How 11 Years in Business Taught Me the Only Shortcut That Works
In September 2013, I opened my first brick-and-mortar business.
It taught me how to lead.
It made me cry (more than once).
And it brought more wealth and freedom than I ever imagined.
Last year, after 11 full years, I sold it to the perfect person.
After the sale, I was ready to grow The Hive. To go all in. To duplicate everything I had learned.
But I quickly realized something important: online creative businesses aren’t easier or harder than brick-and-mortars. They’re just different.
And understanding those differences? That’s the only shortcut that works.
3 Truths That Will Help You Grow Faster
1. You can’t skip the marketing pillars.
Content. Referrals. And when you’re ready? Ads. You need all three. Always.
2. You have to speak with fire.
Niche down. Say the things that give you energy. Say them to one exact kind of person. That’s how you cut through the noise.
3. Tiny steps build empires.
Not big leaps. Not viral moments. Just daily, consistent, tiny steps. That’s what creates $20k months. I’ve lived it. I’ve learned it.
What To Do Today
Here’s what I want you to do right now:
Write that email and hit send.
Post that reel—the one that scares you a little (that’s the one that matters).
DM the last 5 people who followed you. Send them the Mrs. Doubtfire “Helloooo!” gif.
Get in bed tonight proud—not for finishing everything—but for taking tiny steps.
Because that’s how real businesses are built.
The Big Picture
I love being an online creative.
Is it harder in some ways? Sure.
But it has brought me more joy, freedom, and unlimited income potential than I ever thought possible.
Now it’s your turn. Let’s go build yours.
