When I was twenty four year old, I read the book Shoe Dog, written by Phil Knight, the founder of Nike. This was long before I even had the idea of starting my business; Woven Royal. In the book Phil describes working as an accountant for years while also working on his shoe business; Nike. This was surprising to me because, at the time, I naively imagined big companies like Nike getting built overnight. However, I quickly learned that some things take time and most times it's better that way.
There’s this unspoken pressure that once you start a business, you need to go all in — quit your job, take the leap, no looking back and make it work, or else you're a failure. But that’s not the path I chose and I couldn't be happier.
I’ve been running my business for six years now, and I’ve also worked part-time most of it and it has been the smartest business and personal decision I've made and here's why.
1. Gives Me Structure
Not having a boss seems like the dream but you start to miss it when you are your own boss. You have to tell yourself what to do, and show up even when you don't feel like it. My part-time jobs give me a rhythm, a reason to get dressed in the morning and a schedule to follow.
2. Provides Stability
Running a business means some months are booming and others are… quiet. When there's a slow month I don't sweat it because my part-time jobs help smooth out the financial rollercoaster.
3. Keeps the Passion
I started my business out of a desire to help other people who had similar struggles with their curly hair as I did. I never wanted the business to feel like a chore. Since my personal bills are covered by my part-time jobs, I can continue to do business as labor a love and not as a obligation.
4. It Keeps me Engaged
Since my early twenties I've held more than one job. Having different jobs not only provides income, it also keeps me active, learning new skills and interacting with people outside of the business. This way I don't get bored, expand my abilities and find inspiration which I ultimately bring back to the business.
5. Provides Peace of Mind
Rent. Groceries. Life. Entrepreneurship don’t come with a steady paycheck, but my part-time jobs do. As an entrepreneur I'm naturally always thinking about my business. Having a part-time job gives me a break from that while also helping with the bills. Plus, I get to build my business on my terms and at my pace, no pressure.
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to be a business owner.
For me, working part-time gives me the freedom, stability, and balance I need to build with intention. My business is my dream and I chose a way to grow it that made sense for my life.
If you want to start a business or have already started one already and the "go all in" approach works for you, then go for it. This approach works for me and for the people that want to go after their dreams without putting it all on the line, opting for a slow and steady growth instead of an overnight one.
