One of the best things about video games is the ability to restart – you can use your learnings to move faster and avoid obstacles. We often think about what we would do differently if we were starting over in business and we figured others probably think about this as well and so we asked the community to share their thoughts with us.

Mariah Contento

I started Miomi a little over three years ago now, with a strong passion for the craft, confidence in my product and my ability to bring a new, fresh perspective to the Toronto fashion scene. I had debuted a sample of a dress I made for a vacation in Miami and got incredible feedback. This inspired me to finally start my own clothing brand. Read more>>

Tatiana Li

When my brides ask me how did I start being a makeup and hair artist I always tell them I had no idea I would be one-never in my life. I have always thought that one of my biggest milestones was getting a corporate job in one of the top companies where I come from and having a successful career there. I loved it at first but after a couple of years it felt like every day I do the same thing and nothing new happens, it was a safe and consistent job but not fulfilling. I quit the company and went to get my second degree abroad (in South Korea while originally I’m from Russia). Through some course of events after graduation I came to US and stayed here permanently. Read more>>

Lindsey Tague

If I were starting over, I would believe and trust in myself a lot more—and care much less about what others think.
In my first two years of building my business, I hit many layers of imposter syndrome and had countless moments of “I have no idea what I’m doing.” Those experiences often left me sinking into a puddle of overwhelm, frozen on what to do next or how to show up. Read more>>

Veronica Winther

If I were starting over, I’d definitely start more niche. Instead of launching broad with so many product types, I would pick 2 to 5 standout items and make them really solid—design, quality, messaging, everything. That way, I could build a strong foundation and grow from there, instead of learning through trial and error with such a wide range. Read more>>

Samantha Pointer

If I was to start over from scratch today, one thing I would have done differently is to ask for help sooner. Trying to do it all on my own and not delegate a lot of things probably made me grow slower. I felt that no one could do it better than me or as good as me. So I took on a lot that I didn’t have to if I had asked for help sooner. I also would have gotten a mentor/accountability partner to keep me accountable on the things I said I was going to do and also to guide me in the unknown waters I was treading in at the time. Read more>>

Aubree Arthur

If I were to start over knowing everything I know today, I don’t think I would change a thing. I was 12 years old when Santa Claus brought the best gift a 12 year old could ever dream of…a stand mixer! I then made my first batch of cookies- they didn’t look the greatest, but I was hooked! Read more>>

Vera Ezimora

If I were starting over, I would get up faster after a fall, and I would learn about discipline, diligence, consistency, and time management. Falling is inevitable. Sometimes, the fall is caused by a professional stumble, and other times, it’s personal. I think that a personal hit hits harder, and it’s more difficult to show up because you can never be the person you were before the fall. Read more>>

Jasmine Brown

If I had to start over today, knowing everything I know now, I’d definitely skip the criminal justice degree and dive straight into studying business management. Don’t get me wrong—I don’t regret how my business started. The hustle, the trial and error, the way I figured things out on my own—that built me. But if I had the chance to tighten things up from the jump, I’d want to understand the backend of business way earlier. Read more>>

Elyssa Bell

I would have spent more time understanding my costs, including using to use a scale sooner, weighing everything, and including the small costs as well- parchment sheets, Pam spray, wear on car, etc. Finding a good system to organize profit and loss from the beginning is key to staying ahead! Read more>>

Aubrey

I would know my worth. This sounds especially selfish to say when talking about a business that is in the business of helping others discover themselves and reconnect their minds, bodies, and souls, but in the beginning, I didn’t know how life-impacting the business and services offered could be. Now, looking back, confidence and expertise, time and experience, would be reflected in the pricing, and I wouldn’t fall into the fear of scarcity within myself (that I wasn’t good enough) nor that there would be enough clientele (not enough people who wanted what I offered). Read more>>