5 Lessons Learned from Building a Business the Hard Way

Hey there, guys! I’m five years into building my photography studio, Angela Atelier, as an empowerment force for women in New Jersey and beyond. I want to share some excellent lessons I’ve learned from building a business. Starting a new business can be scary, but it’s also exciting and full of opportunities. So, here are some nuggets of wisdom from the conversation that I want to share with you.

Explaining What I Mean by The Hard Way

Coming from corporate, I knew nothing about building a business, but what made my business building harder was that I didn’t know anything about myself and what made me tick. I knew myself well enough in the corporate world, but who was Angela, the business owner? She was yet to be unveiled. So, all that self-discovery came as I built, which meant I often found myself on the wrong track and pivoted often, which meant a lot of rework. Let me save you a little trouble.

5 Lessons Learned from Building a Business

1. Networking is Key
   So, maybe you’re ready to jump off the corporate train, but before you do, embrace your current network of people. I got my first client while working at corporate by discussing it freely and unapoletically.
2. Embrace Spaciousness
   It sounds weird, but it’s all about creating room for self-improvement and business development. It’s essential to embrace the unknown and use it as an opportunity to grow. Lulls in business can be scary, but they’re also a chance to redefine your business and approach to selling.
3. Don’t Desperately Chase Success
   Making desperate decisions doesn’t end well. It would be best to make decisions from a place of abundance, not desperation. It’s tough, but it’s crucial to maintain a clear head when making decisions for your business.
4. Understand Your Business and Audience
   Before investing in fancy tools or a flashy website, prioritize understanding your business and audience. Don’t underestimate the importance of communication and knowing who you’re targeting. Without this foundation, investing in tools may not be as effective.
5. Tailor Your Systems to YOU
   Okay, now you may be ready to implement your systems, but which one? There may be many marketed to your industry, but don’t assume that it’s perfect for you if that’s the case. Selecting a working system is not an industry thing; it’s a personal thing—how a system functions has to make sense to you and your brain.

So, those are the key takeaways that I wanted to share with you. Building a business is no walk in the park, but it can be gratifying with the right mindset and approach. Remember these lessons as you embark on your business journey, and remember to embrace the unknown, prioritize understanding your audience, and tailor processes to people.
Until next time, keep hustling and learning from the best! Cheers!

Angela Acosta

Angela Acosta is the founder of The Gal Project and Angela Atelier, specializing in women’s empowerment, story-driven community, and transformational branding photography. Through advocacy, portraiture, and bold storytelling, she champions visibility and celebrates every woman’s journey.