3 Things I Have Learned in 3 Years of Owning a Brick and Mortar Business
From the spark of an idea to building a brand, celebrating ribbon cuttings, navigating slow days, moments of doubt, and every happy or heavy tear in between, these past three years have been a journey I never expected to take.
Nuwave began as a simple proposal: “Are you interested in expanding your art career?”
My answer was yes. But the real question should have been, “Are you ready to invest your time, energy, and heart into something that will stretch you, grow your skills, deepen your roots in community, and change the way you see every business forever?”
I had run a business for years, but mostly online or in small pop-ups. Owning a physical space meant calling the shots, stepping out of the corporate world, and creating a name for myself in this town. That yes was huge.
Here are the top 3 lessons these years have taught me:
1) Community is everything
From the beginning, we dug into our downtown. We learned the plans, met the people, volunteered, and showed up. Over time, that effort grew into a deep love for this town and a desire to see it flourish.
There is a saying that all ships rise and fall with the tide. It is easier and more meaningful to ride the waves when you have good people beside you. Community matters more than anything.
2) Be flexible with your dreams
Not everything will unfold the way you picture it. There are more rules, fees, surprises, and responsibilities than I ever imagined.
Remaining open and adaptable helps you navigate the many no’s that come with owning a business. You learn to pivot. You learn to grow. You learn to adjust.
Sometimes things turn out even better than the original dream. They simply take time to develop and reveal themselves.
3) Keep evolving
What works in one season may not work in the next. Take what you have learned and keep dreaming boldly for your future. The world changes quickly. Allow yourself to imagine new ideas, new dreams, and new ways of showing up, and carry forward the wisdom gained along the way.
The number three has its own biblical significance, often symbolizing completeness, fullness, and a sense of divine presence woven through a journey. Looking back on these three years, I definitely feel the weight of that meaning. Every high, every challenge, and every lesson has formed a full and purposeful season that has shaped me in ways I never expected. It feels like a reminder that nothing about this has been accidental.
From an artist, designer, and sometimes imposter, I hope that whatever journey you are on, these lessons offer you something to carry into your own story.
And one more thing: supporting small businesses truly matters. Every local shop, maker, cafe, gallery, and family run storefront is powered by real people who eat, sleep, and breathe their dreams. Every purchase fuels their ability to keep going. Every sale reinforces the belief that their work has value. Small businesses shape communities in ways that big box stores never will, and your support genuinely keeps them alive.
So thank you to everyone who chooses to shop small. It makes a difference, and it means more than you know.
