6 Key Lessons I Wish I’d Known Before Starting My Own Biz

Moving from New Hampshire to San Francisco in my early 20s meant that I got to take full advantage of building an awesome digital career at innovative startup companies. Lucky me! Over time, though, I slowly burned myself out — and couldn’t seem to ignore the inner urges to try my hand at starting a boutique web production studio (my dream business!). Making the leap from a full-time employee to my own boss has been exciting and a little bit scary at times, even with a solid business plan and savings in the bank. More than a year later, these are the top six lessons I’ve learned.

1. Done is better than perfect. As a business owner, I have limited time and energy reserves to accomplish everything on my to-do list, which means that some things don’t look or work *exactly* as I’d like them to all the time. For example, I’d love to redesign my letterhead, update my deck, and build out my work portfolio with recent projects, but none of these things is stopping me from growing my business. In fact, the current versions are more than enough when it comes to meeting my goals. Sometimes, you just have to roll up your sleeves and GSD while realizing that having a workable version is more important than something that looks pretty or perfect.

2. Networking really is useful. As an introvert, networking has always been a little bit of a challenge for me; but owning a business calls for connecting with others and proudly sharing what you do and how you can help them. The exercise of meeting people and talking about my work is one of the best ways to help myself feel more confident — and it’s helped land me gigs. If you’re not super comfortable with in-person events or find that there aren’t any relevant ones nearby, know that there are plenty of cool communities where you can connect online. I especially love Tech Ladies and Dreamers // Doers.

3. Work projects should be collaborative. One of the biggest things I’ve realized in my first year of working for myself is that my clients are not my boss — I don’t work for them, but *with* them. Once I internalized this and made the mental shift away from seeing myself as an employee, the dynamic completely changed. It’s a lot more fun to consider work a creative collaboration than to look at your to-do list or inbox as a bunch of orders. Trust me!

4. You need to stay balanced. When YOU are your business, and it’s the only way you make money, it can be tempting to spend all of your time working on projects or landing new ones. Though hustle and hard work are admirable, refusing to take breaks is a surefire way to stress yourself out fast. I’ve learned (again!) that not only does working for days and weeks on end take a toll on your health (the same way it does when you’re employed by someone else), but it can also affect your creativity and problem-solving abilities. To stay balanced, I need to keep some side projects and hobbies — without guilt that the time I spend on them “should” be invested in my business. For me, this means taking and teaching a Bar Method class a handful of times each week, long walks, and spontaneous trips down the coast. Each time I step away to do any of these things, I come back to my actual work with more energy. It’s a win-win!

5. You’ve got to plan ahead, but not TOO much. A new business can be unpredictable, despite best guesses. One of the key lessons of my first year is to prep in advance without overdoing it; things change pretty quickly. So while a solid business plan, answers to important Qs (what to do about health insurance, your retirement account, etc.), and a one- to three-month forecast are essential, you probably don’t need to spend time figuring out what you’ll need to do for the entire first year or two. The cool part is you’ll learn more as you go, and each lesson will help you make decisions about how to function in the future.

6. It’s your job to keep learning. It’s true that running a business is time-consuming and that carving out time for yourself can be tough to do. It can seem impossible to find time to keep advancing amid the chaos, but seeking those opportunities is ultra-important for your growth and offerings. Since owning your own biz means you don’t have the luxury of a stipend or the resources that you might get while working full-time, it’ll be up to you to research and uncover the best classes, books, or online tutorials for your industry. To hold myself accountable, I now make education part of my quarterly goal-setting process. (I love creative classes and edX offerings.) You’ll savor putting your new skills to use as you expand your offerings, raise your prices, or dabble with supplemental services!

Do you own a business or freelance full-time? Tweet us what you wish you knew before you got started @BritandCo!

(Photos via GoldSquare and Getty)

Netflix has given us some bangers (hello Nobody Wants This!) but, according to TV viewers, it's also given us some epic flops. Whether the scripts fell flat or the actors had no chemistry, these are the worst TV shows on Netflix you can watch right now — with Rotten Tomatoes ratings of less than 40 percent! Listen, sometimes we all need a good hate watch while we're doing chores right? Is that just me? Anyway, let's get into it.

