Kelsey SmithDuring my undergrad, entrepreneurship was the most daunting major in the business college. Even as I stepped into leadership roles, like President of the University of Toledo’s Golden Key International Honour Society, I never saw myself as an individual who could handle that kind of responsibility.
The “capital E” Entrepreneur felt like a different species. I was not that.
But here’s the alchemical truth: Entrepreneurship doesn’t always knock on the front door. Sometimes, it falls right into your lap.
In 2018, I started a podcast, The CanSurvivor. I had no idea that this one act of passion would be the catalyst for my entire entrepreneurial pursuit. It led me to my colleague, videographer, and close friend, Joe. He introduced me to WordPress, and I started helping a non-profit with their website, free of charge, just to learn.
Then, Joe gave me the opportunity of a lifetime: a referral for my first paying client. I took everything I was learning, switched the client from Jimdo to my own provider (saving them hundreds in fees), and just like that… I was an entrepreneur.
My five years in sales, a role I never truly loved, had prepared me. It taught me how to have conversational, professional, and clear discussions about offerings. It gave me the framework to build packages, which is critical.
I’ve learned so much since those early days. And as a Wise Alchemist, I believe in sharing the wisdom forged from the fire. Here are the 5 lessons I wish I’d known when I started.
1. Price Your Kindness (And Your Knowledge)
That non-profit I mentioned? In retrospect, she took advantage of my kindness. I was so eager to learn and help that I gave away my knowledge for free for far too long. Here is your first noble decree: Any knowledge is worth something. Price it accordingly. Even if a small update, like changing a favicon or a logo, is “easy” for you, it is valuable to the person who can’t do it. Your expertise is your gold; don’t give it away for free unless it’s a strategic, intentional gift.
2. Curate Your Offerings (Don’t Overwhelm)
When I started, I wanted to prove I could do everything. The result? I offered far too many services at once, which only overwhelmed my clients (and me). A Sovereign doesn’t just build; a Soulful Curator designs. The best thing I did was refine my services into clear, simple packages. Start small, master your craft, and then slowly and intentionally expand your offerings.
3. Open Your Treasury Wisely
Don’t just walk into the first bank you see. My first business account was with Chase, and at one point, they were charging me $15 a month because my balance was “too low.” It was a penalty for being small. I am now a happy Huntington customer who pays no monthly fee, regardless of my balance. A Noble Sovereign protects her treasury. Do your research and find a low-cost, high-value business banking account that supports small businesses, not penalizes them.
4. Your Name is Your First Decree
I love the brand I built, but I wish I had picked a more unique name. The CanSurvivor has been reused and recycled by others, which creates brand confusion. Your name is your first act of sovereign identity. Take the time to find something that is truly, uniquely yours. I’ll let you in on a secret to how I came up with Sey Your Vision: I realized the s-e-y in ‘Kelsey’ sounded like ‘see’ and ‘sea.’
5. You Don’t Need to Do All the Things
In the beginning, I put so much pressure on myself. I was worried about HR, pitch decks, and a thousand other things I thought “real entrepreneurs” did. It was a fast track to burnout. As someone who has been doing this for a few years, I can tell you the truth: focus on the work. Focus on serving your clients, perfecting your craft, and paying your taxes. You don’t need to do all the things. You just need to do the next, most important thing.
