As a small business owner, you may discover a painful truth along your entrepreneurial journey. And, that truth is, “no matter how hard you work or how strategically you network, certain gatekeepers still overlook you.” These gatekeepers often control access to exclusive opportunities such as invitation-only events and the coveted “best of” recognition that seems to be reserved for the “cool kids.”
At the beginning of this year, I proudly declared my word for 2025 to be, “audacious.” But, if I’m honest, my word may have started as audacious, but it slowly gave way to something far less empowering: fear. And this is the truth every creative entrepreneur needs to remember: Fear is a Terrible CEO.
Today is the Winter Solstice, the longest and darkest day of the year. For many entrepreneurs and small business owners, this season mirrors how the past year has felt—long, heavy, and uncertain.
In the wedding industry, leadership is not theoretical. It’s visible. And, when it comes to leading others, the old phrase “the cobbler’s children have no shoes” simply doesn’t apply. In fact, it does more harm than good. When you teach, mentor, or guide others without embodying the very principles you promote, you don’t look humble. You look misaligned.
Last week, I watched a wedding industry professional showcase her latest event in an Instagram reel. It was clever, beautifully branded, and undeniably joyful. The design was thoughtful. The energy was contagious. And, it stopped me in my tracks. Not because the work wasn’t good. That definitely wasn’t it. It was because the entire look and feel of that event has lived quietly in my design notebook for nearly ten years. I loved the concept then. I still love it now. But I never shared it.
Are you a wedding planner who wants to create seamless, stress-free wedding days with confidence and precision? Then this free, hands-on webinar is for you. Join us for the webinar titled, “Mastering the Wedding Day Timeline: An Interactive Webinar for Wedding Planners.” This isn’t just a class; it’s a working “brainery” where you’ll get practical strategies, templates, and real-world advice to elevate your timeline management skills.
Eighteen years ago, I launched Howerton+Wooten Events. I was eager, hopeful, and just a little bit terrified. Since then, I’ve navigated some of the most beautiful highs and the toughest lows, including a recession, two government shutdowns, a worldwide pandemic, and the loss of two parents. Through it all, my business has grown, shifted, and endured. Today, in honor of my 18-year milestone, I am sharing 18 lessons I’ve learned. Here’s what I’ve learned about building a business that lasts. I hope they help you, whether you’re in year one or year twenty-one.
You’re tired. No, you’re exhausted. You’ve been working harder than ever—long hours, endless to-do lists, saying yes to everything. But instead of feeling like you’re moving forward, it feels like you’re stuck on a treadmill, running fast but getting nowhere.
Let’s sit with this for a moment. What happens when the business you once loved starts to feel heavy? When the work that used to light you up now leaves you drained? When the dream you built begins to feel like a cage instead of a calling?
Thirteen years ago, I took my then 12-year-old son to his (and mine) very first ComicCon. I went thinking it would be just a fun outing for him, something he could geek out about and enjoy. What I didn’t expect was that I would walk away from that day with something much deeper than souvenirs and selfies with cosplayers. I walked away with a profound lesson on the power of community.
Hey there trailblazer!
I’m Kawania (kuh won nee ah) and I own and lead two successful businesses in the creative industry. Welcome! I created this blog as a resource that you can reference as you launch, run, and scale your own successful (and sustainable) business. There’s lots of information in this blog, so bookmark it and hit me up if you have any questions. We all need a little guidance every now and then, right? Take care friend. Keep shining! Love and Soul Always, Kawania
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