We did a lot of things wrong

When three friends decided to start a business, we looked for guidance and found a lot of dos and don’ts. Did we follow the advice? No.

Don’t work with or refer your friends

Did I say three friends? It was two friends plus one husband when we started. Now, I can say three friends because through the years of working together and conquering challenges together, we’ve become closer than ever, more united than before, and more compassionate to each other professionally and personally. We have a strong culture based on respect and enjoy learning from each other. We disagree about many things and we’ve made mistakes with each other, but because we’re friends, we work it out.

I can’t think of anyone I’d rather go on a long and difficult journey with than friends.

Don’t spread yourself too thin

Unfortunately this was a luxury we couldn’t afford. It was just the three of us so we decided to become thin. And in some parts, very thin. Nonexistent thin. Thankfully, some of our talented friends believe in what we’re doing and have joined us on the journey, expanding our ranks and adding their impressive abilities to the equation.

Don’t give fancy and glamorous titles

We all have fancy and glamorous titles. My title is “Problem Between the Screen and the Chair.” Our lead developer is “Full Stack of Pancakes” and the head of sales is “Breakfast Burrito Bandit.” Glamorous titles given and received.

Don’t evangelize repeatedly your vision and strategy

We believe in what we’re doing and drink the Kool Aid frequently. We set our north star and it’s been our guiding light for everything from product development to marketing programs. Very early on, we defined our culture and have focused on living it every day.

Since you did so much wrong, where are you now?

We’re going to market with our MVP! Could we have gotten there sooner and done a bunch of stuff better? Sure! But I think that will always be the case. We’re not here for perfection, or perfect execution, but we’re still here and now we’re ready to go!