But here we are!

This journey didn’t start in a boardroom or with a business plan. It started with a conversation on our sofa and then many days sat at my kitchen table, post-redundancy, juggling two kids, battling the stressful pandemic, and clinging to anything that gave me a little peace – like making self-care packs for others because I knew I really needed one myself.

What came next? Growth. Not overnight, not without tears (or a few wrinkles), but growth fuelled by passion, purpose, and people.

So, if you’re building a business – or dreaming of starting one – here’s what I’ve learned.

1. Start with heart

My first business, A Fizzy Tale, was never meant to be a ‘business’. It was therapy. Creativity and creating self-care packs to help others, was my way back to myself, and I think people still feel that. Customers connect with why you do what you do, more than what you’re selling.

Build something that means something to you. When it’s authentic, it resonates. When times get tough (and they will), that purpose will pull you through.

2. Create space for others and you’ll grow together

Entrepreneurship is tough and it can be lonely. My partner was super supportive, he builds websites, and I really wanted to have my own business, and I vividly remember sitting on the sofa and he said, ‘what do you like?’ – I said, ‘I like bath bombs!’ and he said, ‘well sell them then!’ from there my first business started. I reached out to other entrepreneurs and creators and built my own network of support, and this community helped me every step of the way.

Even now, Forever After Collective isn’t just a shop – it’s a space for people like me. Creators with kids, people trying their best, people suffering with chronic illness, people with depression and anxiety, people with talent and dreams but not enough time or confidence to ‘go all in’.

By building something for others, I created something bigger than me – a place where small businesses grow, friendships form, and customers come back not just for products, but for connection.

Don’t build alone. Collaboration creates community – and community creates momentum.

3. You don’t need a fancy plan – just brave steps and ‘yeses’

You can read all the business books and blogs and listen to all the best podcasts in the world, but truly, you don’t always need a fancy plan – you need to be brave and start. I didn’t plan to open a full-time shop. I said ‘yes’ to an online side hustle first, then I said ‘yes’ to a corner in a shared space, then ‘yes’ again when asked to help it grow. Every brave step led to the next. You won’t have it all figured out. You just need to move.

Take imperfect action. You’ll learn faster by doing than by waiting until everything’s perfect (it never is).

4. Keep evolving

Four years in, and I still feel like I’m just getting started. What began as a side hustle at my kitchen table has grown into a full brick-and-mortar shop, a creative hub that hosts regular community events, supports mental wellbeing, and champions nearly 50 independent makers. We've reinvested thousands back into the local economy and helped dozens of small businesses take their first steps – with many of them run by people juggling jobs, parenting, and/or personal challenges.

But growth isn’t just about numbers – it’s about mindset. Every stage of the journey brings new lessons, and staying open to change is key. Whether it's tweaking your product offering, reaching more people, learning new marketing strategies, or rethinking your systems as demand grows, you have to stay flexible. What worked in year one might not serve you in year four. Evolving isn’t a sign you’re uncertain – it’s proof you’re paying attention.

5. Use platforms to let people know you exist!

You can be brilliant, passionate, and full of purpose – but if no one knows about you, it’s hard to survive, let alone thrive.

That’s why platforms matter. Instagram helped us build our community. Our website shared more about us. Local press told our story and entering awards such as Small Business Saturday gave us national visibility – and now, recognition as one of the UK’s 100 most inspiring small businesses for 2025. I still can’t quite believe I’ll be stepping into the House of Lords to celebrate that and in turn, connecting with even more incredible people.

Share your wins. Share your story. Apply for things. Get visible. There’s power in being seen – and your success deserves to be celebrated.

So, whether you’re just starting out or wondering if your dream is even possible – believe me, it is.

You don’t need millions of pounds. You need meaning.

You don’t need a massive following. You need real connections.

You don’t need a perfect plan. You need purpose and heart.