Starting your own business is a journey filled with uncertainty, challenges, and countless lessons. For me, it was an unplanned leap of faith that took me from a disillusioned employee to a proud entrepreneur running a thriving digital agency. This is my story, told through the key lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Lesson 1: Adversity Sparks Growth
After graduating from the University of Westminster with a degree in Computer Games Development, I found myself unable to break into the competitive gaming industry. With no luck finding a job in my dream field, I pivoted to something I had some experience with: building websites. This led me to freelancing, and eventually, to a role as a Front End Developer at a firm in London.
Seven months into that role, the rug was pulled out from under me. My employer was exposed for fraudulent activity, resulting in the company folding and all employees being made redundant. I was left without redundancy pay, saddled with a significant debt from a recent laptop purchase, and unsure of what to do next.
But adversity has a way of revealing opportunities. Instead of giving up, I took on unfinished projects from defrauded clients, offering to complete their websites for a modest fee. Some rejected the offer, but others accepted, and this gave me my first taste of working for myself.
Takeaway: Every setback is an opportunity in disguise. When life forces you into the unknown, lean into it. It might lead to something even better.
Lesson 2: Your First Idea Isn’t Always the Right One
After completing those initial projects, I decided to take the plunge and start my own business. Fresh off a life-changing trip to Japan, I launched Shogun Design, inspired by the country’s culture and aesthetics. Unfortunately, I learned that the name didn’t resonate with the UK market. It was confusing to spell, difficult to explain, and failed to connect with potential clients.
Back to the drawing board, I brainstormed for weeks before landing on a new name: Some Talented People. It was simple, catchy, and self-explanatory. That pivot marked the real beginning of my entrepreneurial journey.
Takeaway: Don’t get too attached to your first idea. Be willing to adapt and iterate until you find what works.
Lesson 3: You Can’t Do It All Alone
As I started building websites under my new brand, I realised that technical skills alone weren’t enough. My websites were functional but lacked the polish and creativity needed to stand out. So I taught myself UX and graphic design through YouTube tutorials and online courses. Later, I added digital marketing skills like SEO and PPC to my arsenal.
Despite all this learning, my business wasn’t scaling. I was doing everything myself, from coding to client management, and there weren’t enough hours in the day. That’s when I hired my first employee: my cousin, Panos Vassos. His background in web development and leadership experience in MMOs (massively multiplayer online games) made him the perfect addition to the team. That year, we tripled our turnover.
Takeaway: You can’t scale solo. Invest in people who complement your skills and share your vision.
Lesson 4: Growth Requires Constant Learning
Every stage of growth brought new challenges. When I started, I had no idea how to manage a team, run marketing campaigns, or handle the administrative side of a business. I had to learn about HR, employment law, delegation, and scaling, all while wearing countless hats as the business grew.
From attending online courses to trial and error, I embraced the learning curve. It wasn’t easy, but each skill I gained became a stepping stone to the next phase of my business.
Takeaway: The moment you stop learning, you stop growing. Stay curious, and be willing to step outside your comfort zone.
Lesson 5: Celebrate the Wins
One of my proudest moments came when my company surpassed £250,000 in annual revenue. To celebrate, we booked a pub near my old office in Chancery Lane, the same office where I had worked for £20,000 as a graduate. It was a full-circle moment that reminded me how far I’d come.
Takeaway: Entrepreneurship can be gruelling, but don’t forget to celebrate your milestones. They’re proof of how far you’ve come.
Lesson 6: ADHD Can Be a Superpower
In 2021, I was diagnosed with ADHD-C. The diagnosis explained so much about my personality: my impulsivity, my ability to hyperfocus, and my tendency to dive headfirst into new challenges. While these traits can be difficult to manage, they’ve also been instrumental in my success as an entrepreneur.
I’ve noticed that many neurodiverse people thrive in entrepreneurship. Our willingness to take risks and follow our instincts sets us apart. While others wait for the perfect moment, we act, and that makes all the difference.
Takeaway: Embrace your unique traits, even if they don’t fit the traditional mould. They might be your greatest asset.
Lesson 7: The Best Time to Start Is Now
In 2024, after nearly a decade of steady growth, we restructured and rebranded as Kickass Online. The new name perfectly encapsulated our mission and vibe. Looking back, I realise that none of this would have been possible if I’d waited for the “perfect” time to start my business. There’s no such thing.
Takeaway: The best time to start was a year ago. The second-best time is today. Don’t wait for perfection. Start.
Final Thoughts
From being an underpaid employee at a fraudulent company to running a successful digital agency, my journey has been anything but smooth. But every challenge taught me something invaluable, and every lesson brought me closer to the entrepreneur I am today.
If you’re thinking about making the leap from employee to entrepreneur, my advice is simple: trust yourself, embrace the chaos, and never stop learning. The road will be tough, but it’s worth every step.