*Sponsored by LinkedIn
What’s it like starting a business? Those early days were full of late nights, big dreams, and a lot of “figure-it-out-as-you-go” moments. Along the way, tools like LinkedIn have been game-changers—helping us grow our network, scale our brand, and celebrate the wins. So, when LinkedIn sent over a few questions about our journey as business owners, we couldn’t wait to share the good, the messy, and everything in between. Let’s dive in!
1. During those critical first 6 months, what were the biggest challenges and how did you navigate them successfully?
Clea: One of the hardest parts was figuring out how to make our big vision actually work as a business. We were strangers when we started (aside from one epic four-hour lunch where we planned for world domination!), so we had to learn how to combine our strengths and balance out our weaknesses on the fly. I bring more of the form whereas Joanna brings the function. Like clockwork, we fall into our distinct and separate roles every time. Understanding our own motivations, what we each do best, and why we gravitate to certain aspects of a project is extremely helpful. It allows us to complete a project without ego, frustration, or even a question when I start color-sorting a shoe wall and Joanna spends five hours sorting jewelry into drawers.
Joanna: I think one of the biggest challenges was juggling the sheer amount of work while still figuring out our partnership dynamic. Clea and I are the same person in many ways, but we’re also complete opposites. That balance is what got us through. We tackled each challenge as a team, and when things didn’t go as planned, we pivoted. It wasn’t about perfection; it was about moving forward. Also, managing the nonstop hustle without completely burning out. We were saying “yes” to every opportunity, which meant we were traveling constantly and juggling everything ourselves. Expanding the business while also living out of suitcases felt like a game of “don’t let anything fall through the cracks.” I struggled with the guilt of being away from my family a lot, but I learned to set realistic expectations for myself pretty early on.
2. Being your own boss for the first time, when the decisions rest on you, what outlets / support do you leverage to maintain confidence and momentum?
Clea: Being your own boss sounds glamorous, but spoiler alert: it’s a lot of hard work and sacrifices. I lean heavily on Joanna and our shared ability to trust our instincts. We also remind each other of our “Low Bar Lifestyle” motto—it’s okay to celebrate the small wins and build from there. There’s no point crying in the corner over something that can be solved by trial and error.
Joanna: I’m a big believer in stepping back when things feel overwhelming. For me, that might mean taking a walk or calling someone who can give objective advice. Clea and I also have this unspoken rule: if one of us is spiraling about something, the other jumps in with a pep talk. It’s a team effort. We’ve learned to celebrate the small wins because they build momentum.
3. What’s one thing you wish you’d known when you started a business?
Clea: That mistakes are part of the process. Joanna and I have learned the hard way that analyzing things to death usually leads to frustration or tears. It’s better to take action, even if it means learning from trial and error. Starting a business isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey; it’s messy, unpredictable, and incredibly rewarding. Trust your gut, embrace the highs and lows, and don’t be afraid to fail.
Joanna: I wish I’d known how important boundaries are. When you’re starting out, it’s tempting to say yes to everything, but that’s not sustainable. I’ve learned that protecting your time and energy is just as important as growing the business. Also, I wish I’d been more patient with myself. Building a business is a marathon, not a sprint, and it’s okay to take things one step at a time.
4. What role does networking play in your business success, and how do you build meaningful connections?
Clea: Networking has been a massive part of our success. From the beginning, I knew we’d need a strong social presence, and LinkedIn has helped us expand that into professional connections. For me, networking is about being authentic—treat it like making new friends. The key is following up, whether it’s a quick message on LinkedIn or grabbing coffee to chat. Some of our best collaborations came from just putting ourselves out there and showing up as our true selves. You never know who might share your vision or open doors you didn’t even know existed. Take us, for example, we met for lunch as strangers and left as business partners.
Joanna: Networking works best when it’s organic. For us, it’s been about building relationships with people who share our goals and values. LinkedIn has been fantastic for connecting us with a professional community that “gets it.” We approach networking the same way we approach our partnership: by recognizing that everyone brings something unique to the table. It’s less about formal networking events and more about meaningful conversations that lead to collaboration.
5. How has LinkedIn helped you as a Small Business?
Clea: LinkedIn has been like a behind-the-scenes organizing tool for our business. It’s not just about posting updates—it’s about connecting with a community of professionals who inspire us and help us grow. Sharing our wins and lessons on LinkedIn has led to so many meaningful conversations and opportunities we might not have found otherwise. It’s like a giant brainstorming session with people who genuinely want to see you succeed. Plus, it’s helped us position The Home Edit as not just an organizing business, but a brand with a bigger story to tell.
Joanna: It’s been a way for us to share our journey and engage with a professional community that really understands the challenges of being a small business. What I love most is how supportive people are—you can share a milestone, ask for advice, or even just connect over shared experiences, and there’s always someone willing to cheer you on.
