10 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started My Creative Small Business

This week I dropped a 43 minute private podcast episode diving deep into todays topic. Listen to a sneak peek above. Hear the full episode by joining the free tier of my patreon (Click here).

Entrepreneurship isn’t a straight path—it’s a spiral upward, full of lessons, pivots, and growth.

When I started my journey, I was a stressed-out employee longing for more freedom, creativity, and deeper alignment.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve built a business that allows me to live in more flow and ease, host transformational retreats and connect with an amazing community.

But getting here wasn’t easy—I had to learn some tough lessons along the way. I’m also always continually learning as I go.

On my private podcast, I talked about all the things I wish I could have told myself at the start after four years of experience.

I imagined I could hop into a time machine and go back to talk to myself when I first started my full time entrepreneurial journey back in 2021.

I explain each of the things in the pod (which you can listen to for free when you join the free tier of my patreon), but below is an overview of what I would tell “Beginner Entrepreneur Brennah”.

That’s right, below I’m sharing 10 things I wish I had known from the beginning—plus a bonus tip that might just change everything for you.

Whether you’re just starting out or navigating the messy middle, I hope these insights help you build a sustainable, soul-aligned business.

10 Things I’d Tell My Beginning Entrepreneurial Self

1. Mindset Work Comes First

If you don’t believe in yourself, you’ll self-sabotage. The inner work is just as important as the outer work, if not WAAAY more important.

2. Consistency Over Intensity

Small, steady efforts create real momentum. You don’t have to go all-in overnight—just keep showing up.

3. Go Where It’s Warm, Not Where You "Should"

This one was huge for me. Stop forcing yourself into spaces that don’t feel aligned. Follow what lights you up.

4. Batching Is a Lifesaver

Posting every other day with minimal plans burned me out fast. Batching content helps you stay consistent without all the stress.

5. Rest Is Non-Negotiable

Hustling 24/7 isn’t the flex you think it is. Burnout doesn’t have to be the price of success.

6. Nurturing Clients Beats Constantly Finding New Ones

It’s much more rewarding (and easier) to build lasting relationships than to chase new “leads” all the time.

7. Overdeliver Always

Give more value than expected, and people will return often.

8. Email Is Everything

Social media is borrowed space, but your email list? You own it. Build it, nurture it, and watch your business grow.

9. Work With Your Energy Cycles

Your energy isn’t constant—plan your work around your natural rhythms. Systems, schedules, and cycle tracking help prevent burnout.

10. I Am the Secret Sauce

My unique voice, vision, and creativity are what make my business work. The same is true for you—trust the process.

Bonus Tip: You Have to Do It by Yourself, But You Can’t Do It Alone

Community and collaboration make everything easier. Surround yourself with people who get it and watch yourself soar.

Ready to Dive Deeper?

I’ve shared an entire free private podcast episode, complete with the full breakdown of these 10 lessons, available only to my dozens of Patreon members.

If you want the extra stories and behind-the-scenes insights, join us here.

Thank you for reading, listening, and being here. Remember—you are the secret sauce.

Keep spiraling upward.

xoxo,
Brennah