Things I wish I knew when I started my business:

1. Don’t rely on one income stream Build multiple revenue sources: client work, retainers, digital products, partnerships, etc.

2. Ask for reviews Happy clients are your biggest asset. 3. Turn clients into referrals Past clients can bring your best opportunities. You can even offer a referral percentage for successful introductions. 4. Build a portfolio around your offer Your portfolio should attract your ideal clients, not just showcase everything you’ve ever made.

5. Create offers people want to say yes to Don’t just sell your skills. Package a clear solution to a valuable problem.

6. Share your work publicly Social media + freelance platforms brought me most of my opportunities. Build in public, share knowledge, and create trust.

7. Treat your income like a business Separate profit, taxes, operating expenses, and your own salary. Your revenue is not your personal money. Building a business is not only about getting better at your craft. It’s about building systems around it.