I replaced my income in year 1 of starting my business and this is how I did it.

Starting my own business had always been a dream. Since college, I’d filled notebook after notebook, built mood boards, and kept notes on my phone filled with ideas for the future. I think it’s always been in my blood. Quitting my job in January 2022 wasn’t exactly planned—I just woke up one morning and decided it was finally time. I was really going to do it.

Both professionally and personally, it made sense, so I jumped. I have that "everything is figure-out-able" mindset, and with two little boys to feed, failure simply wasn’t an option. Call it impulsive if you want, but after nearly a decade of dreaming about this moment, I felt like all the prep work was done, and I was ready to go.

In my first year, I managed to replace my income, so my family didn’t take a financial hit. In my second year, I grew almost 25%. Was it easy? Absolutely not. Worth it? You bet. Here’s how I did it.

I Didn’t Waste Time—Foundation First

One of the first things I did was ensure my business was set up properly. I found a trusted accountant, asked all the questions, called on mentors and peers, opened business accounts, purchased the tools I needed, and properly registered my business. This saved me a lot of headaches down the road and set me up for long-term success. Taking care of the “boring” details early meant I could focus on growing my business with confidence.

Got Organized with Systems

Next, I got organized. I set up a task manager to keep track of my to-dos and deadlines. This helped me stay on top of projects and client communications. Without a system, things can slip through the cracks, so having this level of organization was essential.

Wrote Clear Contracts

I also made sure to write contracts for every client. These contracts outlined exactly what I offered and what I expected from clients in return. It gave both sides clarity and ensured there were no misunderstandings. Plus, having everything in writing helped me feel confident about my boundaries and pricing.

Leveraged My Network

Instead of starting from scratch, I tapped into people I already knew. I reached out to past colleagues and people I’d worked with before, letting them know about my new business. This cold outreach was incredibly valuable, as it helped me land my first few clients and build momentum. Word of mouth is one of the best ways for service providers to gain business. When you do a great job and you’re kind, people remember that.

Posted Consistently on Social Media

Showing up online consistently was another big win for me. I didn’t just post once and disappear—I made sure to engage with my audience regularly, share my work, and talk about the value I offered. Consistency builds trust, and it helped me stay top of mind for potential clients.

Built a Professional Website

I invested in building a professional, easy-to-navigate website. This acted as a digital home for my business, showcasing my services and allowing clients to easily get in touch. A website is crucial—it gives you credibility and a platform you control.

Set Boundaries and Stuck to Them

One of the hardest lessons I learned early on was the importance of setting boundaries. Whether it was with clients, friends, or family, I had to clearly communicate my working hours, prices, and expectations. Saying no became my superpower—I stopped discounting my services or working beyond my limits. When you set firm boundaries, people take you seriously.

Stayed Confident in My Pricing

I knew my worth and stood by it. I didn’t lower my prices just to get more clients. Instead, I focused on finding clients who valued the quality of my work. Standing firm on pricing took confidence, but it paid off. By refusing to devalue my services, I attracted the right clients who respected my skills.

This is the foundation I built my business on, and by focusing on these elements, I was able to replace my income within my first year. If you’re just starting your business journey, don’t skip these crucial steps. Be organized, stay confident, and build with intention—you’ve got this!