5 Lessons in 5 Years: What Entrepreneurship Really Looks Like
By Liana, Founder of Lidavi Social
Five years ago, I started Lidavi with big dreams, a laptop, and way too many “girlboss” Instagram quotes saved. I thought it would look like a seamless highlight reel: coffee shop meetings, perfectly edited carousels, client wins on repeat.
But anyone who’s run a business knows the truth: it’s not glamorous. It's gritty. And the most valuable thing I’ve built along the way isn’t just an agency—it’s resilience.
So in honor of our 5-year anniversary, I’m reflecting on the realest lessons I’ve learned. If you’re a fellow founder, creator, or creative leader—this one’s for you.
Lesson 1: Entrepreneurship Hits Different
Instagram makes quitting your 9-5 look like a freedom parade. But what most people don’t show is the self-doubt, financial pressure, and identity crises that can come with building something from scratch.
The hardest days weren’t the ones where things went wrong—they were the ones where I questioned whether I was even cut out for this.
What kept me going? Community. I found people who got it—the kind who didn’t just clap when I won, but held space when I wanted to quit.
If you’re going to survive this journey, build your personal board of directors. People who challenge you, remind you who you are, and never let you forget why you started.
Lesson 2: The Team Makes the Dream (or Breaks It)
Here’s the truth I wish someone told me: hiring is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do.
In five years, I’ve hired brilliantly and I’ve hired poorly. I’ve been burned by charm in interviews and humbled by missed red flags.
But I’ve also learned how to create a team culture where people thrive—one built on transparency, high standards, and mutual care.
Hire slow. Fire fast (with compassion). And never underestimate the power of clear expectations and documentation. Your team is your brand.
Lesson 3: Not Every Client Is “The One”
Year one? I said yes to everyone who had a pulse and a payment method. Year five? I protect our energy like it’s sacred—because it is.
Saying no is a skill. It’s one that took me years (and a few nightmare clients) to develop.
Now, we qualify intentionally. We trust our gut. And we only say yes to clients who align with our values and vision.
The right clients won’t just stick around—they’ll advocate for you, champion your work, and grow alongside you. That’s the real win.
Lesson 4: Know Your Numbers
Creatives, I love you, but avoiding your bank account won’t make the money part go away.
I used to wing it with finances—and I paid for it (literally). Now, I run our retainers through a simple formula before we take on any new work:
20% taxes
50% team
10% operations
20% profit
Does it change based on season or project? Sometimes. But having a system helps me sleep at night and grow sustainably.
Money is emotional—but managing it has to be practical. You don’t need an MBA. You need discipline, structure, and the courage to look at the numbers before they become a problem.
Lesson 5: Sustainability Over Balance
I used to chase “balance.” But what I’ve found more useful is sustainability.
Because let’s be real: when you’re passionate about your work, the lines blur. The key isn’t turning it off—it’s knowing when and how to reset.
My non-negotiable? Weekly strategic resets. Sometimes it’s a hike. Sometimes it’s a therapy session. Sometimes it’s simply logging off early.
Burnout doesn’t announce itself. You have to spot it before it creeps in. Build habits now that protect your energy before it’s gone.
The Realest Truth?
Running a social agency for five years has been the most challenging and rewarding thing I’ve ever done. It’s stretched me, shaped me, and reminded me that “success” doesn’t always look the way it’s sold to us online.
But I wouldn’t trade the messy middle for anything.
To everyone who’s been part of this journey—our team, our clients, our community—thank you. Lidavi exists because you believed in it.
Here’s to building bold, soulful brands—and doing it in a way that’s actually sustainable.
Let’s keep going. 💛