Owning a small business often looks dreamy from the outside—think cute product photos, fun social media posts, and craft fairs filled with smiling faces. But behind every sticker, T-shirt, or glass cup you see on social media has a story of resilience, determination, and challenges that often go unseen.
I have been dreaming of having my own small business for a LONG time, and now that I am in the thick of it, I’ve learned that this journey is as rewarding as it is demanding. Today, I want to pull back the curtain and share some of the struggles that come with chasing this dream—and why I think it’s all worth it.
Jack of All Trades
When you run a small business, you’re not just the designer or maker—you’re the marketer, accountant, customer service rep, photographer, and sometimes even the delivery driver. Balancing all these roles is no easy feat.
Some days, I’m packaging orders with one hand and scheduling social content with the other, all while brainstorming ideas for the next product design. It’s a constant juggling act, and while I love the creative freedom, it can be overwhelming to carry the weight of everything on my own.
Emotional Wreck
Every order that comes in feels like a little victory, but the quiet days can be tough. It’s easy to doubt yourself when sales slow down or a product doesn’t perform as expected. Social media, while a great tool for connection, can also be a source of stress and comparison—staying consistent and keeping up with trends takes time and energy that’s already stretched thin.
Although these things are important, I find myself comparing my level 5 to someone else's Level 50 and end up spiraling into an unhealthy mental state. The imposter syndrome sneaks in, making me question whether I’m “good enough” to succeed in this space. The emotional highs and lows are very real, but I’ve learned to celebrate every win, no matter how small, be transparent and honest with my supporters, and to keep pushing forward even when self-doubt creeps in.
Time? What’s That?
One of the biggest perks people associate with entrepreneurship is the freedom to set your own schedule. Although this is one of the reasons I wanted to start my own business in the first place, small business life rarely sticks to a tidy 9-to-5. It’s more like a 24/7 whirlwind—especially when you’re also balancing a full-time job, like I currently do.
Weekdays are packed with work, and evenings often turn into late-night hustle sessions. Finding balance between my career, my small business, and personal life is like walking a tightrope.
The passion I have for my business and my supportive community keeps me going, but it also makes it harder to set boundaries. Learning to say “no” to burnout, carve out moments to rest, and remind myself it’s okay to take a break is something I’m constantly working on.
Counting Pennies and Chasing Dreams
Starting and maintaining a small business comes with financial risks. From investing in materials to get things up and running to paying for booth fees at markets or upgrading equipment, the expenses add up fast.
Every purchase is a gamble—will this product sell? Will the investment pay off? Add in fluctuating sales during different seasons, and it’s easy to feel like you’re walking a financial tightrope. I’ve only been up and running since July 2024 and already noticed what products are selling better than others and how much money I have been making each month. These are good to acknowledge, but make things feel stressful when I might not have enough capital to do everything I’d like to, when I’d like to.
Why I Keep Going
For all its challenges, running my small business is the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. Seeing someone light up when they purchase something I created with my own two hands makes every late night, every stress-filled moment, and every challenge worth it.
I’m so incredibly grateful for the community that surrounds and supports me. Whether it’s a like on social media, a kind message, or placing an order, every bit of encouragement fuels my passion and reminds me why I started Lovelee Day Studio in the first place.
To My Fellow Small Business Owners
If you’re a small business owner reading this, know that you’re not alone. The struggles are real, but so is the joy and the pride in building something from the ground up. Take breaks, celebrate your wins, and remember why you started.
To everyone who supports small businesses, thank you. You’re not just buying a product—you’re supporting a dream, a family, and a whole lot of heart.
Here’s to the journey, challenges, and all.
❤︎ Carlee Charles, Owner & Artist of Lovelee Day Studio