I Learned the Hard Way, So You Don’t Have To: 4 Key Lessons for Small Business Owners

Let me take you back to where it all began—my very first business. I wasn’t crunching numbers back then or talking tax codes. Nope, I was surrounded by the warm glow of soy wax and lavender scents. I owned a candle-making business, and I poured my heart (and plenty of wax) into every jar.

At first, everything felt magical. I loved the creativity, the hustle of running my own shop, and seeing customers light up (pun intended) when they bought my products. But there was one thing I didn’t love—tax season.

You see, I was so focused on building my dream that I didn’t even realize I was missing a key piece of the puzzle: the financial side of running a business. And when tax time rolled around, it hit me like a wick that wouldn’t light.

Here’s the hard truth I learned: passion isn’t enough to run a successful business. You need systems, you need organization, and you need to understand how the numbers work. The messy, chaotic experience of filing taxes for my candle business was what sparked my interest in the tax industry—and ultimately inspired me to help others avoid the mistakes I made.

Lesson 1: Your Passion Can’t Fix Poor Record-Keeping

I’ll admit it—I was so excited about my candles that I completely neglected the boring stuff. Tracking income? Organizing expenses? That felt like a chore. I thought I could just “wing it” come tax time. Spoiler alert: I couldn’t.

When it was time to file, I was scrambling to figure out my numbers. Some of my expenses were paid in cash, some through apps, and my receipts were scattered in places even I couldn’t find. I ended up missing deductions I could have claimed and paying more than I needed to.

If you’re running a business—whether it’s candles, consulting, or construction—don’t let this happen to you. Get a system in place. Use a bookkeeping app, track everything, and keep your records organized. Passion will drive your business, but it’s the numbers that will keep it alive.

Lesson 2: Don’t Let Deductions Burn Out

Here’s the thing I didn’t understand when I started: the tax code is full of opportunities for small business owners like us—but only if we know where to look.

When I finally sat down and decided to take matters into my own hands, I started studying the tax code on my own. I spent hours reading, researching, and learning everything I could about deductions for small businesses. That’s when I discovered all the opportunities I had missed. My business supplies? Deductible. Packaging and shipping costs? Deductible. Even a portion of my rent, since I was making candles out of my home studio, was deductible.

I realized I’d been leaving money on the table, all because I didn’t know what I was doing. The more I learned, the more empowered I felt. That’s when I knew I wanted to dive deeper into the world of taxes—not just for myself, but so I could help others avoid the same mistakes.

Lesson 3: Procrastination Costs More Than You Think

Running a candle business was no joke. Between sourcing materials, fulfilling orders, and marketing on social media, I was constantly busy. Taxes felt like something I could push to the side. “I’ll deal with it later,” I told myself.

Big mistake.

By the time I actually sat down to prepare my taxes, I was overwhelmed, stressed, and way behind. I had to pay late fees and penalties because I missed key deadlines. And let me tell you, nothing burns more than giving away your hard-earned money just because you waited too long.

Now, I make sure taxes are never an afterthought. I review my finances every month, stay on top of quarterly payments, and mark every deadline on my calendar. Trust me—preparing little by little is so much easier (and cheaper) than dealing with a last-minute meltdown.

Lesson 4: Find the Right Help

After my first year in business, I realized I needed more than just passion—I needed to understand the numbers. So, I decided to become a tax professional. I wanted to help other small business owners avoid the same mistakes I made in my first year. I dove into studying the tax code and learning everything I could, and it became clear to me that this was the path I was meant to take.

Now, going into my fourth season as a tax professional, I’ve helped over 20 small businesses prepare for tax season and build their businesses the right way. But here’s what I want you to know: if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Whether it’s doing what I did—taking the time to study and learn—or hiring someone who truly cares, like me, the right help can make all the difference.

Don’t let confusion or frustration hold you back. Reach out for help—whether it’s through self-study or working with a tax pro—and make sure you’re building your business on solid financial footing. Your dreams are worth the effort, and you deserve to have the right support behind you.

Why I’m Sharing This

I learned these lessons the hard way, but you don’t have to. Whether you’re selling candles, running a catering business, or starting your own consulting firm, I want you to know that you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

At Divine Financial Services, we’re here to help small business owners like you navigate tax season with confidence. From organizing your records to finding every deduction you’re entitled to, we’ve got your back.

Remember: your passion is what lights the flame, but understanding your finances is what keeps it burning. Don’t let taxes dim your dreams. Let’s tackle them together—because you deserve to focus on what you love, without the stress.

You’ve got this—and I’ve got you.