One Year in Business: The Highs, the Lows & Everything In Between

Firstly. I'd like to start off by saying, what an incredible year it has been!

A whole year since this business went from an idea on maternity leave to a real, growing company. Who knew that a thought scribbled down between feeds, naps, and sleepless nights would actually work out?

Well… if I’m being completely honest — I did.

As the founder, Shyanne Davis, I knew this would work. Not because it was easy, or because the timing was perfect, but because this is my passion. I’ve always had that go-getter personality, the kind that sees a vision and refuses to let it go. I believed in it even before there was proof, and that belief carried me through.

The Reality of Starting From Scratch

That’s not to say it’s all been glossy photos and perfectly styled spaces.

The first year of business is humbling.

There were moments of self-doubt — questioning whether I was doing enough, whether I was good enough, whether this would really turn into something sustainable. I attended endless networking events, often juggling childcare, struggling to find a babysitter, and turning up tired but determined.

I talked. I pitched. I smiled. I faked it until I made it.

And honestly? Most of it was fun. Energising, even.

But the real low came when I realised that not all effort leads to sales. Some events, conversations, and connections simply didn’t convert. That was hard to accept, especially when so much time, energy, and heart had gone into showing up.

A Standout Highlight & One Very Stressful Moment

One of the biggest highlights of my first year in business has been partnering with an incredible estate agent, Visionary Homes. Working with people who truly understand the value of staging, share your standards, and respect your craft makes such a difference. That partnership gave me confidence, momentum, and reassurance that I was building something credible and respected within the industry.

On the other end of the scale, one of the most stressful moments I’ve experienced so far happened during a staging job that I’ll never forget.

The delivery team arrived with a gorgeous sofa — a key piece for the space — only to leave it at the bottom of the stairs in an apartment building. No lift. Multiple floors. And the sofa? Not cheap.

I remember standing there thinking, What if this has to stay here? The stress was real. I was worried about damage, security, and the fact that this one piece could derail the entire install.

But this is where problem-solving kicks in.

I jumped straight onto MyBuilder and, thankfully, found two absolutely lovely guys who came to the rescue. Together, we carried that sofa all the way up to the 5th floor — safely, carefully, and without damage.

Crisis averted.

Moments like that remind you that running a business isn’t just about vision and creativity — it’s about staying calm under pressure, finding solutions quickly, and not giving up when things don’t go to plan.

Lessons the First Year Teaches You (Whether You’re Ready or Not)

This year has been full of lessons — the kind you only learn by doing.

I learned to be careful who I work with and who I give my time to. Not everyone reciprocates your effort or shares your values, and that’s okay — but it’s important to recognise it early.

I learned the importance of processes. Not jumping straight into things without structure. Slowing down to set systems in place rather than running purely on passion.

Financially, I learned some big lessons too:

• Don’t spend money you don’t yet have

• Invest wisely, not emotionally

• Growth doesn’t need to be rushed

Every single one of these lessons was necessary. They shaped the business, and they shaped me.

Where We Are Now

One year in, I can confidently say this company has structure, clarity, and direction.

I have even more passion than I did at the start, and an even deeper belief that this business will continue to be successful. The foundations are solid. The vision is clear. And the growth is intentional.

Tips I’d Give to Any First-Year Business Owner

If I could speak to anyone just starting out, I’d say:

• Believe in yourself before anyone else does

• Be prepared for slow moments — they don’t mean failure

• Protect your time and energy

• Don’t rush growth; build it properly

• Learn from every setback — they are shaping you

Gratitude & Looking Ahead

I want to say a huge thank you to my family and friends who have supported me in ways big and small — emotionally, practically, and mentally. You’ve carried me through this year more than you know.

As we continue to grow, I’m excited to be working alongside Regina, Riea, and Jovan as we take home staging to where it truly needs to be in the UK.

This is only the beginning.

Thank you for following our journey — and happy birthday to us 🥂✨

Here’s to the next chapter.