Starting a business is exciting, empowering… and let’s be real, sometimes overwhelming. There are endless decisions to make, especially when you’re just getting started and every dollar counts. It’s easy to fall into the trap of putting off certain investments until “later” — when the income is steady, the brand is more established, or you “finally feel ready.”

I get it. I’ve been there. But one thing I’ve learned as a web designer and business owner is this: how you show up early on matters. And investing intentionally in the right areas from the start can set the tone for how others perceive your brand — and more importantly, how you feel showing up in your business.

Today, I want to share three key investments I made early in my journey that truly helped me put my best face forward. These aren’t just “nice to have” upgrades — they laid the foundation for my brand and client experience.

1. A Custom Website Designed on Showit

As a web designer, I knew I’d be designing my own website — that part was a no-brainer. But the more I researched and immersed myself in the online business space, the more I realized how essential it is not to skip this step, even for non-designers.

Your website is often the first real impression people have of your business. It’s where your brand story lives, where potential clients decide if they trust you, and where they ultimately choose to work with you — or not. I wanted to show up online as the best version of myself, and that meant having a brand, logo, and website that felt cohesive, intentional, and uniquely mine.

Even if you’re not a designer, investing in a professionally built website (or a beautifully customizable platform like Showit) can make a massive difference in the way you’re perceived — and in the confidence you feel putting yourself out there.

2. A CRM System That Handles the Back-End (Hello, HoneyBook!)

Like many new business owners, I started off DIYing my contracts and invoices. It worked… kind of. But it was clunky, time-consuming, and honestly, a little stressful. I didn’t have templates, I wasn’t confident in the legal side of things, and it didn’t exactly scream “professional.”

Enter: HoneyBook — my CRM (Client Relationship Management) system that changed the game. With HoneyBook, I can send contracts, invoices, and proposals with just a few clicks. Everything looks clean, on-brand, and professional. But that’s just the beginning — I also use it to:

• Collect and manage leads
• Schedule client meetings
• Automate parts of my onboarding process
• Track the progress of each of my projects

If you’re still piecing things together manually, I highly recommend giving HoneyBook a try. It’ll save you hours of admin work and make you look polished AF in the process.

👉 Here’s my referral link for 30% off your first year if you’re ready to check it out!

3. Professional Brand Photography

This one is a total game-changer — and honestly, the most fun.

From the start, I wanted my business to feel elevated and professional, and I knew that DIY selfies weren’t going to cut it. Investing in a brand photoshoot allowed me to present myself in a way that aligned with the quality and value I bring to my work. These photos aren’t just for my website — I use them on social media, proposals, client guides, and pretty much anywhere I need to show up visually.

A good brand photographer doesn’t just take pictures — they help tell your story through images. I had the absolute pleasure of working with Adeline Artistry, an incredible NYC-based brand photographer whose work helped me bring my brand to life in a way I could have never done alone.

If you’re looking to elevate your visuals, don’t underestimate the power of hiring a professional who understands your brand vibe and helps you own it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the early stages of your business, I want to encourage you to stop waiting for some imaginary milestone to start looking and feeling legit. Strategic investments — like a professional website, a streamlined client process, and polished visuals — can give your business the confidence and credibility it needs to grow.

Yes, it can feel scary to spend money before the revenue is flowing in. But these are the things that help the revenue start flowing.

You don’t need to do everything all at once. But I hope this post inspires you to start somewhere — and to show up as the CEO your business deserves.