Starting your own business is exhilarating, but it’s also intimidating. If I could offer one piece of advice to any woman standing at the starting line of her entrepreneurial journey, it would be this:
Ask for help and take it.
You don’t have to know everything. You don’t have to do it all alone. In fact, trying to do so can slow you down or burn you out. There are people, programs, and organizations ready to support you—you just have to reach out and ask.
When I first considered starting my business, I actually looked into franchising. It seemed like a safe path. But as I dug into the licensing agreements, something didn’t sit right. I wanted more freedom and control than those contracts allowed. So instead, I decided to build my own business from the ground up.
That’s when I turned to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). They helped me write my very first business plan. And let me tell you, having that plan made all the difference. It gave me clarity and confidence. When I walked into meetings to pitch my greeting card service, I didn’t just hope it would work, I knew why it would. I had done the research, built the strategy, and understood the “why” behind my offer.
That early support set the tone for my journey as a business owner. Since then, I’ve leaned on organizations like the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM), the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and mentors in my industry. I’ve asked questions. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve learned from others who walked the path before me.
If you’re just starting out, use the resources around you. Tap into community programs. Talk to experts. Do the research on the things you don’t know yet. Ask questions, even if you think they’re small.
And when you’ve made it a few steps down the road, don’t forget to turn around and help the next woman coming up behind you. Because mentorship, education, and community are the keys to early success.
About the Author: After 20 years as a hairstylist, Jane founded Cards 4 You in 1994, later expanding into branded merchandise with Tarzan Promotions and rebranding to Jungle Jane Promotions in 2011. Today, she proudly works alongside her son and son-in-law. In 2014, Jane earned her Master of Advertising Specialties (MAS) with over 200 hours of training. A dedicated community member, she serves on the Ele’s Place board, is active in the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, and has been part of the Delta Waverly Rotary for over 20 years. Jane credits her success to hard work and a passion for helping others thrive. Jane, a lifelong Lansing resident, and her husband have two grown children and four granddaughters.