Hey everyone! I hope you’re all doing fantastic. This week has been a wild ride as I dive deeper into the world of starting my own art business. There's so much more number-crunching involved than I ever imagined. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but wow, I had no idea what to expect. Let’s chat about what I’ve learned so far.
First off, setting up the basics of a business can feel like you're wandering through a maze. I knew I needed to get my LLC and EIN, but actually doing it? That’s a whole different story. I nearly fell into the LegalZoom trap, which could have been a costly mistake. Fortunately, I dodged that bullet! Creating a solid business plan was next on my list. I spent a week crafting the basics—the vision, the mission, all the wordy bits. But then, I hit a brick wall with the financials. Crunching numbers and getting financial projections right is no joke. After three weeks of being stuck, I realized I needed help. Enter my new best friend: the CPA. With their help and the LivePlan platform, I’ve been able to get a clearer picture of my finances. LivePlan even lets me collaborate with my team, which is a lifesaver.
On top of that, I’ve started looking into grants for small businesses. Grants can be a total game-changer, helping you get over those initial financial hurdles. The more money you can raise, the less you'll need to dip into your own pocket. It’s all about being prepared for the worst so you can celebrate the best! Let’s not forget, my day job responsibilities haven’t disappeared. Balancing work, planning a new business, and trying to stay present in everyday life is a juggling act. It’s stressful, but also incredibly rewarding. I’m learning to set boundaries and not beat myself up when things don’t go as planned. Creativity needs space to breathe, and sometimes, life just gets in the way.
The great news? I’ve officially set up my LLC and got my EIN—huge milestones! It feels amazing to have these essentials in place. Every step, every little achievement, makes the journey worthwhile.I can’t wait to keep taking you with me on this journey. It’s tough, yes, and a bit stressful, but also incredibly fun and rewarding. Sharing these experiences with you all makes it even better.
If you’re starting your own business or thinking about it, here’s my advice: seek help when you need it, take your time, and don’t forget to breathe. The learning curve might be steep, but with determination and the right support, you can conquer it.Until next time, keep creating, stay balanced, and remember to take things one step at a time. Catch you all next Tuesday for another update and a new podcast episode to kickstart your day.
Love you all!
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