What No One Tells You About Your First Year in Business

Three lessons I learned from building Lavender Consulting from the ground up.

When I launched Lavender Consulting, I didn’t have a roadmap — just a mission: to prove that values-driven, anti-corporate marketing can actually build stronger, more sustainable brands.

One year later, I’ve learned that entrepreneurship is equal parts creativity, chaos, and clarity. Every campaign, client, and late-night brainstorm has shaped not just my business — but me.

Here are three lessons from Lavender Consulting’s first year that changed the way I approach marketing, leadership, and life.

Lesson 1: Boundaries make your creativity better.

In the beginning, I said yes to everything — every project, every opportunity, every late-night edit. But I quickly realized that when you try to be everywhere, your creativity suffers.

Setting boundaries — around time, scope, and energy — gave me space to think, experiment, and lead with strategy instead of survival.

At Lavender Consulting, this shift transformed how I work with clients. Instead of rushing to deliver “more,” I focus on creating marketing strategies that are thoughtful, authentic, and built to last. Creativity thrives when it has room to breathe.

Lesson 2: Saying “no” is actually a marketing strategy.

This one took me the longest to learn.
Saying “no” felt scary — like I might lose clients or momentum. But in reality, every “no” created space for something better aligned.

When you stop trying to serve everyone, your messaging sharpens, your brand voice gets clearer, and your dream clients finally know where to find you.

In marketing, clarity is the strategy. Whether it’s choosing your niche, defining your tone, or setting audience boundaries, “no” becomes a filter for alignment — and alignment builds trust.

Lesson 3: Your dream clients find you when you show up as your real self.

The biggest shift this year? Owning what makes Lavender Consulting different.

From day one, I wanted to create a space where creativity, community, and queer entrepreneurship could coexist — where small businesses and nonprofits could grow without losing their soul.

When I started showing up as my real self — imperfect, curious, and community-oriented — the right clients started showing up, too.
They weren’t just hiring me for marketing; they were partnering with me because our values aligned.

Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the foundation of modern marketing — and the reason Lavender Consulting is still growing one year later.

Looking ahead. . .

As Lavender Consulting celebrates one year in business, I’m proud of how far we’ve come — and even more excited for what’s next.

This year taught me that success doesn’t come from chasing trends or followers; it comes from building something real, one relationship at a time.

If you’re a small business, nonprofit, or creative brand navigating your own first year, know this: your boundaries, your “no’s,” and your authenticity are your biggest marketing tools.

🌿 Ready to grow your brand with strategy that actually feels like you?