Starting a business in your twenties is often glamorised. But if there’s one thing I’ve learnt as a first-time entrepreneur, it’s this—behind every curated Instagram post is a storm of confusion, self-doubt, and sleepless nights. When I founded Spiffy Public Relations at 22, I didn’t have a roadmap. I didn’t even have a background in communications. What I did have was a degree in fashion, a handful of internships, a passion for storytelling, and a father who believed in me more than I believed in myself.
5 Lessons She Learnt Along The Way
I began with no fancy office or funding. Just a balcony, a laptop, and the will to try. Along the way, I picked up some hard-earned lessons that shaped not just my business—but me. Here are five lessons I learnt while building a business in my twenties:
1. Passion Is Important, But So Are Boundaries
In the beginning, I worked round the clock—sacrificing weekends, birthdays, and personal moments. I once took a client call on my wedding day while my makeup was being done. That’s how invested I was. But passion without boundaries leads straight to burnout. I had to learn to respect my time, set work limits, and make space for rest. Passion may start the journey, but balance sustains it.
2. Don’t Wait For Clients To Find You
One of my earliest mistakes was believing good work would speak for itself. It does, eventually—but visibility matters more. I learnt to advocate for myself, to pitch confidently, and to ask for what I wanted. Rejection stings, but regret stings longer. You don’t need anyone’s permission to build your dream—just the courage to start.
3. You Can’t Do Everything Alone
For the first few years, I did everything—from strategy to courier packaging. My mum and brother pitched in as my unofficial team. Eventually, I hired people and moved into an actual office. Letting go was scary, but scaling requires trust. Growth means learning to delegate. No one builds an empire alone.
Don't Miss:Green Hermitage FoundHer Gayatri Varun Shares Her Journey Into The Sustainable Luxury Business
4. Always Have A Plan B (And C)
The pandemic flipped the PR industry on its head. Influencer marketing rose overnight. We had to pivot fast. That’s when I learnt how important it is to stay agile. Markets shift. Trends change. You have to evolve just as quickly. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about learning how to solve new ones every day.
5. Collaboration Over Isolation
A few years in, my husband Aakash joined Spiffy as co-founder. His experience in operations brought structure to our creative chaos. Together, we turned my vision into something stronger and more sustainable. I realised entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be lonely. The right collaboration can take your business further than you imagined.
Don't Miss:6 Ways AI Assistants Are Empowering Women in Their Daily Routines
Growth isn’t linear. Some days you feel like you’re flying, and on others, you question everything. But every single step adds up. If you’re thinking of starting something—do it. Even if it’s messy. Even if you’re scared. Start anyway. Because what you’re building, brick by brick, will be worth it.
(This article is authored by Kajol Jain, Founder, Spiffy Public Relations.)
Image Credits: Freepik
If you liked this story, then please share it. To read more such stories, stay connected to HerZindagi.
Take charge of your wellness journey—download the HerZindagi app for daily updates on fitness, beauty, and a healthy lifestyle!
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation