4 Lessons from my First 10 years as a Business Owner

We’re rounding the bend of Seattle Art Source’s 10th year. It’s a milestone worth celebrating. Thousands of pieces of wonderful art have found homes with hundreds of wonderful clients – the wonderful memories are too numerous to count. I’m deeply grateful for this work. In addition to counting my blessings, it’s important to reflect on the lessons learned over the last decade, which feels like an embarrassment of riches. 

Be aware that if you take big bites, you may choke. BUT you may also learn you have the capacity for big bites. 

Owning a small business AND supporting yourself with your small business is a big bite! It’s an honor to make mistakes and to suffer the consequences of my own decisions, but then to build on those lessons. My foundation is solid from trial and error, and I feel proud to know what each brick is made of

I love what I do. But more than that, I love who I get to do it with.

I love my colleagues, collaborators, artists, and clients. These personalities have turned a good job into a great life. This parade of faces over the years embodies the soul of the business. The ultimate luxury of working for yourself is choosing who you work with and investing in your people. Invest in people who you not only enjoy, but who you believe in; who have integrity; who want the same things you do. It will ultimately create the ocean you swim in. 

It’s ok to cry and/or to take a nap.

Full stop. 

No one knows what they are doing. And no one really knows the rules.

I didn’t know how much I didn’t know when I started Seattle Art Source. I’m glad. The spirit of “tally ho” runs deep in my veins and this girl likes to figure stuff out as she goes. The moments of imposter syndrome have come and gone. I learned early on that people are ok with the fact that I don’t have an art degree, or even graduate from college at all. Not a single person has asked for my credentials, before they handed me a credit card. I helped find art they love and that’s all that matters to them. 

I realize the next 10 years will not be like the first. But I know they will be wonderful and challenging in their own way. This is the nature of a business. Like me, it evolves, grows and matures. It requires whole hearted buy-in, and I’m all in. Seattle Art Source will come to and end one day, because all things do. But until such a day, I will eagerly stand at the helm, building the ship as I sail it.