Here are the 8 worst Netflix shows you can stream in 2025.

1. The I-Land (2019)

Netflix

The I-Land has been compared to Lost, and it's a comparison that (somewhat) rings true. 10 people wake up on an island with one another...and without their memories. Unfortunately the 8 percent RT score proves this series missed the mark. "I-Land was terrible acting, just nothing redeemable," one Reddit user says. "They even green screened most of the beach scenes."

The I-Land stars Kate Bosworth, Ronald Peet, Michelle Veintimilla, Sibylla Deen, Gilles Geary, Kota Eberhardt, and Kyle Schmid.

2. Girlboss (2017)

Karen Ballard/Netflix

Sophia Amoruso might be rebellious and creative, but Netflix watchers aren't a fan of this TV show (and it has nothing to do with the fact we're in the post-girlboss era). "Some of the outfits were really cool but the main character was absolutely insufferable and had no redeeming qualities," one Reddit user points out.

The show, which follows Sophia's rise to business woman through selling vintage clothes online, has a 35 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Girlboss stars Britt Robertson, Ellie Reed, Alphonso McAuley, Johnny Simmons, and Dean Norris.

3. Another Life (2019)

Eike Schroter/Netflix

Another Life follows Niko, an astronaut on the hunt for AI. Except in this Netflix show, AI stands for alien intelligence. That means Niko and her crew are in for some serious alien danger, but unfortunately, according to the 6 percent RT score, that danger isn't enough to hook viewers.

Another Life stars Katee Sackhoff, Justin Chatwin, Samuel Anderson, Blu Hunt, A.J. Rivera, Jake Abel, Alex Ozerov, Alexander Eling, Jay R Tinaco, Lina Renna, Selma Blair, and Elizabeth Ludlow.

4. Sex/Life (2021)

Netflix

Viewers consider Sex/Life — which follows a love triangle between a woman, her husband, and a special someone from her past — to be one of the worst Netflix shows because "the acting and the writing was so, so, so bad," according to a Reddit user. "It was so corny and felt like fan fiction." And the 40 percent RT score agrees.

Sex/Life stars Sarah Shahi, Mike Vogel, Adam Demos, Margaret Odette, Cleo Anthony, and Darius Homayoun.

5. Echoes (2022)

Netflix

Leni and Gina are identical twins who have secretly swapped lives since childhood. But everything about their perfectly-curated double lives spirals when one sister goes missing. Sound gripping? The RT score of 22 percent says otherwise.

Echoes stars Michelle Monaghan, Matt Bomer, Daniel Sunjata, Ali Stroker, Karen Robinson, Rosanny Zayas, Michael O'Neill, Celia Weston, Gable Swanlund, and Jonathan Tucker.

6. Blockbuster (2023)

Ricardo Hubbs/Netflix

Blockbuster stars fan favorite actors like Melissa Fumero and Randall Park. But not even the incredible cast could save this Netflix show, which follows the last Blockbuster video store in the country, from a 23 percent RT score.

Blockbuster stars Randall Park, Melissa Fumero, Olga Merediz, Tyler Alvarez, and Madeleine Arthur.

7. Insatiable (2018)

Tina Rowden/Netflix

In Insatiable, a recently-thin Patty is out for revenge on anyone who ever fat-shamed her, and a beauty pageant sounds like a great place to start. The show has a 12 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes and one Reddit user says they "can’t name one good thing about it." Yikes.

Insatiable stars Dallas Roberts, Debby Ryan, Christopher Gorham, Sarah Colonna, Erinn Westbrook, Kimmy Shields, Michael Provost, Irene Choi, Alyssa Milano, and Arden Myrin.

