In relationship milestones, two years seems to be the first major one foreshadowing its future. It is recommended that couples date two years minimum to really get to know one another before tying the knot. After getting hitched, research shows that how a couple weathers their first two years together can make of break their marriage. I believe the same “two year rule” applies for the relationship between business & owner. The following are red flags to watch out for and reflect upon once the two year mark has been reached:
Lack of Romance
I believe the owner needs to constantly fall in love with their business- and make efforts and gestures to do so. Micro gestures lead to macro emotions. I know to constantly reignite passion and love for my business, I romanticize my atmosphere by creating a fun mood: a bouquet of prop-sized flowers, candles scattered throughout the studio, custom playlists, and creating new art to display. I also believe reminiscing is a healthy and necessary practice to incorporate. Just like looking back on the days of a budding relationship, I enjoy reading old journal entries, photos, and videos of the early days of my business. It brings back mixed emotions and reminds me of how far my business and I have come.
Inability to Have Fun Together
I am my business and my business is me. I work alone a lot, or individually with clients. I’ve been fortunate enough to have several stylist friends in the salon business I collaborate with for hair and makeup, and I love every second of it when we are on shoots together. Professionalism still remains at the forefront of my presentation, but I enjoy cracking jokes and enjoying time while doing my work efficiently.
Overspending of Money & Time on Other Things
Just like living space for a couple, the space for conducting business needs to be equipped without spending too much money. Keeping overhead low is one of the most recommended tips for housing and business spaces. I’ve been fortunate enough to find a small, quaint studio space where I conduct retail, services, and office work all in one. Every inch is used every day, so time and money is being properly utilized and not overspent. Having a smaller space also prevents me from having leisure items like TV, lounge couch, bar, or even people, so I can keep focused on the tasks at hand.
Married Before 25
Everyone has their own timeline + path, but I began my business at age 25. A lot changes every year, so I felt like when I hit 25, I developed my stride and knew who I (and my business) was and was not. Years prior I had to experiment, have trial and error moments, edit my lifestyle choices. At age 25, I had graduated college, lived & worked in NYC for two years, and finally acquired the gumption to be something remarkable: a Makeup Artist in my micropolitan hometown, Paducah.