The Art of Running a Business in Your 20s
Half imposter syndrome, half main character energy.
Meet Kirsty — Founder, Creative Director & Your New Brand Bestie
Running a business in your 20s is equal parts thrilling, exhausting, and a little chaotic. You’re figuring it out as you go, and you don’t just wear one hat — you wear them all. One day I’m the creative director, dreaming up brand strategy and moodboards. The next, I’m the accountant, chasing invoices and muttering “what even is GST again?” And when people ask how I’m managing, the truth is: some days I’m on top of the world, and other days I’m googling “how to write an invoice” at midnight.
Here’s the thing though — no matter how old you are, starting your own business (especially on your own) is one of the hardest, most demanding, yet most rewarding things you’ll ever do. Building something from scratch and shaping it into a brand you’re proud of is an achievement that hits differently.
There’s a real art to starting young, so here’s my take on what it actually takes to keep things moving (and keep yourself sane).
Process = Sanity
Every project, every client, every late-night brainstorm runs smoother when there’s a clear map of what’s ahead. That means being brutally honest with myself (and my clients) about what’s in scope, what’s not, and who’s responsible for what. It can feel awkward at first, but trust me — it saves you from the dreaded “Wait, wasn’t that included?” emails.
I’m not the hyper-organized, colour-coded Type A kind of founder. I’m more Type B — creative, adaptable, and not afraid of a little beautiful chaos. But don’t get me wrong: I am organized, just in my own way.
For me, that looks like scribbled to-do lists, mapped-out timelines, and clear deliverables that keep both me and my clients on track. It doesn’t have to be perfect or pretty to be effective. The magic is in finding just enough structure to keep deadlines sharp, while leaving space for creativity and flexibility along the way.
That balance — structure + spontaneity — is what makes my work reliable and fun.
Attitude is Everything
Being young in business means you’ll be doubted, second-guessed, or underestimated. But resilience, humour, and a little “watch me do it anyway” energy can carry you through just about anything — spreadsheets, strategy decks, and all.
The Secret Sauce
Running a business in your 20s isn’t about having it all figured out (spoiler: no one does). It’s about showing up, setting boundaries, and building a process that’s seamless and fun.
No matter your age, starting a business — and building a brand from the ground up — is one of the hardest, most stretching, yet most rewarding things you’ll ever do. And for me?
What a ride. Wouldn’t trade it for anything.
