Growing Pains in Business

Starting a new business comes with its own set of growing pains—there’s just no way around it. But let me tell you, it feels a whole lot different when you’ve been through it before. With Branded Marketing and Branded Photography being my third business venture, I’ve walked this road enough times to know those uncomfortable moments are not signs of failure—they’re simply part of the process. And what’s even better? This time, I’m not riding the cortisol-fueled roller coaster like I did in the early days. Instead, I’m navigating the bumps with a calm mind and a whole lot more grace.

One thing I’ve learned (the hard way, might I add) is how important it is to have everything buttoned up before you start shouting your offers from the rooftops. Consumers are incredibly savvy these days. They’ll ask the hard questions before they even think about handing over their hard-earned money—and honestly, they should. As business owners, we have to be prepared for that. But here’s the trick: when those tough questions or pointed observations come up, don’t rush to defend yourself. Take a breath. Pause. And ask yourself, what is this moment teaching me?

Recently, I found myself in one of those “here we go again” situations. I had updated the offers on my website, but I forgot to update the corresponding contract. A client caught it and pointed out the discrepancy. Old me might have gotten flustered, felt embarrassed, or even slightly defensive. But seasoned me? I simply responded, “Thank you for catching that mistake on my contract. In good faith, I’d love to honor the rate and deliverables you saw listed.” That’s it. No drama. Just honesty, integrity, and moving forward.

Here’s the reality: Clients don’t expect you to be perfect—but they do want to know they can trust you. When you own your mistakes and make it right, you’re not just fixing a problem—you’re building a reputation as a business owner who stands behind her word. And in the long run, that kind of trust is priceless.

These are just a few of the growing pains I’m noticing this time around. But the difference is, they don’t rattle me like they used to. I’m no longer measuring my success by perfection. I’m measuring it by my resilience, my willingness to learn, and the integrity I bring into every interaction.

After eight years of entrepreneurship, I’ve finally realized: there is no such thing as failure—only lessons to learn and opportunities to do better. And when you approach business that way, you don’t just build a successful brand. You create happy clients, long-term relationships, and a thriving reputation that speaks for itself.

So if you’re feeling the pressure of getting everything “just right,” take heart. The growing pains are normal. They’re shaping you into the kind of business owner you’re meant to become. And I promise, one day you’ll look back—just like I am now—and realize those hard moments were actually the biggest blessings.

If you need advice or even just some consulting that you are doing things right, book a consultation call with me!

xoxo,

Brianna Hall