So, I Thought I Started a Business

Sharese Hendricks
Sep 3, 2018 · 3 min read

Let me start off by saying, I made a terrible employee. When I was working I would get headaches and just flat out could not focus. I knew I wanted to own a business. This I am sure sounds similar to some of you guy’s story.

In 2016, I quit my job and started a graphic design business. Two years later I realized I had no business but instead a hobby used to make a little money. Remember this, just because you put “Business Owner” on your Linkedin profile does not mean you are actually a business owner.

That was me a big phony. At one point, CEO was my job title on social media. Embarrassing. I am exposing myself because there are things I learned along the way that would be beneficial to others. Why not share my experience.

Alrighty, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here is a list of the biggest mistakes made when starting my business.

1. Thinking it was my money

The money you make from your business is not yours, yet. That may sound weird but it is true. You as the business owner should be paid a salary. I would randomly take money to pay bills, big mistake.

Open a business account as soon as you start. I use US Bank small business checking. If you do not have a US Bank in your area, here are some others you can try.

2. Not keeping a proper record of finances

How much money did you make last year? Umm….. I…..uh. Yup, that was me. I had no idea. Didn’t know if I had a profitable month or not, revenue numbers, nothing.

I eventually started using Wave Apps, it is a free accounting software. It gets the job done until you can afford something like Quickbooks which I am currently using. Quickbooks is a great tool to get your finances on track. Very accurate and seamless.

3. Trying to do everything by myself

Doing everything yourself does not save you money. It only causes more headache. Now if you have no desire to scale and want to stay a freelancer, knock yourself out. For those like myself, hiring is a must. If I could go back and do it all over again I would hire immediately. If you are too busy working in your business you are not working on your business.

4. Pricing to low

This is a perfect segway into the next mistake. If you cannot hire help, you are pricing too long more than likely. Figure out how much money you need to survive, with staff, and mark that number up to ensure a profit.

I was so desperate for a client I would lower prices just to get work.

5. Being impatient

I was in such a rush to become a business owner, I rushed the process. Really, I almost ruined everything. Didn’t have enough money saved up, didn’t learn more about running a business, nor did I have a concrete plan. If only I would have taken my time, in the beginning, I would not have to dig myself out such a big hole (p.s. I am still digging).

I had to result to picking up a couple of side hustles. Thank you to the founders of Lyft and Uber. Without the opportunity to make money with those companies, I would have definitely had to tuck my tail between my legs and go back to work.


You know what, I wouldn’t take back my experience no matter how bad it has gotten. That’s a cliché thing to say but it is true. Enough about the mistakes, I am ready to move forward and build my business. If you are on the same journey, let’s tackle the business world together. What are you looking forward to in your business endeavors?


About the Author

Sharese is a brand strategist and founder of Hendricks Studios, focusing on strategy and design for the food and beverage industry.

Connect with her around the net. Click here to follow Sharese.

Sharese Hendricks

Written by

Brand Strategist and founder of Veer5, Plant-based Branding agency. On the journey of building and entrepreneurship. You can find me anywhere @sharesehend.

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