3 Big Lessons I’ve Learned From 3 Years in Business
Three years ago, I left the safety of a full-time corporate job and decided to take a leap.
I didn’t have a full business plan or a team of experts backing me. Just one potential client, a lot of late-night Google searches, and a vision for something that would support more balance and purpose, not just for me, but for the people I wanted to help.
When you’re starting your own business—or really, any new thing—you’re forced to face all the parts of yourself that want to stay safe. The comfort zone becomes more tempting than ever. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of hard work, it’s this: growth comes from taking imperfect action, learning through trial and error, and continuing to move forward even when the path isn’t clear.
From those early days scribbling to-do lists in coffee shops and researching things like web design and sales on YouTube, to now having an almost consistent client roster ( if you know someone who could use some savvy sloth energy, please send em my way!), new service offers, and a better handle on my time management, I’ve learned more than I could’ve imagined. I’ve also had a lot of valuable lessons show up in the form of big mistakes. (The kind you only make once. Hopefully.)
In honor of Savvy Sloth Strategies’ third anniversary, I’m reflecting on the biggest takeaways from my entire journey so far—because whether you’re starting a business, launching a creative project, or pivoting your career, these lessons apply. If you’ve ever had to show up and figure it out for the first time, this one’s for you.
1. Get Out of Your Own Way
Running a small business—or stepping into a bold new season—will reveal how often you hold yourself back. Not because you don’t care or don’t know what to do, but because you care so much that it becomes paralyzing. You want to get it right. You want to be taken seriously. You want to make the right decision every single time. And when you can't guarantee that? You freeze.
In my first year, I delayed launching services because the graphics didn’t feel right. I over-edited blog posts that no one was asking for yet. I agonized over Instagram captions and stayed up way too late trying to “perfect” content instead of just hitting publish. I told myself I didn’t have enough time to get it right—but really, I was wasting time trying to make it flawless.
The truth? The best way to learn is by doing. And sometimes, that means doing it before you feel ready.
When I launched my first workshop, Room to Breathe, I honestly didn’t know if anyone would sign up. It was my first time putting myself out there in a new way, and I fully expected to hear crickets. But I put it out anyway—and the response was so positive I ran it again and made it even better the second time. That’s the gift of experimentation. That’s what it means to take the right action at the right time—even when it’s messy.
If you’re waiting for the “perfect” moment or the “right” idea, you might miss the actual work that’s meant for you. There are a lot of people out there who need what you have to offer, but you have to give them something to say yes to.
So post the thing. Test the offer. Submit the job application. Say it in your voice. Start where you are. The biggest breakthroughs often happen after the scariest first steps.
2. Understand and Define Value—On Your Own Terms
Let’s talk about one of the most important lessons I’ve learned—and one that took me a long time to internalize.
In entrepreneurial spaces, the word 'value' gets thrown around constantly. Know your value. Communicate the value. Add more value. Value-based pricing. It’s everywhere. But for a long time, I didn’t really get what that meant.
Here’s what I’ve learned: value is not one-size-fits-all. And it’s not just about your pricing or what you put in a proposal. It’s about how well you understand your audience, your skill set, and your own values—and how you bring those things together in a way that actually helps people.
For me, it started with defining what mattered most: freedom, simplicity, and making a difference. I built Savvy Sloth Strategies with those values at the core, and I revisit them every time I make a decision—whether I’m launching a new product, working with a current client, or deciding what kind of marketing content to share.
It also means being clear about how I use my time. As a service provider, there’s always a temptation to over-deliver. But if I spend too much time trying to be everything to everyone, I burn out—and then no one gets my best work. So I’ve learned to be intentional with what I offer, say no when things don’t align, and build in space for free time, even if it means growing a little slower.
And that leads me to pricing. Pricing has been one of the hardest parts of the learning curve. Like many small business owners, I’ve struggled with charging what I know my work is worth, especially when I want to remain accessible. But I’ve learned that when I price in alignment with my values, I attract the right people. People who aren’t just looking for the cheapest option, but who care about the mission and impact behind the service.
If you’re figuring out how to communicate your own value—whether to potential clients, employers, or even family members—it helps to first define what “valuable” means to you. Then find a way to express that in a way your people can connect with.
3. Being You Is Your Superpower
This one’s personal. And honestly, it’s been the hardest lesson to learn—but also the most important.
When you’re doing something for the first time, it’s so easy to compare yourself to others. You scroll through social media and see people with huge followings, seamless websites, sold-out offers, and seemingly effortless confidence. And you wonder, 'Do I belong here?' Am I doing this right?
But here’s the thing: no one can be you. No one has your perspective, your story, or your way of connecting. And the more you try to sound like someone else—or do things the way they do—the more you lose what makes you special.
The biggest turning point in my business came during my rebrand. It helped me realize that I’m not just running a company—I am the brand. My lived experiences, my energy, the way I speak, write, and show up —those are the only things no one else can replicate. And they’re the reason people want to work with me.
Since adopting that approach, I’ve attracted clients who truly align with my values. People who support my mission, understand my vibe, and even refer me to their own network. (Honestly, that’s the best part—getting to work with people who get it.)
If you’re trying something new and worried about whether you’re doing it “right,” here’s my best advice: be yourself louder. Your voice is your superpower. The way you explain something could be exactly what someone else needs to hear. Your story could be the thing that inspires someone else to try.
That doesn’t mean you won’t have tough times or self-doubt. I’ve had more than a few sleepless nights wondering if I was on the right path. But showing up authentically has made the biggest difference in my long-term success. It’s the best way I know to build a brand—and a life—that actually feels good to live.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one key takeaway I hope you walk away with, it’s this: there’s no “right” way to chase a dream. There are different ways to succeed, and the best way is the one that honors you—your priorities, your mental health, and your capacity in a given time.
Whether you’re starting your own business, building a side hustle, shifting careers, or just trying to make the next day a little easier, these lessons still apply. You don’t need a marketing team, a perfect website, or a ton of money to do great things. You just need a clear vision, a little courage, and a willingness to take the next step—even when it’s scary.
Every big dream starts with a little step. Every new client, opportunity, or direction begins when you trust yourself enough to take a chance. So here’s to trying. Here’s to doing the actual work. Here’s to all the difficult situations that turn out to be the best teachers.
And here’s to you—whether you’ve been following my business since the early days or just landed here from a Pinterest scroll. I’m so glad you’re part of this journey.
Happy third anniversary to Savvy Sloth Strategies. Here’s to year four!
