Six Months In: Lessons, Wins, and What’s Next

Last April, I was made redundant, instead of rushing into the next thing, I took a deliberate pause. I wanted space to think clearly, reset, and figure out what I truly wanted from work and life.

During that time, the idea for starting my own web design business began to take shape. What started as a loose idea gradually became a plan, and in January, six months ago, I officially launched. Since then, it’s been a mix of highs and hard lessons: moments of real pride, occasional loneliness, and the ever-present challenge of finding the next customer.

This post is a short reflection on what’s gone well, what’s been challenging, and what I’m looking forward to next.

Why I Started

Taking that pause after redundancy gave me a rare chance to step back and ask some big questions What do I want my work to look like? Who do I want to help?

I kept coming back to the same answer: I wanted to create something of my own that felt meaningful. I’ve always enjoyed solving problems and working with people, and I saw an opportunity to support small businesses who often feel overwhelmed when it comes to getting online.

Rather than offering flashy solutions, I wanted to provide calm, clear, dependable support — to simplify the process of building and managing a website, and help people feel confident in their online presence.

What’s Gone Well

One of the biggest wins has been regaining my freedom, after years working for companies, I now decide how, when, and where I work. Having that control over my time and environment has been incredibly refreshing.

Seeing a website I’ve built go live is exhilarating. As a software engineer by trade, I’ve often only seen the technical side behind the scenes, but now I get to watch the whole thing come together and know that I created it. There’s a real sense of pride in that.

I’ve built and launched websites I’m genuinely proud of, and while my service offering is still evolving, it’s becoming clearer and simpler, helping me connect with clients more effectively.

In terms of building a local name, it’s early days, but I’m excited to already have a potential customer in Manchester, a sign that the reach is growing beyond my immediate area.

Most importantly, I’ve learned to trust my instincts and back my decisions which has made a big difference in moving forward with confidence.

What’s Been Challenging

One of the biggest challenges has been the uncertainty never quite knowing where the next customer will come from. It’s a constant balance between working on client projects and marketing myself to build a steady pipeline.

Discipline is another hurdle. Committing to writing new blog posts every week and sharing content on Facebook three to four times a week takes consistent effort. Some days, it feels like a slog, especially when juggling all the other hats I wear.

Sometimes, it’s also hard to share the excitement of what’s being built. Putting myself and my work out there means being vulnerable but I’m learning that sharing that journey is part of connecting with others.

What I’ve Learned

Flexibility has been key. At first, I wasn’t keen on building e-commerce sites it wasn’t part of the original plan. But my very first project ended up being an e-commerce build, with a potential second one coming up. It showed me I can do it, and that customers appreciate the designs.

This experience reminded me that sometimes, success comes from being open to new opportunities, even if they’re outside your comfort zone.

Along the way, I’ve gained confidence in my skills and learned that adaptability isn’t just useful it’s essential when running your own business.

There are plenty of other lessons, too, but the biggest is that growth often happens when you lean into the unexpected.

What’s Next

Looking ahead, I’m committed to keeping the momentum going with weekly blog posts and regular Facebook content. Building that consistent presence online is key, but I know I’ll also need to step up my in-person networking, something that pushes me out of my comfort zone. That’s a goal for after the summer.

I’m hopeful the two potential customers I’m currently talking to will come on board. There’s no reason to think they won’t, and that would be a great boost.

I’ll also be expanding the services I offer, especially around content support and Google Ads campaigns, giving clients more ways to get noticed and grow.

Improving the client experience from day one remains a priority, so I’ll be refining how I work with new customers to make everything smoother and more transparent.

Finally, I need to give my own website and brand some TLC. As they say, you’ve got to eat your own dog food, so it’s time to practice what I preach and make sure my own digital presence is as strong as the ones I build for others.

Thank You

This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of a few special people.

Andrea, my wife, has been my rock, encouraging me through the ups and downs, and always believing in the vision.

My daughters have cheered me on with energy and enthusiasm, reminding me why this is worth it.

And Jackie, who runs SewLetsFaceIt and was the client for my very first website, showed trust and gave me that crucial first opportunity.

I’m also grateful for the Business Startup Boot Camp last November, run by Pet Xi, which provided valuable guidance and support as I prepared to launch.

To all of you thank you. Your support means everything, and I’m grateful to have you alongside me as this adventure continues.