Lesson One: Start Before You’re Ready: Start Before You’re Ready: Lesson 1 From 7 Years of Building My Business

Start Before You’re Ready: How My Business Began (And Why Yours Can Too)

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should start before you’re ready, I’m proof that the answer is yes. This lesson shaped the early days of Monarch Design Co. long before I had a polished brand, a website, or any clear plan.

Starting felt scary and chaotic, but those first messy steps were exactly what moved everything forward.

How It Really Started

Back then, my husband (then fiancé) and I were living in a tiny Burlington condo dreaming about paying for our wedding. I discovered that our local library had a laser cutter and went all in on learning it. Before I knew it, I was selling custom cake toppers and wedding hangers on Etsy, teaching workshops, and taking on my first stationery clients at our dining table.

No plan. No fancy branding. No polished systems.

Just one tiny action at a time.

Why Action Matters More Than Readiness

I hear from so many creative entrepreneurs who feel like they need:

• the perfect brand
• a fully mapped-out offer
• a complete plan
• total confidence

…before they can start.

But here’s the truth: clarity comes from action. Confidence comes from doing. And business grows because you’re willing to put something imperfect into the world.

My first real project came from someone I knew from the MLM world. She needed pieces for her daughter’s first communion. I said yes. That yes brought referrals. Those referrals brought real clients. And eventually, that turned into Monarch Design Co.

None of it would’ve happened if I waited for the “right” moment.

Your First Step Doesn’t Have To Be Big

You don’t need everything figured out. Your business will grow and shift alongside your life—mine moved cities, survived burnout, expanded through motherhood, and evolved into a creative direction studio I couldn’t have pictured back then.

You just need one brave step.

Post the thing.
Start the page.
Send the email.
Open the Canva file.

It all counts.

If You’re Craving Support

I know how lonely and overwhelming those early steps can feel. That’s why I created my 1:1 mentorship calls—to help creative women get out of their heads, build a clear plan, and move forward with confidence.

If you’re ready for guidance, you can book a session through the link in the show notes.

Your Invitation Today: Start before you’re ready

If you’re reading this, let this be your sign:

Start before you’re ready.
Messy action still moves you forward.

And if you take that first step today, tag me on Instagram so I can celebrate with you.