What People Don’t See Behind a Small Business

 

When people think “small business owner,” they often picture a cute studio, a perfectly curated desk, and someone breezing through orders with a flat white and a playlist on. And honestly? Sometimes I wish it looked like that too.

But the reality — at least for me — is very different.

The Temporary Setup (and the Chaos Before It)

Right now, I’m working from a temporary setup while my proper craft room is being renovated. It's not glamorous. It’s not even particularly inspiring. But it’s organised — and that, it turns out, makes all the difference.

Before this setup, everything felt harder. More stressful. I was making more mistakes, constantly looking for things, and feeling overwhelmed before I’d even started. Now that I’ve got a bit of order (even in a makeshift space), the pressure’s lifted. I can think clearly, work quicker, and actually enjoy the process again.

The Bits You Don’t See

When you place an order from a small business, it’s easy to imagine someone with a calm, Pinterest-worthy setup just waiting to lovingly pack your item. And while I do always pack with care, there’s a lot you don’t see:

Me working from the corner of a room while the baby monitor hums nearby

Carefully planning stock around when I can get a delivery without waking anyone up

Spending half the evening reorganising supplies because I don't have proper storage yet

Triple-checking personalisation details because my brain is tired and I really don’t want to make a mistake

Watching sales slow and wondering if it’s something I’ve done wrong — before remembering: it’s the end of the month. People are stretched. Payday is coming. It always picks up.

That last one is important. When you’re so close to your business, it’s easy to panic when orders slow down. But over time you start to see patterns — and trust that quiet spells don’t mean failure. They just mean timing.

Making Do, Doing Your Best

You don’t need a perfect setup to start. Or a fully renovated studio. Or brand-new tools.

You just have to get on with it. Do your best with what you’ve got. And trust that things will evolve as you go. (Even if, right now, your “office” is half a dining table and a lot of apologising to your partner.)

Progress Over Perfection

This season has reminded me that progress really doesn’t have to look pretty. It just has to work — and if your space helps you feel calmer, more in control, and better at what you do, that’s a win. Even if it’s temporary. Even if it’s not Insta-worthy.

So if you're building something from the corner of your kitchen, or in a room that’s more “chaotic craft stash” than curated studio — I see you. You’re doing brilliantly.

 

Rosie