My First Big Client: A Crash Course in Resilience and Reality
Landing my first big client was both a dream come true and a wake-up call. It’s the kind of milestone every small business owner hopes for, the one that validates your vision and hard work. But what no one tells you is how quickly that dream can test every ounce of your patience, creativity, and resilience.
When the order came in, I was over the moon. What followed next was a crash course in everything they don’t teach you in business school: managing overseas shipments, navigating tariffs and customs charges, negotiating with manufacturers across the world all while juggling a 12-hour time difference from the U.S. East Coast. Just when I thought I had it all under control, I flew out to the production site only to discover a major packaging issue, two days before the shipment deadline. Two days to fix everything.
No one and nothing can prepare a small startup for those kinds of curveballs. Suddenly, I was redesigning packaging, coordinating last-minute printing, and setting up an impromptu assembly line to fulfill 800 units. Sleep was a luxury, stress was constant, but quitting was never an option.
Through the chaos, I learned what it really takes to run a business not the glossy version, but the behind-the-scenes grind. I learned how to build real timelines: from sourcing ingredients to managing production windows, tracking shipments, and meeting delivery dates. And when things go wrong (because they will), you learn the art of communication how to tell your client the truth without losing their trust. Most importantly, I began to understand the heartbeat of my business: How raw materials are sourced, how long it takes to produce a single batch, and the crucial differences between air freight and sea shipping (and their very different price tags). Every mistake became a lesson. Every delay became a teacher. Those moments forced me to make smarter, more budget-conscious decisions and to take full ownership of every aspect of my company.
My learning curve has only just begun, but one thing is clear: you can never be fully prepared for the challenges that come with growth. You just have to stay adaptable, stay humble, and keep showing up one shipment, one solution, one sleepless night at a time.
Because building a business isn’t about perfection. It’s about perseverance.
Lastly, thanks to all the new and old friends that helped me pull it all together and for the angel who gave me this amazing opportunity. I'm humbled by your kindness.