No matter what business you are starting, there will be some common lessons worth sharing with others to help someone start out, looking to learn something new, or simply feeling inspired. These are my lessons learned thus far as a natural beauty brand owner.

1. Don’t overspend. I can’t tell you how excited I was to get started and wanted to feel free to experiment with my products. I wanted a full range, and with that comes a healthy budget you will surpass because of your curiosity, excitement, and lack of experience. The better angle will be to start with your business plan, write down what you want to accomplish, fine-tune a small list, and limit testing to a few possibilities. The rest will be up to feedback and sales and adjust appropriately.
2.  Don’t overthink –This step piggybacks from step 1. If you focus on getting things perfect, there will be no end to chasing perfection. Instead, focus on having a good time, enjoying the process, and allowing good energy and ideas to flow to you organically.
3. Be open-minded – as a creative entrepreneur, the ideas are endless. I had to accept that my skills and expertise differed from someone else’s and that I had to own my skill set and not allow society’s opinion, judgment, or my own to limit my abilities. You might have more than one skill you are good at, but it is good to focus on one and set priorities to maximize your efforts and results. For example, you could be a fashion designer but run a small bakery. Or you have a full-time job or small kids but can sing or have a book you want to work on. Enjoy the process, and give yourself time to sharpen your skills to avoid feeling overwhelmed or underdeveloped.
4. Get your paperwork in order – Did you form the business or have a domain? Do you have a social media account? Is there a logo? Before you share your new business with the world and do your due diligence to test whether this is right for you, ensure your idea, brand, and concept are protected.
5. Develop good habits – I put myself in my customer’s shoes when working on my orders. I use my gloves and make sure all equipment is clean and sanitized. Making natural beauty products like roll-on perfumes, lipsticks, and body butter will have contact with my customer’s skin, and I have worked too hard in life to jeopardize taking shortcuts. When you take pride in caring about yourself and your brand, it shows, and people will be receptive to it.
6. Keep learning – See what is new and adjust to the demands appropriately. Even if you have the formula that works for your company, always learn the latest trends. Also, listen to your customer’s feedback, adjust if needed, and stick to your brand integrity.
7. Don’t stop having fun – I love it when I’m making my products and getting into the mood! I play jazz music, have my hair tight, rock my favorite hoody, and go to work. When you make something like cooking a meal when you are in a good mood, the food tastes better and comes across in flavor. Keep your taste for flavoring your spirit, and enjoy what you do.
8. Don’t give up – The fact that you have decided to take the plunge and try something that intrigues you is brave and commendable. This takes self-motivation and a desire to keep going when it looks like its hopes or time is running out. If it is your passion, you will find a way.

I hope these sage tips inspire you to start, and if you feel stuck, do not feel discouraged. There are so many more lessons to learn, and the best one of all is to believe that you can do it!

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Mango Runway

Check out my latest episode on Lesley’s Lessons Podcast

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