8. 13 Reasons Why (2017)

Beth Dubber/Netflix

This Netflix show might have been an iconic pop culture moment, but the 35 percent RT rating shows it's not necessarily an enjoyable one. The series follows Clay, who receives 13 voice tapes from a girl named Hannah after she takes her own life — and each tape details one reason she ended her life.

13 Reasons Why stars Dylan Minnette, Katherine Langford, Christian Navarro, Alisha Boe, Brandon Flynn, Justin Prentice, Miles Heizer, Ross Butler, Devin Druid, Amy Hargreaves, Derek Luke, Kate Walsh, Brian d'Arcy James, Grace Saif, Brenda Strong, Timothy Granaderos, Mark Pellegrino, Tyler Barnhardt, Jan Luis Castellanos, Deaken Bluman, and Gary Sinise.

Tell us your worst Netflix show in the comments!

It's almost outdoor decorating season! And McGee & Co.'s gorgeous outdoor collection is here to tempt our urges to decorating early with stunning finds. From plush outdoor pillows and elegant rugs to comfy furniture and charming floral plateware, this collection has everything to elevate your outdoor space. "I wanted this outdoor lounge to feel like a Southern veranda — inviting, layered, and effortlessly elegant," says Shea McGee. The new Spring 2025 collection is both timeless and relaxed, "perfect for lingering conversations and warm breezes," Shea adds. I'm especially loving the cozy seating, classic patterns, and stylish entertaining pieces that are actually affordable.

Check out all the earthy, elegant outdoor decor from McGee & Co below!

McGee & Co.

Melrose Striped Tablecloth

This linen tablecloth, featuring a charming green and ivory palette, makes every outdoor occasion feel just a little more festive and special. Celebrate from spring to fall!

McGee & Co.

Alcott Melamine Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

The scalloped edge and delicate border on these melamine plates bring a perfect blend of charm and playfulness to your outdoor table. It also has a bit of a vintage Euro vibe.

McGee & Co.

Crosley Indoor/Outdoor Pillow

Make your space super cozy with thoughtfully designed pillows, like the Crosley Indoor/Outdoor Pillow, featuring a classic plaid motif and playful fringe. Ah, so cozy and pretty!

McGee & Co.

Amherst Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug

What I love about McGee & Co.'s outdoor rugs is that they look just as elegant inside. The Amherst Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug in a golden yellow plaid is actually soft and is easy to clean — perfect for high-traffic indoor/outdoor areas.

McGee & Co.

Nola Paper Mache Vase

Give your outdoor space the living room treatment with details like potted greenery. The Nola Paper Mache Vase elevates your table with a modern rustic aesthetic.

McGee & Co.

Berkeley Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug

This navy and white gingham rug with brown natural stripes is another soft indoor-outdoor rug made from recycled materials, and perfect for high-traffic indoor and outdoor areas.

McGee & Co.

Haviland Outdoor Sofa with Striped Cushions

Bold cabana stripes get me every time. This weather-resistant sofa is just as comfy as it is cute.

McGee & Co.

Cadie Outdoor Chaise

Lounge the spring days away with a good book on this teak-framed chaise and weather-resistant fabric.

McGee & Co.

The Market Umbrella

Fringe makes everything better. The Market Umbrella can withstand spring's fickle weather while bringing vintage vibes to your space.

McGee & Co.

Sanibel Acrylic Goblets (Set of 4)

Elevate your outdoor drinkware with these break-resistant ribbed goblets. Spring mocktails are so close.

McGee & Co.

Fontaine Melamine Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

Embrace spring 2025's romantic trend with these floral dinner plates, paired with dainty Wilkie Floral Napkins.

McGee & Co.

Bonjour Doormat

Set the stage for an inviting escape with this charming welcome mat. Très chic!

McGee & Co.

Classic Pool Float

Cannonball! Make the most of the warmer months with the classic pool float in navy and white stripes. It has a hanging hook for storage too!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Nothing sets your week up for success more than a productive Sunday. By taking a few hours out of your weekend to get everything ready for the workdays ahead, you can set yourself up for success in every area of your life. Trying toeat healthier? Working toward some career goals? Trying to reduce stress in your life? All of these goals can be more easily accomplished by laying the proper groundwork for each week as it starts. Here are a few of the habits you should try to cultivate on Sundays for a more productive workweek.

Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash

1. Meal prep. First and foremost, meal prepping makes eating healthy throughout the week significantly easier. This is especially true if you work full time. Meal prepping doesn’t have to be a multi-hour, day-long process either. Here are a few of our favorite tips and tricks for keeping it quick:

  • Meal-prep your breakfasts by creating ready-to-go smoothies. Slice up whatever fruit and veggies you like to use and place them, along with any other mix-ins, into a ziplock bag. Store in the freezer. Each morning, all you need to do is add the contents of the bag along with water or milk to your blender and hit go.
  • Batch-cook your proteins for the week by laying 5-6 servings of meat on a baking sheet. Cook in the oven and store in the fridge, and then reheat throughout the week.
  • Cook a huge batch of rice or quinoa as a base for convenient, ready-to-go healthy sides.
  • Pre-slice any veggies you use tend to use often so you don't have to slice them up as you cook throughout the week. Common combos include mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery), sofrito (onion, garlic, tomato, bell pepper), and the Cajun “holy trinity" (onion, bell pepper, celery).
Photo by STIL on Unsplash

2. Organize your planner. Whether you use a day planner or a bullet journal, take 30 minutes or so to get everything organized for the week. Write in any appointments, plans, or projects you have on the horizon, and section off as much time as you'll need to get everything done. You can also use your planner to make grocery lists, track habits you want to accomplish each day, and schedule relaxation time.

3. Set goals. While you're working in your planner, set some goals for the week. Make sure they are timely things you can actually accomplish before the following Sunday: When you set unattainable goals, you only stress yourself out. In your planner, break down concrete steps and actions to take to ensure you achieve those weekly goals.

Photo by Lee Campbell on Unsplash

4. Clean out your bag. Too many of us start the week with last weekend's receipts, wrappers, scraps, movie tickets, and god-knows-what-else in our bags. Give yourself an organized start to the week and stay ahead of the mess by cleaning out your purse.

5. Pick out your outfits. Take a glance at the weather forecast, and use it to inform what outfits you want to wear on each day of the week. Even if you're WFH these days, having outfits all picked out will keep you feeling both comfy and ready to crush the day each day. You can either fold each outfit and arrange them side by side, our plan the outfits in an app like Stylebook.

6. Call an accountability partner. Pick a person — be it your mom, your best friend, or your SO — who will be an uplifting force in your life and help you stay focused as the week goes on. Agree to check in on each other mid-week to see how each other is doing and help gently remind each other of the goals you both want to accomplish. This should be a person who can also lend a friendly ear if you need to vent about your passion project, your coworker, or your creative blocks.

What productivity hacks do you use to prepare for the week? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know, and sign up for our newsletter to get more tips delivered straight to your inbox!

If you can't stop talking about Severance season 2, you're not alone. The Apple TV+ show has totally taken over the internet (and all my group chats) and as the mysteries at Lumon continue to unfold, there's one heartbreaking, viral theory surrounding this week's episode, and Gemma, that has the internet in a tizzy.

Keep reading for the most insane Severance season 2, episode 9 theory on the internet.

Has Gemma been an innie the whole time?

Apple TV

TikTok user @msauroraalice made the connection that Severance season 2 episode 9, "The After Hours," has the same title as a specific Twilight Zone episode in which a mannequin, well, forgets she's a mannequin. And now we're all wondering whether Severance is going to reveal a very similar plotline with Gemma.

"Could Gemma have been manufactured at Lumon and all of her experience with Mark is just a severed version of herself," @msauroraalice says, theorizing that "there is no Gemma."

"I bet this next episode, Gemma or Helly has a horrifying discovery about themselves just like the mannequin realizing she's not even alive," she continues.

