We can hardly believe it, but here we are—11 years in business! As we close out another year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our journey and everything we’ve learned along the way. From working with incredible people to trying new things and navigating the ups and downs, these 11 lessons have shaped who we are today.
1. Work with People You Feel Connected To
Business is all about relationships. We’ve learned that working with clients who really respect and value what you do makes all the difference. When you genuinely care about the people you’re working with, everyone does better. You produce better work, they get better results, it’s really a win win.
2. Build a Team for the Long Haul
Your team is your foundation. Over the years, we’ve found that having a group of people who’ve got your back makes everything better. Mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision have kept us strong through it all, and we’re so grateful for our team.
3. Try New Things
Get curious! You never know what could happen when you step out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s taking on a new type of project or exploring different ways of doing things, some of our biggest wins came from taking those leaps. If it feels right, go for it!
4. Have Love for What You Do
When you’re passionate about your work, it shows. We’ve tried lots of different paths over the years—not everything worked out, but the stuff we were most excited about has always shined the brightest. Love what you do, and it will always pay off in the end.
5. Never Stop Learning
The world’s always changing, and so are we. From going to events, taking courses, and keeping up with industry trends, we’re always looking for ways to grow. Staying curious and open to learning has been key to helping us keep moving forward and giving us the best ideas.
6. Know Your Numbers and Where You’re Going
As much as we love the creative side of things, knowing the numbers behind your business is super important. You can’t measure success without knowing the numbers. Keeping an eye on the data helps us set goals and make sure we’re on the right track.
7. Take Time for Yourself
Burnout is real, and as business owners, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle. It’s okay to have hobbies just for the sake of enjoyment—no need to monetize everything! Taking time for yourself and pursuing hobbies purely for pleasure can also ignite creativity. You don’t have to turn everything into a business idea. Just enjoy something outside of work, and let it recharge your batteries.
8. Lean on Your Support System
Having a support system—whether it’s family or friends—is essential. Building a holistic life beyond work leads to better balance and greateroverall fulfillment. Your support system helps you recharge, giving you the energy to show up fully when it’s time to work. They help you stay grounded and give you space to enjoy life beyond work. It’s important to make time for the things and people you love—it makes everything more balanced.
9. You Can’t Do Everything On Your Own
It’s tempting to try and do everything yourself, but trust us—it’s not sustainable. We’ve learned the beauty of delegation. Figure out what you enjoy doing and excel at, then offload the rest. It’ll make you happier and your work better.
10. Document Everything
We can’t emphasize this enough—document, document, document! Having clear processes and guidelines makes life so much easier, especially when things get busy. It’s helped us stay organized and saved us from having to explain the same thing over and over. A clear set of SOPs (standard operating procedures) makes it easier for team members to integrate seamlessly.
11. Be Flexible
Nothing lasts forever. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that things can change—fast. You’ve got to be flexible enough to adapt without losing your footing. Keep an eye on the big picture, but don’t be afraid to pivot if something’s not working. And if you fail? No biggie, just try again.
As we celebrate 11 years of Shanty Town Design, we’re feeling grateful for the lessons, the people we’ve met, and all the projects we’ve had the privilege to work on. Here’s to many more years of creativity, learning, and growing together!