In 2013, I took a chance and started a greeting card line of women of color. I had no business plan, money, or any experience running a business and that left me disheartened ninety percent of the time. Looking back at the challenges I faced starting Mae B, I can see where I went wrong and why I needed those lessons to grow as a business owner and person. Running Mae B has been exciting, draining, and one of the things I am most proud of but starting a company isn't for the faint of heart. Here are six things I've learned on my journey, and I hope they help you jump over some of the hurdles I faced.
6 Mistakes To Avoid When Starting A New Business
1. Growing Too Fast
You'd think this tip would go without saying if you're a budding business owner with limited funding, but too often many of us try to put the cart before the horse — myself included. I did start small, but I was soon comparing my business to other stationery lines that had been in business longer and, to be frank, had more money to invest than me, which led me into thousands of dollars in debt (I'm still paying off). Make one good thing and lead with that. Quality trumps quantity every time.
2. Comparing Your Entrepreneurial Journey To Others
As I said above, I was spending too much time comparing my line to the brands I admired. I would watch them release ten to fifteen new products each season and I'd rush to create new products too. Your business is unique. No one can replicate what you're doing, so don't feel rushed when you see other companies in your industry making strides. You too will make strides as long as you stay true to the reason you started your company in the first place.
3. Not Keeping Track Of Your Spending
When you're just starting, you are likely going to eating a lot of start-up costs. If you don't want to end up in thousands of dollars in debt like I did, set a quarterly budget and stick to it — I mean it! One of the biggest mistakes I made was taking every cent I was making at my full-time gig and investing it without keeping track of my spending.
4. Not Figuring Out What Sets Your Business Apart
One of the things that I always knew I wanted to be known for as I was starting my company was excellent customer service. I have always gone above and beyond for my customers, and I know that is what sets Mae B apart from other brands in the market. Ask yourself what makes your company different and lean into that.
Bianca Lambert/Mae B Online
5. Being Too Afraid To Put Yourself Out There
Whether you're looking for a mentor or want to get your new company into a magazine, you've got to be willing to put yourself out there even if you hear nothing back. My first feature was in Essence Magazine. I was sitting on the couch at one of my best friend's apartment in New York, and said to him, "I want to have Mae B featured in Essence." Next thing I knew, I was buying the magazine at the bodega and flipping through to figure out who I needed to reach out to at the magazine. After some internet snooping, and a little encouragement from Harro — I sent the editorial assistant an email. To my surprise, I got almost an immediate response, and the rest is history. Now, that success story was wonderful, but I've also gotten more no's than yes's, especially as I've been trying to break into the stationery wholesale market. But, every no means that if I don't give up, I will get to a yes. The same applies to you.
6. Not Celebrating Your Wins (No Matter How Small)
Celebrating your wins is key and something I wish I'd done more of in the early years of my entrepreneurial journey. Instead of celebrating my victories, I spent all of my time thinking about what was next and stressing about the no's I was getting or the products I couldn't make to compete with other brands. Don't do it! Every time you get a yes or accomplish something that adds some light into your life, do something nice for yourself. Have a cupcake. Call your best friend. Make your favorite meal. Have a glass of wine. You don't have to light fireworks, but make sure you do something that will bring back a good memory.
Featured image by Getty Images
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"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
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“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
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This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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Eldest Daughter Syndrome had its viral moment online last year, and for good reason. The term gave language to the silent pressures so many eldest daughters tend to carry as a result of their birth order. Beyond that very needed conversation, birth order as a whole can offer insight into not only our traits and tendencies, but also how we show up in life, love, and even our work.
Below, we’re breaking down the traits most commonly associated with each birth order. Keep reading to learn what your birth order might say about you.
If you are the oldest...
Let's be real, being the firstborn often comes with a lot of responsibility. And it's usually not by choice. From early on, they’re the ones who set the tone, carry the weight, and take on the title of "the responsible one." Because of that, they often grow into reliable, high-achieving adults. But the pressure of being "the blueprint" and the one to "lead by example" can also be a heavy burden to bear.
Oldest child traits may look like:
- Natural leaders that take charge even when they didn’t mean to (read: she's bossy, but keeping it cute)
- High standards (for yourself and everyone else)
- Motivated, goal-oriented, and always chasing that next accomplishment
- Reliable and conscientious
- Perfectionist tendencies that can lead to burnout
- Struggles with being controlling or micromanaging
- Often cautious, craving stability over spontaneity
- Finds it hard to rest or ask for help
If you are the middle child...
Season 2 Netflix GIF by Gilmore Girls GiphyIn the grand scheme of the birth order lineup, the middle child can be the quiet MVPs. As the child who falls in the order "in-between," they’re used to being the one who keeps the peace while also fighting to stand out. But being the “in-between” can also mean feeling overlooked or forgotten. In some families, especially ones with toxic dynamics, the middle child may even take on the role of the "black sheep," while their siblings are seen as the golden children. Still, despite (or maybe because of) that, middle children tend to thrive socially and can read a room like the back of their hand.
Middle child traits may include:
- Top-tier peacemakers who can smooth over almost any situation
- Adaptable and easygoing (even when they’re lowkey screaming inside)
- Often feel overlooked or like they have to do the most to be seen
- People-pleasers who put everyone else first
- Social butterflies and community-minded, with strong friendships outside the family
- Can be rebellious when they feel boxed in
- Thrive when they’re allowed to define success on their own terms
- The ultimate go-between, translating vibes between generations, personalities, and moods
If you are the youngest...
Season 1 Ff GIF by FreeformGiphyThe baby of the family walks through life knowing how to charm, persuade, and perform. They often grow up with more freedom and fewer expectations, which fuels their adventurous and carefree side. But that same freedom can sometimes lead to entitlement, or a tendency to seek validation by being the "fun one."
Youngest child traits might include:
- Social butterflies who light up a room and don’t mind the spotlight
- Natural charmers, funny, flirtatious, and usually down for anything
- Can be a little self-centered or attention-seeking (but you still love them for it)
- Tend to keep things uncomplicated… unless they’re not getting their way
- Known to be manipulative when trying to get what they want
- Free-spirited and bold in their choices
- Often underestimated, but capable of big things when they focus
- Thrive in spaces that let them express, explore, and be a little extra
If you are the only child...
High School Drama GIF by HBO MaxGiphyOnly children can be the ultimate "one woman show" as they are often a mix of all the birth orders rolled into one. Without siblings, they learn to entertain themselves, advocate for their needs, and navigate adult conversations early. That independence can make them magnetic, mature, and deeply introspective, but it also comes with a deep craving for validation and control.
Only child traits can include:
- Mature and wise beyond their years, often viewed as old souls
- Conscientious and responsible, usually the go-to person in their circle
- Seek approval and validation more than they let on
- Natural leaders with big ideas and even bigger plans
- Can be sensitive and deeply affected by criticism
- Prefer structure, routines, and control (sometimes to a fault)
- Like things done their way (and don’t love compromising)
- Thrive in solitude but still want to feel seen and celebrated
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