Clearly, this Twilight Zone episode has a ton of similarities to Severance, with the split identities of it all. And as one Reddit user just made it even more heartbreaking by saying, "She could be an experiment from the very start which is why they went as far as to fake her death and recruit Mark to work for them. That would be heartbreaking. It would mean Mark and Gemma 's relationship was manufactured from the beginning."

"The After Hours" is sure to set us up for a crazy 'Severance' season 2 finale.

Apple TV

After everything Mark has been through, this would truly be a heartbreaking turn of events and I don't know if I could handle it! I'm not alone, either. TikTok users flooded the comments of the post (which has over 900K views).

"If Gemma was never a full person to begin with I'm gonna lose my mind," one user said, while another theorized, "I think Gemma is real but she actually died. Lumon had plans for her to begin with so they revived her body because they effectively own it and now she's stuck in purgatory testing."

But if this Severance theory breaks your heart as much as it breaks mine, there's a silver lining. "The next episode after 'The After Hours' from TWZ is called 'The Mighty Casey' and is about a robot who becomes more human I believe," a third TikTok user says.

But honestly, emotional devastation — and peeling back a character's insecurities, fears, and heartbreak to get to their core — make for really good TV because of how relatable those moments can be. So we'll just have to see what the Severance season 2 finale has in store.

Here are 10 Questions I Need Severance Season 2 To Answer — let us know on Instagram what kinds of questions and theories you have.

St. Patrick's Day in America is known mostly as an excuse to have a day-long marathon of drinking green beer (we'll take some green cocktails, too), but if staying in is more your jam, you'll need some epic DIY party favorsand a slew of adorable St. Patrick's Day-themed treats! In this collection of St. Patrick's Day desserts, you'll find everything from rainbow cupcakes and Lucky Charms pancakes, to Leprechauns made out of Nutter Butters and boozy green fudge. Yum.

Throw on your best “Kiss Me, I'm Irish" apron and have some fun with these 25 delicious St. Patrick's Day desserts!

Brit + Co

St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Donuts

This adorable DIY requires no cooking and is a blast to make with friends. At the end of this rainbow you may not find gold, but you will find a fluffy cloud of coconut just waiting to be devoured. (via Brit + Co)

Sarah Anderson

St. Patrick's Day Dessert Shots

These cute, tiny shots are sweetened with flavors like dark chocolate, vanilla, and peppermint extract — and they even have a bite-sized brownie on the bottom. Now that's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, amiright? (via Sarah Anderson forBrit + Co)

Brit + Co

Lucky Charms Ice Cream

This one isn't a specific recipe per say, it's more of a how-too... but arguably the most useful how-to you'll learn this month. This overview of how to make Lucky Charms-infused ice cream can be put to use this St. Patrick's Day and beyond! (via Brit + Co)

Grandbaby Cakes

St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Pizza

Deep dish pizza should always have a sugar cookie crust and a Bailey's Irish Cream chocolate filling. Top with green sprinkles, green tinted white chocolate and chopped chocolate mint candies for that extra festive feel. (via Grandbaby Cakes)

Brit + Co

Double Rainbow Cake

Labor intensive? Maybe. Totally worth it? Absolutely. Grab a partner or your kiddos, and settle in for a fun afternoon of food coloring and multi-colored M&M decorating. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Recipeas

Drunken Grasshopper Fudge

This is definitely an adults-only fudge. Made with both Crème de Menthe and Crème de Cocoa, this fudge has a boozy flavor that bites back. Throw on a handful of shamrock sprinkles to really drive the theme home. (via Sweet Recipeas)

Home Made Interest

St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Cookies

These little guys would be so cute to make for your kiddo's school St. Patrick's Day party. Plus, they double as a fun activity to do with them at home. They're almost too cute to eat… almost. (via Home Made Interest)

The Cake Blog

Leprechaun Hat S’mores

Obviously a large marshmallow on top of a cookie makes the perfect top hat. Once it's covered in chocolate and adorned with green decor, you have the perfect edible s'mores hat that any leprechaun would be happy to wear. (via The Cake Blog)

