I think one of the biggest misconceptions about owning a small business is that once it starts growing, everything gets easier.
The truth is, some seasons actually get harder.
Right now, I'm sitting here looking at my to-do list and wondering how we're only a few days away from my son's first birthday. A whole year. How is that even possible?
At the same time, shipments are arriving daily. Boxes are stacked everywhere waiting to be opened, counted, inventoried, and organized. Orders need to be packed. Customer emails need replies. The next preorder is already being planned. New designs need approvals. The website needs updates.
And somewhere in between all of that, I'm trying to plan a birthday party for my baby.
Not because it has to be perfect, but because he's only going to turn one once.
I know so many moms can relate to feeling pulled in a hundred different directions. You're answering emails while making lunch. You're thinking about tomorrow's schedule while folding laundry. You're mentally planning dinner while trying to finish a work project.
That's pretty much where I'm at right now.
What a lot of people don't see is that there isn't some huge team behind Lolly & Laddie. We aren't a big corporation with departments for everything. Most days it's me. My family helps tremendously and I truly couldn't do it without them, but at the end of the day, this is still a very small business.
When you message us, there's a good chance you're talking to me.
When a preorder is being planned, I'm involved.
When inventory arrives, I'm opening boxes.
When there's a website update, I'm working on it.
When a new idea pops into my head at 10 PM, I'm probably making notes on my phone while sitting on the couch after my son goes to bed.
And honestly? Some days I feel like I have it all together. Other days I feel like I'm dropping every ball at once.
Motherhood has a way of putting everything into perspective, though.
A year ago, I was holding a newborn and wondering how I would ever balance being a mom and running a business. Now I'm chasing a toddler who is determined to climb everything in sight while trying to unload inventory shipments.
And somehow, we're making it work.
Not perfectly.
Not gracefully.
But we're making it work.
If you've ever felt like you're constantly trying to be everything to everyone, this is your reminder that you're not the only one. Sometimes the dishes stay in the sink a little longer. Sometimes the emails get answered later than planned. Sometimes the birthday decorations are being assembled at midnight.
And that's okay.
We're all just doing the best we can with the season we're in.
For me, this season looks a little chaotic. A lot of boxes. A lot of caffeine. A first birthday party. A growing business. And a little boy who reminds me every day exactly why I'm working so hard in the first place.
And honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Madison
Founder & Owner, Lolly & Laddie Boutique