10 THINGS I LEARNED IN MY FIRST YEAR OF BUSINESS by Sadé Llerraf
When I first started my business I learned the most in my first year. That first year taught me more than any course ever could and while it wasn’t always easy, it shaped me in ways I’m grateful for. So here are the 10 most important lessons I learned in my first year of building a business:
1. You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out
I started without a perfect plan or strategy. I just began — and figured things out along the way. That first step is the most important. Clarity often comes after action.
2. Rejection Will Come — Let It Refine You, Not Define You
I’ve been turned down by platforms I dreamed of joining, and had pitches ignored more times than I can count. At first, I took it personally. But I learned that rejection isn’t failure — it’s redirection. Every “no” taught me how to adapt, grow, and get better.
3. Your First Idea Might Not Be Your Best Idea
I launched products I was sure would sell and they didn’t. I also created something out of desperation (after receiving a copyright threat!) that went on to become my best-seller. Business is trial and error. Don’t be afraid to evolve.
4. Success Doesn’t Happen Overnight
We see so many overnight success stories online but that’s rarely the full truth. Growth takes time. Some months were slow. Some were amazing. The key was consistency, not constant wins.
5. You Will Wear Every Hat (and That’s Okay)
Designer, packer, customer service rep, social media manager you name it, I did it. It’s exhausting but empowering. You get to learn every part of your business from the inside out.
6. Comparison Will Kill Your Confidence
Scrolling Instagram can make you feel like everyone else is miles ahead. But the only business you need to focus on is your own. Your journey is unique, and you’re right on time. Most people only post about their successes on social media never their failures.
7. You Need to Celebrate the Small Wins
That first sale. A kind customer message. A day you managed to balance it all. These small moments are everything. Don’t wait for “big success” to be proud of how far you’ve come.
8. Asking for Help Is a Strength, Not a Weakness
I tried to do it all alone at first until I realised that community and collaboration are powerful. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, reach out, or outsource when you need to.
9. Your “Why” Is Your Anchor
When things got tough (and they did), I went back to why I started. For me, it was about creating something meaningful — for myself, for my child, and for others who wanted to wear boldness and confidence. That purpose carried me through the hard days.
10. You’re More Capable Than You Think
I doubted myself so much in the beginning. But every challenge I overcame proved something to me: I can do this. I’m still learning, still growing, and still showing up — and that, to me, is success.
The first year of business was messy, magical, and full of growth. If you’re just starting out, take it one day at a time. Embrace the mistakes. Learn from the failures. Celebrate every win big or small.