ep 16 Starting a service-based business can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just getting started. You dream of making a massive impact, helping people in ways that matter, and building a business that truly changes lives. But before you reach that point, there’s a stage that every entrepreneur must go through—the small beginnings.

Let’s be real for a second. Small beginnings can be frustrating. It might feel like nothing is happening, like no one is noticing the work you’re putting in. But let me tell you, if you stick with it, keep showing up, and refuse to give up, you will see the results.

My Small Beginning Story

I remember when I started my first service-based business. At the time, I was pregnant with my third child, running my business from my living room. No fancy office, no warehouse, no employees—just me, my vision, and my determination.

Before launching, I had been helping family and friends shop for free. But when I decided to turn my skills into an official business, I registered it and was so excited. I thought the moment I launched, orders would start pouring in. But guess what? Nothing happened.

For weeks, I waited. No customers, no sales. I started doubting myself, wondering if I had made a mistake. It wasn’t until a month later that I got my very first order. It was from a bride who wanted a shoe clip for her wedding shoes. That one order brought me so much joy, but the waiting period before that was tough.

There were many moments when I wanted to quit. I remember calling my friend and asking, “Can I just quit?” I felt like I had misheard God, like I wasn’t meant to do this. But my friend encouraged me to keep going. She reminded me that every big thing starts small.

Fast forward to today, that same business now serves over 58,000 customers across three different countries. We ship products in bulk every week, moving from struggling to fill a small box to shipping pallets of goods. Looking back, I see how crucial my small beginnings were. They taught me resilience, patience, and faith.

The Challenges of Starting Again

Now, I’ve started my second service-based business, coaching and consulting for Christian women who want to launch their own service-based businesses. And guess what? I’m facing the same struggles all over again.

You would think that having already built one successful business, this new venture would be easier. But I still find myself battling doubt, discouragement, and comparison. I see others growing faster, and I sometimes feel stuck. But I remind myself: I’ve been here before, and I know what it takes to get through this stage.

So if you’re feeling discouraged about your small beginnings, I want to share a few things that helped me push through and grow my first business to where it is today.

1. Don’t Despise Small Beginnings

There’s a Bible verse that helped me through my early days: Zechariah 4:10 (NLT), which says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”

Small beginnings are necessary. They shape you, refine your skills, and prepare you for the growth ahead. The temptation to despise where you are right now is real, but if you disregard the small steps, you’ll stop showing up and doing the work. Growth takes time, and every big success starts small.

2. Remember That Everything Big Starts Small

Think about an oak tree. It starts as a tiny acorn. If you judge it too early, you’ll think it’s insignificant. But with time, it grows into something massive. The same applies to your business.

Even something as simple as hot water takes time. I recently checked into a hotel and turned on the shower, but the water stayed cold. I called guest services, and they told me to give it more time. I left it running, and after a while, it turned hot. Your business is like that water. It might feel like nothing is happening, but with time and consistency, things will change.

3. Avoid Comparison

Comparison is one of the biggest joy-stealers for entrepreneurs. It’s so easy to look at others who are further along and feel like you’re failing. But here’s the thing: their journey is not yours. They might be years ahead, while you’re just getting started.

The moment you start comparing, you’ll feel discouraged. You’ll start questioning your calling, your abilities, and your progress. Instead of comparing, focus on your own path. Celebrate your small wins, no matter how tiny they seem.

4. Find a Support System

I can’t stress this enough. You need people who believe in you, who will remind you why you started when you feel like giving up. When I was struggling in my first business, my friend’s encouragement kept me going. She reminded me that the frustration I felt was temporary.

A support system could be a mentor, a business coach, a community of like-minded people, or even just one or two close friends who get it. Surround yourself with encouragement, because entrepreneurship can be lonely, and you’ll need people to lean on.

5. Keep Showing Up

Success doesn’t happen overnight. You have to keep showing up, even when you feel like no one is watching. Your audience, customers, and clients will come, but only if they see you consistently showing up.

If I had quit in my first year, I wouldn’t be here today, running a thriving business. And if I quit now in my coaching business, I’ll never see it grow into what I know it can be. The same applies to you. Keep going, keep learning, and keep growing. Your breakthrough will come.

Final Thoughts

I know small beginnings can be discouraging. I know the waiting period feels endless. But I also know that if you push through, keep showing up, and stay focused, you will see results.

So, if you’re in the early stages of your business, feeling unsure, frustrated, or tempted to quit, take a deep breath. You are exactly where you need to be. Keep planting the seeds, keep watering them, and trust that in time, you will see the harvest.

Your small beginning is not your final destination. It’s just the start of something incredible.