Exclusive Insight: Thrilling 5 Year Journey of Mistry Of Words

The Rollercoaster Ride: Five Years as an IndependentCopywriter and Brand Designer

Reflections, Lessons, and Tips for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

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Five years ago, with fear weighing heavily on my heart, I took a powerful step and quit my marketing job. I knew it was the right decision for many reasons. With no job waiting for me as a safety net, I picked myself up and, with a persistent spark of creativity and an unyielding belief in the power of storytelling and design, I embarked on a journey to carve my path as an independent copywriter and brand designer.

What started as a side hustle with a vision of generating extra income six months prior (although it was on the back burner for those six months) was catapulted by leaving a job with no other job to go into and has grown in ways I couldn't have imagined.

Looking back on these years, it feels as though I've lived through the loops, twists, and turns of a rollercoaster ride—an exhilarating one marked by triumphs, challenges, and moments of deep reflection.

I've risen.

I've fallen.

I've floated through smooth waters.

I've ridden the rough waves.

I've grown like a tree, standing tall and rooted through every storm, only to come out blossoming in colourful bloom.

Saying it's been a rollercoaster of a journey is rather fitting.

The Highs: Celebrating Successes

Every business journey is punctuated by moments of celebration, and mine is no exception. Winning my first big client was a turning point, a moment that validated my skills and reassured me that I was on the right path. There were instances when a brand I designed became the face of a thriving business. The rewarding moments when I've received five-star reviews and messages of gratitude from clients expressing how happy they are with the copy written or the logo designed.

These highs have been more than milestones—they fuel my passion. Each success reinforced the belief that creativity has the power to inspire, connect, and transform.

The Lows: Navigating Challenges

Of course, no rollercoaster ride is complete without its dips. There are seasons when client work is scarce. When rejection stung and when self-doubt crept in. The loneliness of being a solopreneur, managing all aspects of the business—from marketing to accounting—and balancing creativity with strategy can often feel overwhelming.

The biggest challenge of all is when an unexpected storm sweeps in, shaking the foundation.

In April 2024, I had one such unexpected stormy moment in the form of an extreme health scare that has made me realign and rebuild not only myself but the business I have built over the years (a story for another day). As I now continue to pick up and put together the pieces, I look forward to the unknown path ahead of me. The new turn Mistry of Words is taking.

Yet, these lows have taught me resilience. The last year has made me realise how strong and resilient I am. They urge me to adapt, sharpen my skills, and find innovative ways to push forward. These moments remind me that growth often comes from discomfort and the unknown strong winds that shake all that we know. The truth is that failure is not the opposite of success but rather a stepping stone toward it. The moments that shake us are building us. Sometimes, we have to go through the unknown, tough hike through thorny woods to come out to a beautiful new horizon.

Reflections: The True Power of Patience and Persistence

What have I learned over these five years?

I guess the most profound lessons of these five years have been the importance of

• patience,

• persistence,

• self-belief, and

• faith

We often seek instant results.  You get frustrated and give up when the going gets tough, and you see no results for months on end. I quickly learned that building a sustainable business requires time, effort, and unwavering dedication. You need to have faith and strong self-belief in yourself, your product and service, and the work you are doing.

Over the years, the process of honing my craft, nurturing relationships, and establishing my reputation has been gradual but deeply rewarding. Even more so than worrying about what lies ahead.

Finally, valuing authenticity. In a crowded marketplace, staying true to my unique voice and vision has been pivotal. Clients resonate with genuine connections, and my best work has always stemmed from being unapologetically myself.

This authenticity is what I also ensure reflects in the brands, services, and products I work on, whether through their brand design or copywriting.

Five Business Tips to Inspire Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Drawing from my journey, here are five tips for small and medium-sized businesses:

1. Embrace the Power of Niches

Not everyone requires your services. Instead of trying to cater to everyone, focus on your niche. Understand the specific needs of your target audience and craft solutions tailored to them. Specialisation helps you stand out and allows you to become a trusted expert in your field.  Let your unique skills shine – who are you? What do you offer? To whom do you offer it?

2. Build Meaningful Relationships

Business is more than transactions; it's about human connections. Invest time in building relationships with clients, collaborators, and industry peers. Maintain and nurture those relationships.

Networking and genuine engagement can open doors to unexpected opportunities and long-term partnerships.

3. Adaptability Is Key

The truth is, life is constantly changing. Hence, it's no surprise that the business landscape is ever-changing too. You must be flexible and willing to evolve with industry trends, client demands, and technological advancements.

Adaptability ensures you stay relevant and ready to tackle new challenges.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

Success isn't always about massive milestones; it's also about everyday victories. While I have always celebrated small wins, my greatest victory is coming out of the woods from a traumatic event this year.

So go ahead and celebrate completed projects, client testimonials, and moments when you've learned something new. Don’t forget to celebrate the personal winds in your everyday life.  

Recognising small wins keeps morale high and motivates you to keep pushing forward.

5. Invest in Self-Care

Running a business can be demanding – so can life! But your well-being matters. Take breaks, go for a walk, set boundaries, and prioritise self-care in a way that you enjoy. For me, it's always been curling up with a book and taking a day off in the week to recharge.

A healthy and balanced mindset fosters creativity, productivity, and decision-making.

A bonus tip

Stay authentic to yourself.

Think about the content you are drawn to. The podcast you have on loop. Why do these connect? Because they are raw, real and authentic.

In a world where AI is growing, you might find yourself caught in the winds of using it more and more. My advice is to use it as an efficient assistant; don’t let it take over your creativity and voice.  

Final thoughts

Five years in business have taught me that entrepreneurship is as much about personal growth as it is about passion, dedication, self-belief, adaptability and professional accomplishments.

The rollercoaster ride of highs and lows shapes us, refines us, and prepares us for greater heights.

To fellow entrepreneurs and dreamers, I say: take the leap of faith, embrace the journey, and trust the process. When the tides get rough, don’t give up. The ride may be wild, but the destination is always worth it!

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