Make It. I realized this truth from day one, but often need to be reminded of it. Being self-employed means that it's all on you. There's no guaranteed paycheck. If you don't make it happen, it won't. If I'm ever stuck in a rut or sales have hit a plateau, I do research. You've got to research your market. What's trendy, popular, and selling like crazy? How can you up your exposure? Is there continuing education in your field? Webinars? As a business owner I find myself always thinking of new ways to make my shop more successful.
"Success doesn't come from what you do occasionally. It comes from what you do consistently"
Probably one of the biggest lessons I've learned since starting my shop: I am a Bada$$. I've come to realize that I am capable of having good ideas, creating new designs, and running a business solo. In a lot of ways, Lexi's Loft has given me confidence and allowed me to spread my wings and fly. I'm getting paid to do what I love every day! I've managed the lows and ridden the highs through the rollercoaster of my journey.
Now, I am in no way the perfect entrepreneur. I still have plenty of learning and growing to do, but my business has taught me that I am capable. I can totally do this. And so can you! Chase your dreams. Do what you love and love what you do.
Owning a business is such an empowering, challenging, and rewarding experience! I've loved my journey and can't wait to see what's next for Lexi's Loft. Have a fabulous weekend!
Oh and here are the details for my outfit in this shoot. LOVE LOVE LOVE the dress, I've already worn it a ton! So comfy, comes with pockets, and it's perfect for spring. I'm 5'8" and wearing a medium. It's also ON SALE right now for less than $25! Be sure to check out Boho Drift Boutique for even more cute dresses and clothing!
Use code "BOHODRIFT10" for 10% off your order!
Follow them for updates, discounts, and giveways:
Website: https://www.bohodrift.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BohoDrift
Instagram: @bohodrift
Boots - Charlotte Russe ($20!)
*Post may contain affiliate links
Since I focus so hard on customer satisfaction, seeing those few dissatisfied customers really ate away at me. I began to let those few negative people outweigh all of the positive feedback and encouragement I was receiving. I was constantly beating myself up and asking "What could I have done differently". There came a point where I had to step back, see if I'd done everything I could, and if so just wash my hands of it. I finally started to see that there is absolutely no way to please everyone. We will always face people in business or in life that cannot and will not be pleased, but instead will always demand more. You will be so much better off when you can be like Elsa, and let it go (cheesy I know!).
"I can't tell you the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone"
~ Ed Sheeran ~
Number two. Owning a Business Takes Discipline and Structure...especially if you work from home! This is something I have to work hard at and master every day. There are times when I stay in yoga pants all day and there are mornings when I don't wake up until 9:30. But for the most part, I have a schedule that I try to stick to. After my morning routine, I sit down and prioritize what things need to be done that day and what can wait until tomorrow. For my business this usually means looking at what orders need to go out, if I need to order more supplies, are customers waiting on their custom designs from me, etc.
I also try to do batch work and keep structure in my days. Boss ladies...batch work is your friend! I was recently listening to my new favorite podcast (Goal Digger Podcast) and Jenna was talking about how no one is a good multi-tasker...even if they think they are. Studies show that people are far more efficient when they have a schedule, prioritize tasks, and complete them before moving onto the next thing. So don't bounce back and forth between tasks; stick to one at a time. In my business I like to do one stage for all my orders, then move to the next step. It's much more efficient for me to do it that way instead of cut, peel, layout, press, and package one shirt at a time.
So find a process that works for your business and stick to it. Be disciplined in having a schedule and a routine. Treat work like work and home like home. Set "office hours" if you need to. Find your groove and start slayin'!
This next lesson was another one I learned the hard way. People Will Rip You Off. I often find myself frustrated over this concept because it's hard enough in a business like mine to come up with new, trendy, fashionable designs. So when you see that another company or person is selling your design or something almost exactly the same, it can be discouraging.
I won't bore you with the details, but this has happened to me on several occasions. It was giving me serious heart burn and I would get so worked up about it. Yes it's unfair, yes it sucks, yes people are shady. But it's the reality of the world we live in. People don't want to come up with their own ideas and work through the trial and error process. They want to jump immediately to the end result of making money. I fought it for a long time and if I happen to come across my designs somewhere, I'll take action. But I don't really actively seek out infringers anymore.
The anger, anxiety, frustration (and yes, heartburn) it would give my wasn't worth it. My mental and physical health is more important. Lexi's Loft can't function without me so I gotta stay sane! I just keep doin' my thing and try to ignore all the haters!
Your Business Will Only Be as Successful as You Make It. I realized this truth from day one, but often need to be reminded of it. Being self-employed means that it's all on you. There's no guaranteed paycheck. If you don't make it happen, it won't. If I'm ever stuck in a rut or sales have hit a plateau, I do research. You've got to research your market. What's trendy, popular, and selling like crazy? How can you up your exposure? Is there continuing education in your field? Webinars? As a business owner I find myself always thinking of new ways to make my shop more successful.
"Success doesn't come from what you do occasionally. It comes from what you do consistently"
 |
| Boss Lady Kristin Davis wearing the "Killin' It" Tee from Lexi's Loft |
Probably one of the biggest lessons I've learned since starting my shop: I am a Bada$$. I've come to realize that I am capable of having good ideas, creating new designs, and running a business solo. In a lot of ways, Lexi's Loft has given me confidence and allowed me to spread my wings and fly. I'm getting paid to do what I love every day! I've managed the lows and ridden the highs through the rollercoaster of my journey.
Now, I am in no way the perfect entrepreneur. I still have plenty of learning and growing to do, but my business has taught me that I am capable. I can totally do this. And so can you! Chase your dreams. Do what you love and love what you do.
 |
| This beauty is rockin' an inspirational baseball tee from Lexi's Loft |
Owning a business is such an empowering, challenging, and rewarding experience! I've loved my journey and can't wait to see what's next for Lexi's Loft. Have a fabulous weekend!
Oh and here are the details for my outfit in this shoot. LOVE LOVE LOVE the dress, I've already worn it a ton! So comfy, comes with pockets, and it's perfect for spring. I'm 5'8" and wearing a medium. It's also ON SALE right now for less than $25! Be sure to check out Boho Drift Boutique for even more cute dresses and clothing!
Use code "BOHODRIFT10" for 10% off your order!
Follow them for updates, discounts, and giveways:
Website: https://www.bohodrift.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BohoDrift
Instagram: @bohodrift
Dress - Boho Drift ($25!)
Sweater - Leander (sold out similar) ($30)Boots - Charlotte Russe ($20!)
*Post may contain affiliate links
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