The Drive: What challenges have you overcome?
When I started, my daughter was still toddling. She came with me everywhere – to consultations, to client gardens, to meetings. I didn’t start her in Kohanga until she was nearly 3, and even then it was a huge transition: separation anxiety, tears and cancelled workdays.
The learning curve of running a business has been steep and constant. I remember once saying I was so sick of learning, and other business owners just laughed. Now I get it – the learning never stops. Social media, websites, email campaigns, Canva design, accounting apps and payroll systems… the list goes on. And as the business grows, so does the need to know more.
For Better or Worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
There are too many pros to list, but the biggest one is that you’re your own boss. You get to build something around what you love – and if you’re not loving it anymore, you can change it.
As for cons, you are your own boss. That means if something goes wrong, it’s on you. If there’s fallout, you carry it. If you make mistakes (and you will), they’re often public. Ouch.
The hardest part has been the startup phase – so much work, so little pay. Even 1.5 years in, I’m still in the early stages and not being paid for 99.99% of the work I do. But I know that won’t always be the case.
Hopes and Dreams: What’s next?
Next up: hair care and dessert candles! I’m also collecting supplies for flower preservation and resin art. I dream of becoming a Forever Florist – preserving special bouquets and blooms in multimedia art and keepsakes.
Head to the A Lil Bee website to find out more, and connect with them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok
