The Art of Running a Business in Your 20s
Half imposter syndrome, half main character energy.
Running a business in your 20s is equal parts exciting, exhausting, and slightly chaotic. You’re figuring things out in real time, often without a blueprint, and you don’t just wear one hat. You wear all of them.
One day I’m deep in brand strategy and creative direction. The next, I’m chasing invoices and quietly asking myself what GST actually is. Some days I feel completely on top of things. Other days I’m googling how to do something I should probably already know.
And honestly, that feels pretty normal.
Starting a business, especially on your own, is one of the hardest and most rewarding things you can do at any age. Building something from scratch and shaping it into a brand you’re proud of hits differently when you’re doing it while still figuring out who you are and how you want to live.
There’s a real art to starting young, and this is what I’ve learned so far.
Process keeps you sane
Everything runs better when there’s a clear map. Projects, clients, late night ideas, all of it benefits from knowing what’s in scope, what’s not, and who’s responsible for what.
I’ve learned to be upfront with myself and with clients about expectations. It can feel uncomfortable at first, but it saves so much confusion later. Clear boundaries and clear deliverables are not restrictive. They are freeing.
I’m not a perfectly colour coded, spreadsheet loving founder. I’m more creative, flexible, and comfortable with a bit of mess. But that doesn’t mean I’m unorganised. For me, process looks like handwritten to do lists, loose timelines, and enough structure to keep things moving without killing the creative energy. It does not need to be perfect or polished to work. It just needs to be clear.
That balance between structure and flexibility is what keeps the work reliable and enjoyable.
Attitude matters more than age
Being young in business means you will be underestimated at times. You’ll be questioned, doubted, or made to feel like you need to prove yourself. What carries you through is resilience, self trust, and a quiet confidence that grows with every project you finish and every decision you make. A sense of humour helps too.You don’t need to know everything. You just need to be willing to learn, adapt, and keep showing up.
The real secret
Running a business in your 20s is not about having it all figured out. No one does. It’s about building systems that support you, setting boundaries that protect your energy, and creating a way of working that feels sustainable. It’s about letting yourself grow alongside your business, not behind it.
Building a brand from the ground up is challenging, stretching, and deeply rewarding. It asks a lot of you, but it gives a lot back too. For me, it’s been messy, exciting, humbling, and incredibly fulfilling. What a ride. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