Classy Clutter

St. Patrick’s Day Rice Krispie Treats

You may have to go digging for marshmallows in a box of Lucky Charms to make these, but it's totally worth it. The pretty pastels in the marshmallows also looks perfect with the light green of the Rice Krispies. (via Classy Clutter)

Takes Two Eggs

Matcha Roll Cake

This sponge-y roll cake is packed with matcha whipped cream, and it looks just as good as it tastes! (via Takes Two Eggs)

Averie Cooks

Irish Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes

The batter these cupcakes are crafted with is spiked with Guinness and Jameson for a bit of booziness. (via Averie Cooks)

Barbara Bakes

Mint Chocolate Chip Pie For St. Patrick’s Day

You don't have to have a lot of time and ingredients to make a great St. Patrick's Day dessert. All you need for this freezer pie is a pre-made Oreo pie crust and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Whipped cream and chocolate shavings optional – as if! (via Barbara Bakes)

Created By Diane

St. Patrick’s Day Mint Chocolate Cake

Before you cut into this cake, you would have no idea that what lies inside is an intricate mint chocolate design that tastes just as good as it looks. This concoction is definitely going to impress whoever you serve it to. (via Created By Diane)

Nifty Mom

No-Bake Mint-Free St. Patrick’s Day Dessert

St. Patrick's Day desserts are almost always full of mint. Well, you know what? Not everyone likes mint. This dessert is still chocolatey and green with no mint in sight. (via Nifty Mom)

Foods Of Our Lives

Crème De Menthe Cake Pops

If you have a package of Oreos lying around, you're already halfway to making these flavorful cake pops. They're so addicting, you may want to give them away as St. Patrick's Day gifts just to avoid eating every single one. (via Foods Of Our Lives)

Pizzazzerie

Shamrock Sour Cocktail

Swapping standard whiskey for Irish Whiskey gives this cocktail a St. Patrick's Day twist. Add a few drops of food coloring to make the green really stand out. (via Pizzazzerie)

Half Baked Harvest

Chocolate Irish Cream Filled Donuts

If you're feelin' fancy, opt to make these homemade donuts filled with St. Patty's-ready Irish cream! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Chocolate Mint Brownie Milkshake

You can never go wrong with a combo of chocolate and mint! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Baking A Moment

Pot of Gold Cupcakes

The rainbow Swiss buttercream that tops these decadent chocolate cupcakes is way easier to make than it looks. Make sure to get some gold foiled chocolate coins to put on top for an extra fun touch. (via Baking A Moment)

Recipe Girl

Green Velvet Cheesecake Cake

What's better than cheesecake? Cheesecake that's sitting in the middle of two layers of green velvet cake, of course. It's like having a giant layer of creamy frosting in the middle… but it's cheesecake! (via Recipe Girl)

Simply Happenstance

St. Patrick’s Day Caramel Corn

Caramel corn is a treat that both adults AND kids love. Just by adding a bit of food coloring to your caramel, you'll create a crunchy masterpiece that everyone will gobble up in seconds. (via Simply Happenstance)

The Recipe Rebel

White Chocolate Lucky Charms Cookies

Not only do these cookies have finely ground Lucky Charms in the cookie batter itself, chopped cereal and marshmallows are also folded in for extra texture and flavor. We'll take two dozen, please. (via The Recipe Rebel)

Completely Delicious

Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

These sweet bites are described as the epitome of mint chocolate chip ice cream, but in cupcake form. Perfect, perfect, perfect! (via Completely Delicious)

Gal On A Mission

St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow

Puppy chow is the perfect on-the-go munchie for the whole family. Green candy melts give this snack its hue, while spearmint essential oil gives it its minty flavor. (via Gal On A Mission)

Pillsbury

Mini Whoopie Pies

These tiny whoopie pies are just small enough that you can enjoy them in one delicious bite. It doesn't get much easier than using refrigerated sugar cookie dough to make them, either. Score! (via Pillsbury)

Follow us on Pinterest for more St. Patrick's Day recipes and desserts!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.