The Difference Between Running a Business and Being a Business Owner

When I started my business at 19, I honestly didn’t understand the difference between running a business and being a business owner. It all seemed like two sides of the same coin. 

But now, half a decade into this journey and already sporting the scars of a few hard lessons, I think I get it. Learning the difference had been a humbling lesson, but one filled with opportunity for growth. Years later, I know there’s a massive difference - and learning that difference has been one of the most humbling, growth-filled parts of my journey.

I’m so grateful for everything I’ve built. But I’m also not afraid to admit that my business took off before I truly knew myself, and that created a gap I had to learn to fill.

And I’m still filling it - intentionally.

Running a Business vs. Being a Business Owner

When you’re running a business, you’re just trying to keep up. You’re reacting, improvising, putting out fires, and doing what you think you’re “supposed” to do.

That was me at 19.

And 20.

And honestly, 21.

Okay fine… maybe 22 as well.

I was lucky - and I know it. My business got busy fast, which is something I never take for granted. But the truth is, being busy doesn’t make you a business owner.

A business owner shows up with clarity, structure, leadership, vision, and aligned values.

I didn’t have those things at the beginning. How could I? I barely knew myself.

Hiring Too Early 

Something I don’t talk about often: I wasn’t ready to have employees -

I didn’t know how to communicate. I didn’t know how to delegate. I didn’t know how to hold boundaries. I barely understood my own systems, let alone how to teach them to someone else.

So I wasn’t just learning how to run a business, I was learning how to be a boss too. All the while without knowing who I was as a person, a woman, or an artist. I swear my intentions were good. But the timing wasn’t. Looking back, I can see all the places where I took “easier” routes because I didn’t have the self-awareness, drive, morals or structure I have now. And that’s okay - it’s part of my story.

I’ve grown. A lot.

The last few years, working on my own again, have forced me to slow down and get honest with myself. I took stock - not just as a business owner, but as a person. It’s been humbling. But it’s also been a blessing. 

Knowing Yourself Changes Everything

This part was a wake-up call:

How could I be clear about what I wanted for my business when I wasn’t even clear on who I was? How could I show up as the leader I wanted to be when I wasn’t showing up for myself first? Once I started doing the inner work - grounding myself, understanding my values, strengthening my work ethic, slowing down enough to listen to my own voice - everything shifted. My business grew, once I had grown.

And that changed the entire foundation.

The Money, Taxes & “No One Prepares You for This” Chapter

Only two things are certain in life: death and taxes, and let’s be honest: No one prepares you for taxes. Or financial structure. Or the reality of making money young and blowing it on things you didn’t need because no one taught you differently. I’m not as hard (keyword ‘as’) on myself about it anymore. I was learning. But this last year I have focussed on spending intentionally, on structure over impulse. 

And it feels good.

Authenticity > Trends

Now I create from a place of authenticity - ignoring the pressure to “follow suit or become irrelevant”. Aligned with me, not others. Genuine confidence over fake-it-’til-you-make-it. 

That’s the thing about knowing yourself:it changes how you show up.

A Soft Reminder to My Younger Self

If I could tell 19-year-old me anything, it would be this:

You don’t need to be perfect to start. You’re building a business - but you’re also building you. And both deserve patience, honesty, and time.

Where I Am Now

I’m more aligned with my vision than I’ve ever been. More connected to my values. More grounded as an individual and a business owner. Not because everything went perfectly -but because I learned from the things that didn’t. Every curve ball was and is an opportunity to grow.

And I’m proud of that.