What i learned from building two small businesses in my early 20's
Building Kawaiipop and A.M.F LUXE DETAIL wasn't just about creating brands it was about learning how to start from nothing, take risks, and figure out problems in real time. I didn't have a roadmap, a mentor, or a big budget, What I had was curiosity determination, and a willingness to learn fast. Those experiences ended up teaching me skills that I now use in every project and professional environment.
1. I learned how to brand and market from the ground up
With Kawaiipop, my first beauty brand, I learned to create an identity people could connect with. I taught myself SEO, built a website, designed visuals, and learned how to attract the right audience. Growing the brand's Pinterest presence to over 200k monthly views showed me how content strategy and analytics work in the real world not just theory.
This experience helped me understand how to create digital experiences that are clean, consistent, and intentional.
2. I learned how to communicate like a pro
Running a service business like A.M.F LUXE DETAIL required real communication. I had to:
- Respond to clients quickly
- Explain services clearly
- Set expectations
- Handle problems calmly
- Build trust
These interactions developed my customer service and interpersonal skills more than any class ever could. It also taught me how to read people, adapt to different personalities, and represent myself professionally.
3. I Learned how to manage operations and deliver results
Both businesses forced me to think like an owner. I had to handle scheduling, budgeting, product quality, time management, customer satisfaction, and process improvement. Most importantly, I had to figure out what wasn't working and fix it quickly. There's no "pass" or "fail" grad only results.
Learning to analyze problems and adapt fast has become one of my strengths.
4. I learned how to teach myself quickly
Every new challenge pushed me into another tool, platform, or skill: website builders, SEO tools, analytics dashboards, design software, marketing strategies, client systems, and more. I learned that I'm good at picking up new tools independently and using them confidently.
That ability is the foundation of every job I pursue today.
5. I learned what kind of work motivates me
Starting two businesses helped me understand what I enjoy most:
- Creative problem solving
- Working directly with people
- Building something from the ground up
- Learning new systems
- Seeing clear results from my work
These experiences shaped the type of roles I'm aiming for now. Roles where I can grow, contribute, and keep learning.
6. I learning resilience adn adaptability
Balancing school, family, work, and entrepreneurship taught me how to stay focused under pressure and stay flexible when things change. I learned to keep moving forward even when the outcome wasn't guaranteed.
Closing thoughts
Starting businesses in my early 20s taught me more about responsibility, communication, digital tools, and customer experience than any single job ever could. These experiences shaped who I am today: someone resourceful, adaptable, and ready to grow into a professional environment.
They didn't just teach me how to build brands. They taught me how to build myself.