Yesterday marked our fourth year in business! Hooray! And if you’re subscribed to our instagram account, I hope you’re enjoying our trip down Memory Lane via stories. Going through the photos made us realize how many rooms our business has put us in. Two Dough Girls has given us numerous opportunities to meet, serve and work alongside a countless number of dope creatives and supporters. We are forever grateful.

That’s the good; the bad and the ugly don’t get nearly as much shine. As an entrepreneur, times can and do get tough. It doesn’t matter if it’s a side hustle or main gig - entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. But giving up is too easy! And I promise you’ll be singing the shoulda coulda wouldas in your final days if you fail to make a reality of your dreams.

There are so many things that we’ve learned and want to share with those who, like us, are still budding as well as those who have yet to plant the seed. This list could easily go on and on, but I’ve narrowed it down to reflect how we’ve stayed sane these four years in business:

1. Don’t hesitate. Time waits for no man! If your gut says yes, dangit then say yes! This is especially true in the beginning when you’re trying to get your name out and gain experience. Dabbling lets your know (real quick) if something will work or if you should try a different route.

2. Rest. Only a refrigerator should be running all the time.

3. Make room for other hobbies and goals. If you’re like us, you’ve birthed a business from a hobby. When business picks up, you’ll hopefully still enjoy it, but make room for your other interests; a once joyful pastime may soon feel like a long day at work. You never want to get to a point where you dread maintaining your business, so take preventive measures.

4. Ask for help and guidance. When it comes to something new, none of us knows exactly what to do and how to do it. Don’t be too prideful to say tf..I don’t know! and reach out to someone who does. If you admire someone in your industry, ask them out for an informal yet informational tea session. Knowing when to ask for help will also be handy when your budding business blossoms and you need to pass off tasks.

For fellow entrepreneurs, let us know what you’d add to the list. And for budding entrepreneurs, feel free to share what scares you most about planting that seed.

Thanks for reading! Enjoy your weekend.