This week, I turn 31. 🥳 And while birthdays are always a good excuse for cake, mine also feels like the perfect time to look back at the ride of small business ownership.

Seven years of running Studio West Design Co. have taught me a lot: about myself, about motherhood, about clients, and about building something that supports your life rather than swallows it whole. Some lessons came easy, some came hard, but all of them shaped who I am today. So, here they are: 31 lessons I’ve learned as a small business owner (and mom of three) for my 31st birthday.

1. Hustle culture wasn’t made for moms of multiples who see the power in presence.

I can’t “grind” from sunrise to midnight and still show up as the mom I want to be. Presence wins every time.

2. Clients who “get it” are worth their weight in gold.

When you find the ones who trust your vision and respect your process? Hold onto them tight.

3. The first draft is never the final draft.

Creativity lives in iteration. Don’t be afraid to circle back, refine, and polish.

4. Boundaries keep the business (and your sanity) alive.

Your yes means more when it’s not given away for free.

5. Spreadsheets are sexy when they’re color-coded.

Numbers don’t have to be scary. Organization is a love language.

6. Your kids are watching—show them what’s possible.

Mine see me balancing Zoom calls with snack duty, and one day they’ll know that’s strength, not chaos.

7. Ideas hit hardest in the shower or on the highway.

Not at your desk, and usually not when you’re trying too hard. Inspiration sneaks up.

8. You don’t need every client.

In fact, you shouldn’t want every client. Alignment matters more than invoices.

9. Celebrate the small wins just as much as the big ones.

Did you finally hit “send” on that scary email? That counts.

10. Rest is a strategy.

Burnout doesn’t produce brilliance. Rest resets creativity.

11. Most “overnight success” stories took 10+ years.

There’s no fast track. There’s just consistency.

12. No one wants merch with your logo on it outside of your friends and family.

Build products people actually want to wear and use. The best marketing doesn’t scream—it whispers.

13. You’ll never regret sending the extra thank-you note.

Gratitude always returns the favor.

14. Say yes, then figure it out.

It’s how growth happens. But…

15. Say no, then feel proud.

Because protecting your peace is just as powerful.

16. Don’t build a business you secretly resent.

If you hate it, it’s not worth it. Full stop.

17. A retreat with no WiFi is necessary—and Do Not Disturb is a key to sanity.

Stepping away is fuel. Silence is a tool.

18. Keep receipts (both for taxes + the tea ☕️).

Documentation saves you in more ways than one.

19. “Working-ish” is still working.

You don’t need a 9-to-5 grind to count. Success can look like two focused days and five lake days.

20. Hire before you’re ready.

Your future self will thank you.

21. Fire when you know.

Dragging your feet doesn’t help anyone—least of all you.

22. Montana summers > Zoom calls.

Business will wait. Memories won’t.

23. Great ideas don’t need permission.

Launch it. Post it. Try it. The rest can catch up later.

24. Social media isn’t strategy, it’s just a tool.

A hammer doesn’t build the house—you do.

25. People remember how you made them feel, not your pitch deck.

Relationships > proposals every single time.

26. One good client beats five lukewarm ones.

Don’t chase quantity—pursue quality.

27. Done is better than perfect.

Perfection is procrastination in disguise.

28. You started your own business to bring your vision to life, not everyone else’s—remember that.

Don’t lose yourself in the noise.

29. Your gut knows—listen.

It’s almost always right.

30. Nothing replaces grit.

Talent matters, but resilience matters more.

31. At the end of the day, your business should support your life… not the other way around.

That’s the whole point.

Birthday Bonus

To celebrate 31, I’m giving you 31% off our online store today only. 🎉 Use code: KWTURNS31
Think spooky, cowgirl, and “working-ish mom” staples—the kind of merch you’ll actually want to wear, not just stash in a drawer.

Shop here → https://studiowestdesignco.myshopify.com/collections

Here’s to 31 years, a lot of lessons learned, and a whole lot more to come. 💛