IT'S TIME TO START SETTING BOUNDARIES IN BUSINESS
Four years ago, in April 2020, right at the start of the pandemic, I made a bold decision that would change the course of my life. I quit my “stable” job as a Buying Manager at Burberry and ventured into the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship by starting my own e-commerce and retail consulting business.
At 28 years old, I had little knowledge about starting a business. However, I knew my skill set—honed from managing a £380 million business for Burberry—was highly transferable to other opportunities. If I was good enough for Burberry, surely I was good enough to help other businesses thrive, right? Despite my confidence in my abilities, I soon found out that transitioning from a corporate environment to entrepreneurship came with its own set of challenges. I faced imposter syndrome, anxiety, a lack of boundaries, and low self-worth. When I first started, I was the ultimate “yes” girl—saying yes to everything, even when it didn’t serve me. I undervalued my services, took on projects that weren’t aligned with my values, and struggled to see the true value I brought to the table.
I didn’t know another way to be. I had a vision, but I lacked a clear path to achieving it. More importantly, I lacked a support system—a business mentor to help me expand my mindset and realize what was truly possible.
Fast forward to 2024, and at 32, I am not the same person I was when I first started. Thankfully, along the way, I learned some invaluable lessons that have reshaped my approach to both business and life. These lessons are crucial for anyone navigating the complex world of e-commerce entrepreneurship, especially those who are just starting out.
Lesson 1: Knowing My Worth
One of the most transformative lessons I’ve learned is understanding and embracing my worth. I can now clearly see the value I bring to my clients. Having assisted over 100 e-commerce founders in launching and growing their brands, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of my experience and expertise on their businesses. Whether it’s through my e-commerce mentorships or one of my business audits, the strategies and insights I provide have helped businesses scale, enter new markets, and increase their profitability.
This newfound confidence has also led me to embark on starting my very own e-commerce business. As I channel everything I’ve learned into this new venture, I’m unapologetically confident in the value of my services. I will never work for free, and I won’t offer discounts just because someone doesn’t have the budget for my help. This is a significant shift from where I started, and it’s a lesson every entrepreneur needs to learn. Knowing your worth is essential to building a sustainable and successful business.
Lesson 2: Learning How to Say No
Setting boundaries has been a game-changer for me. Early on, I struggled with the idea of saying no, often taking on projects that weren’t aligned with my values or long-term goals. I feared that turning down opportunities would make me less secure financially or limit my growth potential. However, I soon realized that saying no to what doesn’t serve me is crucial for my well-being and my business’s success.
Now, I only take on projects that align with my vision and values. This has allowed me to show up more fully for my clients, providing them with the best possible service. For those navigating their entrepreneurial journey, learning to say no is a powerful tool. It allows you to focus on what truly matters and avoid burnout, which is all too common among e-commerce founders.
Lesson 3: Personal Development is Key
The past four years have also been a journey of personal growth. In the early days of my business, I woke up every day with anxiety, frequently battling panic attacks. The constant pressure to succeed, coupled with the fear of failure, left me feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. But through various trial-and-error approaches, I’ve learned to manage and reduce my anxiety, allowing me to approach my business with a clear and focused mind.
Personal development is just as important as professional development. Investing time in improving your mental health, developing coping mechanisms, and cultivating a positive mindset can have a profound impact on your business. Side Note: My new e-commerce business Time Is Not A Healer focuses heavily on mental wellbeing, so if you are interested in self-development make sure you check it out.
Entrepreneurs who take care of their mental well-being are better equipped to handle the ups and downs of running a business. This is a lesson I often share with my clients, emphasizing the importance of balance and self-care in the entrepreneurial journey.
Lesson 4: Trusting the Process
Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned is to trust the process. In the world of entrepreneurship, things don’t always go as planned. Even when you can see your vision clearly, the path to achieving it may not unfold the way you expected. I’ve learned to trust that everything happens for a reason, whether it’s to teach me a lesson or steer me in a better direction.
This mindset shift has been invaluable in helping me navigate challenges without getting discouraged. Trusting the process means accepting that you are exactly where you need to be, even when things aren’t going as expected. It also means not comparing yourself to others, but instead focusing on your own journey and growth. If you’re struggling with trusting the process, working with an e-commerce mentor can provide the support and reassurance you need to stay the course.
By applying these lessons—knowing your worth, setting boundaries, focusing on personal development, and trusting the process—you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges of e-commerce entrepreneurship. These principles are not just theoretical; they are practical tools that can help you build a resilient and successful business. If you are looking for support on your ecommerce entrepreneurship journey you can check out how I might be able to help you and your business here!
