steal these three lessons from my first year
In July 2025, a very bright-eyed, bushy-tailed version of me finally hit publish on Tiarna Rose Design. After months of planning and building away in the background, my baby was out in the world.
And now, somehow, it's officially been a year.
I'll be honest, it's been a rollercoaster. Some really high highs and some low lows. But a year in, there are a few things I wish I could go back and tell that version of me. And because so many of you are building beautiful, feeling-led businesses of your own, I wanted to share them with you too.
01 / STEP BACK & CELEBRATE THE SMALL WINS
When you run your own business, it's so easy to get swept up in the anxieties and the endless list of things you think you should be doing. I do it constantly. But the truth is, you're doing something incredible. You're pursuing your actual passion, and that deserves a moment of appreciation.
So save the lovely emails. Screenshot the message from a client who adored what you made. Remember the dream projects, the connections, the progress you didn't think you'd make this quickly.
Your takeaway: start a smile file. One little folder, somewhere easy to find, where you keep every kind word and proud moment. On the hard days, it's the reminder you'll be so glad you kept.
02 / READJUST AND KEEP MOVING FORWARD
Not everything you start out offering is going to keep lighting you up, and that's completely okay. If something in your business feels more draining than it's worth, that's usually a sign it's time to revisit your goals rather than push harder. Giving yourself permission to change direction isn't failing. It's paying attention.
Your takeaway: check in with your business the way you would a good friend. Ask what's working, what's draining you, and give yourself full permission to adjust.
03 / FIND THE WHIMSY IN YOUR EVERYDAY
This is the one I need reminding of the most. I get so caught up in the day-to-day, and everything always feels urgent. I can stress myself into a corner and completely forget how bloody epic my life actually is.
Creating is the thing I love. So I'm trying to protect the joy in it. Making my space feel inspiring. Working analog more often. Taking my laptop outside, or closing it entirely to go and watch the sunset.
Your takeaway: find one small way to bring the whimsy back this week. An inspiring corner, an analog afternoon, ten minutes in the sun. The joy is the whole point.
A year in, I feel so lucky to be doing this, and even luckier to be doing it alongside people like you.
So here's my little invitation: take five minutes this week to look back on your own year. Celebrate one win. Save it to your smile file. You've earned it.
Thank you for being here. Here's to whatever this next year holds.
Tiarna x
