Starting a Business with Just Vibes (and Maybe $37)
You know that feeling when you jump into the deep end and realize halfway down that you forgot how to swim? That’s basically what it feels like to start your own small business as your main income. Add in a sprinkle of ADHD, a splash of imposter syndrome, and a pinch of late-night panic Googling “how to get rich legally,” and baby, you’ve got yourself a stew going.
The Fantasy:
Wake up late.
Work in sweatpants.
Make money doing what you love.
Take naps between “creative bursts.”
Be booked, busy, and blissed out.
The Reality:
Wake up in a cold sweat.
Every email feels like a tax form.
Constantly debating where to put what money you have.
Work hours? All of them.
Your only consistent coworker is a dog with no concept of deadlines.
When I decided to take Nicko Creative full time, I had passion, talent, a killer brand vibe, and a vision that could shake the table. What I didn’t have? A full-time schedule of clients.
No safety net. No rich uncle. Just me, my laptop, and my big ol’ neurodivergent brain praying that someone would pay me to design something before bills were due.
The Struggles Are Real:
Cash Flow Chaos: Feast or famine. Sometimes you’re rolling in client work, other times you're considering an Etsy store for handmade anxiety.
Motivation is Mood-Based: Executive dysfunction hits different when there’s no boss breathing down your neck. Suddenly making a logo feels as hard as climbing Everest.
Wearing Every Hat: You’re the CEO, designer, social media manager, customer service rep, accountant, and therapist (to yourself).
No Clocking Out: You are the brand. Which means even your “rest days” come with a side of guilt.
But Here’s the Magic:
Despite the chaos, I’ve never felt more me than I do running this business. It’s not just about making money—it’s about building something that feels like home. Something that reflects every weird, wonderful, wild part of who I am. And it’s not always pretty, but it’s mine.
If You’re Starting Out, Here’s What I Know:
Build the plane while you fly it. No one has it all figured out.
Rest is productive. Don’t let hustle culture trick you into burning out.
Say yes before you’re ready—then figure it out.
Find your people. Community makes the chaos feel worth it.
Don’t wait to feel “legit”. You’re legit the moment you say you are.
And if you're out here trying to make your passion your paycheck? I see you. It’s terrifying and exhilarating and absolutely worth it—even when you're building your empire in pajamas with three tabs of budgeting spreadsheets open.
You’ve got this. And if you don’t? You’ve got me.
🔥 Ready to make your brand vibe harder than your morning coffee? Hit me up. And don’t forget to check out my digital shop for tools that make the chaos a little more manageable.
