Things I Learned Opening My First Business
Disclaimer
Here on Selfmadesns.com, I share my personal life experiences so you can learn from both my mistakes and successes. However, what works for me might not work for everyone. Always do your own research and consider consulting a professional before making important decisions. Doing both will give you the best chance for success. For more details, please visit our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy pages.
Finding the Path
The High School Career Test That Sparked Something
You know how in high school they make you take those career assessment tests? The ones where you sit at a computer, answer questions about your interests and preferences, and it spits out a list of jobs that “match” you?
I still remember mine. The test said I’d be a good fit as a retail buyer. I had no idea what that even was at the time, but once I looked it up, it actually sounded interesting. Then I saw my second match: entrepreneur — and that one hit different. Something about it just clicked.
A Project That Planted a Seed
The very next day in class, we were assigned a project. We had to pick one of the careers from our results and create a presentation about it. We could work solo or with a partner, and of course, I teamed up with my friend — like any high schooler would.
We couldn’t decide on just one business to create, so I came up with an idea: Why not open a strip mall and include all of our ideas? Boom — problem solved. That little school project lit a fire in me that I didn’t realize at the time would follow me into real life.
First Attempt: T-Shirts & Lessons Learned
That summer, I took my job money and decided I was going to start a real business. I wanted to launch a clothing brand, and I began with t-shirts. I made designs on Custom Ink, took them to a local print shop, and got my inventory ready before school started.
Everything was going great — until it came time to sell. I didn’t know the first thing about marketing or promotion. I tried posting my t-shirts online, even made a decent-looking website and sent the link to my Facebook friends. The feedback? “The site looks good.”
The results? Not a single sale.
I got discouraged. I had other things going on, so I kind of gave up. But I still had those shirts, and I wore them often. People would compliment them all the time. I’d just say “thank you” and keep it moving — never thinking to pitch the product or make a sale.
Looking back, that’s one of my biggest regrets. I missed out on opportunities simply because I didn’t think like a salesperson yet.
Second Attempt: New Game Plan, Better Results
Eventually, I got that entrepreneurial itch again. This time, I wanted to do it differently. I found wholesale vendors online and ordered a variety of t-shirts to resell — and this time I focused on my local community instead of trying to go viral online.
And guess what? My friends started buying. I started selling out. It got so good that I even started selling to local stores. From there, I never looked back.
What I Learned
1. Marketing Is More Than Just Opening Shop
Business isn’t just about launching. You need to market, research, promote, and engage. Back in high school, I never thought to wear my shirts to school or show them to friends as a way to advertise. I had fans without realizing it — I just didn’t know how to turn that into sales.
2. Promoting Online Is Great — But Don’t Sleep on Word of Mouth
I learned that word of mouth can move mountains. Promoting online gave me visibility, but it wasn’t until I leaned into my local community that I started seeing real results.
3. Networking Changed the Game
I didn’t know the power of relationships until I saw how far they could take me. My vendors began giving me better deals, letting me pay later, and offering me exclusive items. Kids at school told stores about my shirts, and that social buzz helped open retail doors.
Bonus – Business Tips for Beginners
Let’s jump into some gems for all my fellow entrepreneurs out there:
#1: Start Conversations With Your Customers
Want to grow your business? Talk to your audience. Ask them for feedback. That’s real-time data that can help you improve your product or service.
Example: If you throw a launch party, ask your guests what they liked, what they didn’t, and what they’d change. Use that info to tweak and improve.
#2: Stay in Touch With the Culture
Understand the culture and trends of the audience you’re selling to. If you’re selling clothes and you don’t know what’s hot right now — you’re leaving money on the table.
Always ask: What’s trending in the local market? What’s the vibe? What’s missing?
#3: Don’t Get Comfortable — Experiment With New Ideas
Just because something is working doesn’t mean you stop growing. Try that idea that’s been sitting in the back of your mind — it could be your next breakthrough.
Success doesn’t mean “stop,” it means “scale.”
#4: Tap Into Emotions With Your Branding
People connect emotionally with stories, not products. Want proof? Look at any Nike ad. The message is about greatness, resilience, and identity — not just shoes.
Find ways to connect with your audience emotionally — through storytelling, visuals, or your brand’s message.
Summary
Here’s what I want you to remember: Don’t let failure stop you. If your first business doesn’t take off — that’s okay. Take what you’ve learned and use it for the next one. Every failure should be a lesson, not a reason to quit.
I hope this post motivates you to start your journey, or if you’re already on it, to keep going. Thanks for visiting the blog. Let me know in the comments if this post helped you out. And if you liked it, please share with a friend.
Good luck out there — your path is waiting.