...Hard Lessons I Learned As A Business Owner..

What they sometimes forget to tell you...

I have been extremely blessed to be able to do what I love. If you are familiar with my story, you know that I have always known that Ive wanted to teach dance. My parents put me in classes starting at age 3 and at age 8, I discovered that even more than dancing, I had a love for teaching. I am a firm believer that when you do what you love, you never feel like you’re working. HOWEVER, that may not be ALL of the time! If we don’t get a handle on everything, we can let that distract us from why we love what we do.

I started my dance company as a summer Praise Dance Program in 2004. The best decision ever. I had so much fun. I was only charging $15 for the entire summer lol. It didn’t matter because I was doing what I loved! Spreading the love of Jesus and Dance with anyone who wanted to learn was everything. In 2011, I opened my dance studio and I was in a fog of bliss! People still ask me to this day what it feels like to be living your dream and it still feels like a dream…. At times.

There are some things I was not as prepared for when I became a business owner. Even though, I created a business plan and took business classes, there are some things that slip through the cracks. Here are some things that I learned ‘on the job.’

1. You can NOT help or please everybody!

I have a big heart and at times it gets me in trouble. Of course, I want everyone to be able to experience dance and the beautiful benefits that come with it, but I had to learn to be ok with not being able to do that ALL of the time. God knows my heart and I know he will make a way if there is a need. But some people will take advantage and use your good heart as weakness. That’s not to say that there won’t be times God will instruct you to help or be generous but- know you have to listen to God first. Discern when it is or is not a good moment for you to help. Also, every decision you make will not please everyone and you really need to be ok with that. Changing your mind so someone won’t be mad with you makes you a weak leader. Do not be double minded and unstable. A business owner must learn to be a great decision maker. Period. At the end of the day, your brand is on the line. Make the best decisions for you and your baby. Don’t forget, small business owners have bills too. You have to take care of it in order for it to flourish.

2. Everyone will not understand your vision.

And that is ok!! Everyone doesn’t have to ‘get it’ in order for it to happen! Be confident in your vision. It’s not for everyone to ‘understand,’ but it is for everyone to eventually ‘see.’ Just do you and everyone else will fall in when it’s necessary. God chose you to carry out this vision, not them.

3. You have to set boundaries.

Boundaries are important because without them, you will be drained. Drained of your time, energy, knowledge..etc. Set hard schedules and policies and stand by them. It can not be ‘all-access’ to you all of the time. It will drive you crazy and you will not have a life outside of work. Protect your peace!

4. You can not do everything. Learn to delegate.

I’ll admit, I still have trouble with this one. Most of the time, I don’t want to be a bother. Other times, I feel like by the time I teach someone else to do this, I could’ve already done it. But it’s needed. Think about how much further you could be if you gave someone else that task. Taking help doesn’t make the business any less yours, or makes you weak. It makes your brand stronger. Maya Elious tweeted, “Trying to do it all yourself is a form of procrastination.” Smh, Maya is always snatching our edges lol. But that is so true. Everyone is not against you, so if you have a problem with trust, pray for discernment. Pray that God will send you the resources and tribe that you need.

5. Self-Care is not a fad, but it is a VERY Real Thing

Take care of you. If you aren’t taken care of, your brand/business will suffer. When we ride airplanes, the flight attendants explain that in case of an emergency, we are to service ourselves with the oxygen before attempting to help others. You have to make sure that you are getting what you need so you can operate out of overflow and not fumes. So yes, massages, mani/pedis, and me-time is essential. But self-care is also learning to say no.

6. Have your books in order!

Listen, these taxes, licenses, and fees are no joke!! I was not ready! Make sure you have all your ducks in a row. I did learn recently from @lovelyfinancials, that you should save at least 30% of your income for your tax payments. Definitely doing that going forward. Get a Bookkeeper and/or CPA! Don’t try to save money by doing it all on your own. See #4 for a reminder. Make sure you are covered from all sides and that you know your numbers.

7. Remember why you started and revisit that often.

All the logistics and business stuff can sometime make us forget why we started in the first place. If you get a handle on it, you’ll be able to make time for inspiration and creativity again. Always take time to reflect and remember why you started in the first place. That will help you stay grounded, motivated, and on task to be the best you can be.

Hope this helps you on your journey to greatness. Let me know some of the lessons you have learned or are learning! Keep Going, Keep Growing, Keep Glowing!

-Kimii