When people think about running a small business, they often see the exciting parts: creating products, making sales, and being your own boss. What they don't always see are the long hours, the self-doubt, and the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.
Since starting Divine Imports, I have learned so much about resilience, patience, and believing in myself even when things feel slow or stuck. It hasn't always been easy, but every challenge has taught me something valuable. Here are five of the biggest lessons I've learned from starting my own business.
1. The Reality of Being a Small Business Owner
One of the biggest realities of starting a business is realising that success doesn't happen overnight.
When I first started, I knew it would take time, but I don't think I fully understood just how much patience would be required. Sales don't suddenly start flooding in, and you're unlikely to make a full-time income straight away. In fact, for many small business owners, every penny earned goes straight back into the business.
The truth is that, in the beginning, you are often working for free. Every sale helps fund stock, packaging, marketing, website costs, and all the other expenses that come with growing a business.
For me, this has meant building Divine Imports while also working three other jobs. It can be exhausting at times, and there are days when I feel stretched thin trying to balance everything. However, I genuinely love all of my jobs and am incredibly passionate about my business, which makes the hard work worthwhile.
Building something from the ground up takes time, and I'm learning to trust the process.
2. Learning to Ask for and Accept Help
This is something I have personally struggled with.
I've always been very independent and often prefer to figure things out myself rather than ask for help. However, when you're growing a business, refusing support can actually hold you back.
One of the most important lessons I've learned is that asking for help isn't a sign of weakness. It's a sign of growth.
Running a business can be overwhelming, and no one can do everything alone. Whether it's advice, practical support, or simply someone to talk to when things get tough, having people around you makes a huge difference.
I am incredibly lucky to have such an amazing support system of friends and family. They help with everything from sorting stock and posting orders to sharing marketing ideas and offering encouragement when things feel overwhelming.
Their support has been invaluable, and I've learned that accepting help allows you to focus your energy where it's needed most.
3. There Is No Such Thing as Failure
Like many new business owners, almost everything I've done has been completely new to me.
I've had to learn about importing, marketing, social media, website management, photography, accounting, and so many other areas that I'd never experienced before. Naturally, that means I've made mistakes along the way.
But that's okay.
We are only human, and mistakes are part of the learning process.
I've come to realise that there is no such thing as failure when you're building a business. Every mistake teaches you something. Every challenge helps you improve. Every setback gives you experience that you can use moving forward.
Instead of viewing mistakes as failures, I've started seeing them as lessons. Each one has helped me become a better business owner and given me more confidence in my ability to adapt and grow.
4. You Wear More Hats Than You Ever Expected
Before starting my business, I knew I'd have a lot to do, but I don't think I realised quite how many roles a small business owner takes on.
On any given day, I might be a business owner, marketer, accountant, customer service representative, content creator, photographer, designer, stock manager, or social media manager.
The list truly goes on and on.
When you're running a small business, there isn't a separate department for every task. You're responsible for making everything happen.
Alongside this comes another challenge: accountability.
When you're your own boss, there isn't someone checking in to make sure you've completed your work. There isn't a manager setting deadlines or telling you what to do next.
You have to motivate yourself, stay organised, and remain focused even on the days when you don't feel like it.
This is something I still struggle with at times. Being your own boss can sometimes lead to self-doubt because there isn't always someone there to reassure you that you're doing the right thing.
However, I've learned that confidence comes from taking action. The more you show up and keep moving forward, the more you begin to trust yourself.
5. Every Small Win Deserves Celebrating
If there's one thing I've learned, it's that every win matters.
Starting and growing a business is hard work, and if you're constantly waiting for the next big milestone before allowing yourself to feel proud, you'll miss so many reasons to celebrate along the way.
Every order matters, even if it's only one order that week.
Every new follower matters.
Every website visitor matters.
Every positive review matters.
These small moments are all signs that your business is moving forward.
When growth feels slow, it's important to remind yourself how far you've come and acknowledge the progress you're making. Those small wins build momentum, confidence, and motivation to keep going.
Most importantly, they remind you that all of your hard work is making a difference.
Final Thoughts
Starting Divine Imports has been one of the most challenging and rewarding things I've ever done.
It has taught me patience when things don't happen as quickly as I'd like, resilience when challenges arise, and confidence in my ability to keep going even when things feel uncertain.
The journey hasn't been perfect, and I'm sure there will be many more lessons ahead. But if there's one thing I know for certain, it's that every challenge, every mistake, and every small win has helped shape both my business and the person I am becoming.
To anyone thinking about starting a business: be prepared to work hard, be willing to learn, don't be afraid to ask for help, and remember to celebrate every step forward.
Success rarely happens overnight, but with passion, persistence, and patience, it is worth the journey.
Thank you for reading and I hope this had either helped you learn more about me and Divine Imports, or helped you in your journey of starting your own business.
Lots of love,
Yasmin Wong, Founder of Divine Imports 🤎Â