Closing out Small Business Week hits a little differently for us this year.
Last year marked our very first official year in business. At the time, both of us were still working full-time jobs while trying to build something we truly believed in after hours. One of us was spending more than an hour each day commuting, only to come home and continue working on our dream long into the evening.
There were missed family events, skipped get-togethers with friends, late nights, early mornings, and countless moments of “robbing Peter to pay Paul” just trying to make the most of every hour in the day. Like many small business owners, we learned quickly that building something of your own requires sacrifice before it ever shows success.
Now in year two, the hours are still long — but we are learning how to work smarter, not just harder. There are a few less “no’s” to family events and a little more balance as we continue growing the dream we started.
My full-time career is in workforce development, where I’ve spent years helping local businesses — especially small businesses — offset training costs, support employees, and navigate hiring challenges during difficult labor markets. I’ve always respected business owners, but now that we’re on the other side of the phone calls and emails, the admiration runs even deeper.
Taking the leap into business ownership comes with uncertainty, risk, stress, and faith. While we may only be in year two, we’ve found ourselves inspired by long-standing business owners who unknowingly mentor people like us simply through their leadership, consistency, and perseverance.
To those business owners: we see you.
We notice the years you put in, the lessons you learned the hard way, and the example you set for those of us just getting started. And if we ever meet you in person, just know a large coffee and heartfelt thank you will absolutely be in order. (Note to self: prepare to explain all the coffee purchases to Jeremy.)
More than anything, I truly believe God heard every conversation, every worry, and every prayer for guidance throughout this journey. Slowly but surely, we are finding our place in this life and in this business.
Supporting small businesses means more than simply purchasing a product or service. It means recognizing the risk someone took to chase what many still call the American Dream. It means supporting families, goals, sacrifices, and communities.
As Small Business Week comes to a close, we just want to say thank you — to every customer, supporter, referral, and fellow small business owner who continues to encourage us along the way.
We’re still building. Still learning. Still growing.
And we’re grateful for every step of it.