Starting a business requires a leap of faith, and oftentimes you must jump in before you feel fully prepared.

And sometimes no amount of preparation can give you the insight that experience brings. The following are reflections from four business owners on what they learned only after starting their companies.

Colleen Simonds, interior designer at Colleen Simonds Design | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I wish I would have known how complex this industry is. It’s not just picking pretty things—it’s so many jobs all wrapped up in one. To do it right, you really need a lot of support running the business. Money, clients, marketing, business development, public relations, sourcing, procurement, logistics—all of these are critically important and have nothing to do with the actual design work.

Another major struggle for me is having to put a price tag on my ideas and creativity. As a designer, you not only have to determine what you’re worth but also sell your clients on it.

Jammy Cruz, baker at Mrs. Macarons | Columbia, Maryland

I didn’t realize that I would never be fully prepared. But that’s OK! You have to start somewhere. Just trust the process, be open to learning, and ask for help when needed. Some days might be challenging and intimidating, but don’t ever give up. If you believe in yourself and your product, things will fall into place eventually. And always remember to be humble, genuine, kind, and grateful.

Rachel Orleck Lozano, psychologist and couples counselor at Meaningful Journey Counseling | Seattle, Washington

I wish I knew to have support and systems in place early, even though I felt strapped for cash. For example, I’d recommend using accounting software and getting an accountant because they can provide important insights and guidance over time. Also, write procedures and email templates down (even if you’re a company of one) to streamline the work. It’s much more time-consuming to get those systems set up later.

Christian Amonson, recording engineer at Arts Laureate, Tonsehen, and Seeing Sound | Los Angeles, California

I wish I knew investing in the business is not the same as investing in myself. I have spent a lot of time and energy behind the scenes of the business in a way that wasn’t giving back as much as I was putting in. When I pursue my personal and professional goals, relationships and opportunities organically overflow to the business and my team.

TAKE ACTION:
What advice can you pass on to budding entrepreneurs from your own experience?