I started my business at 15. Yep, like freshman-in-high-school 15. I had no roadmap, no business degree, and definitely no idea what I was doing—just a camera, some passion, and access to Wi-Fi.
Since then? I’ve pivoted more times than I can count. I’ve gone through seasons of burnout, seasons of breakthrough, and seasons of straight-up “what am I even doing?” moments.
But through all of it, I’ve stuck with it.
And let me tell you, these aren’t just lessons. They’re business lessons that came with receipts (and a few panic attacks).
Here are the biggest ones I’ve learned, wrapped in real talk, honesty, and just enough delusional optimism to keep going.
Lesson #1: Let Go of What People Think (Seriously)
This lesson came early and came LOUD.
Starting a business as a teenager meant I was surrounded by opinions—and not always kind ones. Classmates, friends, even people in the industry I admired had a lot to say, and some of it stung. I remember people I genuinely considered friends telling me I should quit. That I looked ridiculous. That I was embarrassing myself.
And if I’m being honest? It did make me second-guess everything.
Like… I was ready to delete my photography Instagram account right at my lunchroom table. As a gal who hates confrontation, I was like, “Okay, maybe I should just peace out with this.”
At the time, I was mimicking someone I admired in the industry, thinking if I followed their every move, I’d find success. Spoiler: I didn’t. Copying someone else’s path doesn’t lead to yours, it just gets you lost.
Business lesson: People-pleasing has no place in entrepreneurship. The more you try to make everyone else happy, the more you lose yourself. Drop the voices that make you doubt your path. Be new, be messy, and be unapologetically you.
Also, don’t take advice from people who aren’t living the life you want.
Lesson #2: Be Smart About Where You Spend Time, Energy & Money
Let me just say: I am a certified freebie queen. When I started, YouTube was my best friend. I would scour every blog, video, and “how-to” post I could find—anything that gave me free info to get started.
And honestly? That scrappiness served me. But eventually, I realized that free can only take you so far.
Some of the best business lessons I’ve learned came from one-on-one sessions with people who were doing what I wanted to do. Those convos gave me clarity I couldn’t get from a vague group course with no support. The worst investments? The ones that looked shiny but left me more confused than when I started.
Business lesson: Your time is valuable. Your energy is precious. And your money? You worked hard for it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before investing. A good educator will want to help you make the right decision—and if they don’t? Move on.
Lesson #3: You Can’t Pour from an Empty Brain (Or Body)
Here’s a fun fact about me: I can hyper-fixate like it’s a superpower. If I’m in the zone, I will work until the job is done… which sounds great until I realize I haven’t eaten all day, haven’t seen the sun in three, and have fully forgotten what rest even feels like.
Before I became a mom, I didn’t really “get” burnout. I just thought being tired all the time was part of the hustle. But after having kids? I physically and emotionally could not keep going at that pace. There’s no such thing as ignoring your body when toddlers are climbing on it. And there’s no creative spark when you haven’t slept more than two hours in three days.
What I learned: Rest isn’t lazy, it’s vital. I’ve had to unlearn hustle culture and relearn how to take care of myself like I take care of my clients. Now I set work blocks, leave my laptop downstairs, and journal every morning to regulate my emotions. I also end every journal with five specific things I’m grateful for. It rewires my brain. Every. Time.
Lesson #4: A Little Delusion Will Take You Far
I will never work a 9–5 again. Not because I think I’m above it, but because this business life has made me a little delusional. In the best way.
I can see a $20/hour job and think, “Or I could land one aligned client from my couch and make the same in one afternoon.” And guess what? I often do.
That kind of belief isn’t arrogance, it’s entrepreneurship.
You have to believe in something that doesn’t exist yet. You have to trust that your work is worth it, your dream is valid, and your next breakthrough might be right around the corner.
What I learned: Delusion isn’t just helpful, it’s required. You have to believe in your ability to figure it out. And once you start doing that in business? That belief spills into everything, motherhood, relationships, moves across the country, solo Target trips with three kids under three. If I want to do it… why can’t I?
Lesson #5: Boundaries Aren’t a Buzzword, they’re a Lifeline
Let’s talk about some of the worst experiences I’ve had in business.
I’ve had clients try to get refunds after their wedding was already delivered. I’ve been threatened with legal action over things that were clearly outlined in my contract. I’ve had people treat me rudely at weddings because they didn’t know I was deaf, and assumed I was ignoring them. And yeah, it hurt.
But those moments taught me how to protect myself. My boundaries, my contracts, my communication, all of it leveled up because I had to.
What I learned: Don’t wait for someone to cross your boundary to realize you needed one. Be clear, upfront, and firm. Repeat your terms. Put them in writing. If someone doesn’t respect your boundaries, they’re not your client, and you’re not obligated to convince them otherwise.
Final Thoughts: You’re Allowed to Grow (and Glow)
After 10 years of entrepreneurship, here’s what I know to be true:
- You’re allowed to evolve.
- You’re allowed to change your mind.
- You’re allowed to protect your peace.
- You’re allowed to rest.
- You’re allowed to believe that your dreams are worth it.
These business lessons weren’t always cute. They came with tears, mistakes, burned bridges, and breakthroughs. But I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
Because through it all, I became someone I’m really proud of.
But Before You Go…
If we haven’t officially crossed paths yet… hey, hi, hello! I’m Michaela, a designer and strategist for wedding industry professionals who are so ready for a brand and website that actually pulls its weight.
If you love real talk, thoughtful strategy, and the occasional “let’s cut the fluff” moment, you’re gonna feel right at home here.
Here’s how we can make magic together:
→ Need a website that finally matches the luxury experience you actually deliver?
I design Showit websites that don’t just look good—they book better clients. My sites are crafted to reflect your expertise, elevate your brand, and guide inquiries straight to your inbox.
[Explore my Showit design services →]
→ Just need something polished + professional like, yesterday?
The Bite-Sized Website is your one-page wonder: perfect for venues, stylists, planners, or photographers who need a streamlined, high-converting site fast.
[Peek the Bite-Sized Website offer →]
→ Want to DIY but crave a solid (and gorgeous) starting point?
Showit templates made specifically for the wedding industry are coming soon. Because your business deserves beauty, strategy, and simplicity, even without the custom price tag.
Stay tuned!
→ Loving this post? There’s more where that came from.
From tips on attracting aligned clients to design insights that’ll make your brand shine, the blog is packed with goodness.
[Catch up on the latest here →]
Still not sure what you need? Or just want to say hey?
I’m just a DM away on Instagram or you can email me at thedunndesignco@gmail.com. I’d love to hear what you’re building.
Talk soon,
Michaela
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