It's hard to believe that Brightly Art Studio has been serving the Hendricks County community for over 6 years. I've learned a lot of lessons over the years and thought that you over there with that dream of yours might like to hear what I've learned. Perhaps it will help you to take the leap towards your own dream.
Interested in knowing the entire origin story of how Brightly was started? Check out this post.
Think of this as a stream of consciousness. Here we go:
1. When buying/renting a space. Parking is VERY important. Like a lot.
2. Only hire people you would spend a four hour car ride with.
3. Let small be small. There is absolutely no rush to grow and scale your business despite what podcasts, influencers, & bankers will tell you. If you can start your business without going into debt-- do it!
4. Not everyone will like you. It's okay to not be everyone's cup of tea.
5. Advocate for yourself and trust your gut. If it feels icky or cold--listen to your body. Pick a few words that describe the essence of your business and stick to it no matter what. Our words at Brightly are joyful + creative. It MUST check both boxes in order to be something we do.
6. Everyone will ask for money and discounts. We get 4-5 calls or messages a week asking for donations to really great causes. Donate to what you can and give yourself rules. For example, we have chosen children of Hendricks county to be our main focus for donations. The organization we donate to must benefit the children of Hendricks county. If it doesn't? We politely decline.
7. Another word on donations, it's always better to donate services than cold hard cash. We donate services over cash most times. In my opinion---the "exposure" for social media shout outs for sponsors doesn't equal the investment. Most fund raisers know this and will do silent auctions in order to earn their cash needed for their non-profit.
8. Pay a lawyer to comb over every word of your lease. Seems obvious, but I didn't do that. And I regret it.
9. There is no better marketing than happy and raving customers. Do your absolute ding dong best with each and every customer and that will help market your services. Don't be afraid to ask people to share their experiences via social media, in friend groups, & electronic reviews.
10. Your business will ebb and flow. It's okay. You've survived 100% of your hurdles and mountains in your way. You'll survive this one too. And if you don't, you'll go down knowing you took a risk, lived life fully, & tried to make the world a kinder more creative place.