This time exactly a year ago on the 1st November, I took the leap and committed to my business full time. I wish I could say it was all smooth sailing, but the truth is that this year has brought some of my proudest moments and some of my toughest challenges. If you are thinking about making the jump to full time self-employment, or if you are already on this path, I hope my story can offer a little encouragement and a lot of honesty.
The Highs: Growth, Visibility, And New Connections
Looking back, I am proud of so much. I set ambitious goals for my social media presence, and I am thrilled to say I hit the majority of them. Who knew I would nearly reach 2000 followers on Tiktok. My online following has grown, but more importantly, I have built a community of people who have shown me that the work that I do is important.
This year, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and attended more networking events than ever before. Meeting people in person has been a game changer for my brand visibility. I have had the privilege of giving four speeches, each one a chance to share my story, connect with new audiences, and grow as a speaker.
One of the milestones I am most proud of is reaching 40 Google reviews, all of which are 5*. Every review is a reminder of the lives I have touched and the impact of the work I do. Reading the feedback from clients keeps me motivated, especially on the hard days.
The Lows: Health, Fatigue, And Financial Stress
Of course, the year has not been without its struggles. Being diagnosed with PTSD changed everything. I have had to adjust to more naps, more tiredness, and a level of emotional numbness I did not expect. Brain fog has made it harder to focus, and some days, just doing one thing on my to do list felt like an achievement.
There have been weeks when I only had a handful of clients. The financial stress of running a business with unpredictable income was overwhelming. I have felt guilty for not having enough clients, especially when I know I need the money. But sometimes, my mental health simply does not allow me to work at the capacity I wanted, and I learnt to accept that rest is not a weakness, it is a necessity.
Lessons Learnt
This year has taught me that success is not always about numbers. It is about resilience, adaptability, and self compassion. I have learned to celebrate the small wins, like a positive review, a meaningful conversation with a client, or a day when my energy is steady.
I have also learnt to ask for help and to lean on my support network. Whether it is friends, mentors, or fellow business owners, having people who understand the ups and downs makes all the difference.
Moving Forward
It has only been my first year of business, I do not have everything figured out, and I am okay with that. My journey is ongoing, and so is my growth. I am proud of what I have achieved, and I am learning to be gentle with myself about the things that did not go as planned.
If you are building a business while managing your health, please know you are not alone. Your worth is not measured by your productivity, and your story is still unfolding. Just know that every year of business there will be positives and negatives, though for me the year of 2025 was rough. Let’s hope my 2026 will be much better.
Quick Tips For Fellow Entrepreneurs
- Celebrate every win, no matter how small
- Rest when you need to, burnout helps no one
- Reach out to your community for support
- Track your progress, not just your setbacks
- Remember that setbacks are part of the journey, not the end
The Speaking Voices Approach
At Speaking Voices, I am committed to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs be confident to shout about their business. If you want support in communicating your story, or structuring your self introduction book a call with me. Let’s work together to help you speak up, stand out, and keep moving forward.