Life As Your Own Boss
Candid Reflections From Female Business Owners
Words by Alice Hartwell for Lorna Earth
The life of the self-employed is often glamourised. Whether you seek greater autonomy over
your career, or the freedom to choose when and how much you work, going at it solo has
undeniable appeal. While these positives should be celebrated, we must also ground ourselves
in reality, acknowledging some of the challenges that come with being your own boss.
To create a more candid and realistic narrative around self-employed life, we reached out to 7
female business owners and freelancers to share the full scope of their experiences.
Carmen, founder of Lorna Earth
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a small business owner?
Being a business owner brings many rewards but the biggest for me is to see people wearing my designs, that’s when all those hard-working hours make sense. Another feeling I LOVE is seeing finished products and ideas come to life.
What's the most challenging thing about being a small business owner?
I feel that entrepreneurship is very idealised, being a (big or small) business owner is hard. As a female founder, sometimes it feels like I am wearing too many hats. I need to be in charge of not only design but accounting, shipping, marketing, suppliers etc. Managing all of them and maintaining a work-life balance might be the hardest part.
A piece of advice you would give your past self starting this journey?
I wanted to have all parts of the brand perfectly finished to launch. Now I’d definitely tell myself: “Don’t wait for everything to be perfect, just go out there and show the world what you have to offer!
Discover Carmen & Lorna Earth @lorna.earth
Alice, freelance writer & contributor to The Journey
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a small business owner?
Honestly the freedom. I have no cap on the things I can achieve, the things I can learn, the money I can make. It’s all just a vast landscape waiting for me, which is scary but also incredibly liberating. I also find reward in working with smaller brands and watching them grow, it’s always really special to know that my writing has been part of that growth.
What's the most challenging thing about being a small business owner?
My line of work can get very isolating, it’s just me going at this solo and some days feel very lonely. I find it hard sometimes not having a colleague who can share my burdens, carry some of the weight or just have a natter with me!
A piece of advice you would give your past self starting this journey?
What feels like a scary risk now will be the making of you. Trust yourself and your abilities and
know that everything that’s meant for you is on the way. Also, holding your long term self-worth
is more important than
short term monetary gain
Discover Alice @alice_hartwell
Cris, freelance creative & founder of skincare brand HelloBeauts
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a small business owner?
The most rewarding thing is to help people achieve the aesthetics they seek. I love creating beautiful visuals and making people feel good in their skin. As a freelancer, you can have the pleasure of working with like-minded, talented people. I love being surrounded by people who are better than me
What's the most challenging thing about being a small business owner?
The biggest challenge is always related to the budget. With a small budget as a business, you can only go so far, and you need to be ready to think out of the box and redo your business strategy as often as required.
A piece of advice you would give your past self starting this journey?
I wish I had known that there are always people out there who believe in your talent or product, but you have to make sure the right audience sees you. Only some people will like your product or appreciate your creative talent, and that’s ok.
Discover Cris & HelloBeauts @crisrodandres @hellobeauts
Eve, founder of skincare & aromatherapy brand Ede
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a small business owner?
When someone really understands the product and how it can help them is 'the moment' for me. One of my favourite things about founding ede is the conversations I get to have with people about mental health.
What's the most challenging thing about being a small business owner?
A personal challenge is the guilt I carry some days working for myself. Questions linger like, have I worked hard enough today? Could I have worked for longer to get more done? I'm fully behind curating a life that fills you with joy beyond your role at work but these intrusive, hustle culture thoughts still show up on the daily.
A piece of advice you would give your past self starting this journey?
Build a network (of great women) sooner. They will be one of your biggest assets for so many things you wouldn't even foresee.
Discover Eve & ede @theedestore
Ayten, founder of sustainable lingerie brand Ayten Gasson
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a small business owner?
I find seeing my accomplishments on a daily basis to be very rewarding, whether it’s a positive review on Google, a repeat customer placing an order, or a positive piece of press. Experiencing someone’s joy or admiration when they receive an item you have handcrafted is so affirming.
What's the most challenging thing about being a small business owner?
At the moment, getting my collections overseas is the most challenging part of my business. With the UK’s departure from the EU, exporting to our European customers has become increasingly difficult, as we have faced higher postage costs, delayed deliveries, andadministrative burdens.
A piece of advice you would give your past self starting this journey?
In the past, I’ve spent time and money on projects that have taken me away from my main
passions -
designing and sewing. I would tell my past self to keep my passion at the forefront.
Also, don’t idolise peers - each business is different and what works for one will not work for all.
Discover Ayten & Ayten Gasson @aytengasson
Danielle, breathwork teacher & women’s coach
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a small business owner?
For me personally, it's got to be getting to create something that aligns with my values, that is also of impact to others. Being able to leave a client session and feel so beyond fulfilled and proud of the impact created is a beautiful feeling.
What's the most challenging thing about being a small business owner?
That everything is on me. I have to make all the decisions, I pick up the slack, and I’m the one creating the business strategy. It’s a lot to run sometimes when I would just love to be with clients all day.
A piece of advice you would give your past self starting this journey?
Be brave, be bold, and keep pitching yourself as your biggest fan would. Remember you can’t get this wrong and it's okay to make mistakes along the way. Oh, and no one is judging you like you think they are.
Discover Danielle @daniellehattonn
Eliza, founder of sustainable leisurewear brand Noelle
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a small business owner?
The freedom and the feedback. Hearing my customers' responses to products that I’ve created by myself is so rewarding. When working for big organisations, it’s so easy to credit the successof something to someone else. Knowing everything I have achieved so far falls on me is such a huge confidence boost.
What's the most challenging thing about being a small business owner?
The uncertainty! When I was in corporate roles, I knew exactly how much I would be paid every month, I knew what was allocated to bills and how much I would have leftover. There have been times since starting Noelle that I was in minus and couldn’t afford food, let alone any extras. Luckily I am very privileged to have a supportive family who would never see me go without!
A piece of advice you would give your past self starting this journey?
Slow down and trust your gut! Not everything is a race to the finish line, so try to enjoy the process. Stopping to reflect and see how far you have come is also so important. I always want more and to be better, but if I knew a year ago that I would be in the position I am in now, I would be quite proud of myself.
Discover Eliza & Noelle @noelle.ltd
