Lessons from 11 Years in Business: What Bellano Has Taught Me

Flashback to July 4th, 2014. My last official day at the University of Utah…I was mainly thinking about one thing: making sure I got that last bit of holiday pay. 😅 Practical Thauna, always.

What I didn’t realize at the time was how fitting the date actually was. I wasn’t just wrapping up a job and striking out on my own…

I was declaring my independence.

After several years of Bellano Web Studio (anyone remember Design by Thauna?) being my side hustle, tucked into evenings and weekends, it had grown into something bigger. And I hit that classic fork in the road: either start turning away dream clients… or go all in.

So I did what any creative with a color-coded planner and a gut feeling would do…I took the leap.

Since then, Bellano has grown with me. I’ve worked with incredible clients, redesigned my own brand more times than I can count (multi-passionate problems!), and learned a whole lot about running a creative business with heart, boundaries, and plenty of caffeine.

So in celebration of this milestone, I’m sharing 11 lessons I’ve learned. Each lesson has shaped how I show up, how I serve my clients, and how I’ve built a business that still feels like home after all these years.

11 Lessons from 11 Years in Business

1. Contracts are a must—even when they feel awkward.

I used to hesitate before sending contracts. Now I know they protect both me and my clients. They create clarity, set expectations, and help projects run more smoothly. It’s not about distrust…it’s about respect.

2. Boundaries aren’t rude—they’re business-saving.

Defining my office hours, scope of work, and response times has been key to staying energized and focused. And it means I can give every client my full attention during their project. Boundaries keep the creative energy flowing.

3. Creativity doesn’t punch a clock.

Some of my best ideas come when I’m walking, crocheting, or halfway through a latte. I’ve learned to embrace those unexpected moments of inspiration and to build breathing room into my process so your website benefits from that magic.

4. Change is the only constant.

Web platforms evolve. Design trends shift. Client needs change. Your business will too, and that’s a good thing! I create websites that grow with you, so you’re not stuck in version 1.0 when you’ve evolved into version 3.5.

Why I switched to Kadence

5. The 80/20 rule is real.

Most of my clients? Dreamboats. Kind, collaborative, and passionate about what they do. The other 20% taught me to spot red flags early and honor my gut. That’s how I’ve built a business I genuinely love working in, and how I give my best to the people I serve.

6. Done > perfect. Always!

If we wait until everything is perfect, we’ll never launch. I’ve learned to aim for excellent, not flawless. A website is a living, breathing part of your business. Let it evolve, and let it work for you—now, not someday.

7. I wear all the hats—and I’m okay with that.

Designer, educator, strategist, tech support, and sometimes therapist. I meet my clients where they are and help them move forward with clarity and confidence. It’s not just about making things look good, it’s about making them work beautifully too.

8. Rest is part of the process.

Burnout helps no one. I’ve learned to take breaks, follow my energy, and come back refreshed and ready to create. My clients benefit from this renewed focus, and I deliver better work as a result.

9. Comparison is a creativity killer.

It’s so easy to get caught in the scroll. But what works for someone else isn’t always what’s right for you. I design sites that reflect your story, values, and goals—not trends or templates.

10. Small beginnings are still beginnings.

Bellano started in the margins of my schedule. It grew because I stayed consistent and kept showing up. If you’re just starting out or reinventing your business, know that the size of your beginning doesn’t define your potential.

11. You don’t have to feel ready to begin.

I didn’t feel “ready” in 2014, but I moved forward anyway. And that decision changed everything. If your website or branding no longer reflects your direction, or if you’re feeling stuck in the “someday” stage… take the first step. You’ll figure the rest out.

Ready to Take the Leap? Let’s Do It Together.

To celebrate 11 years of Bellano magic, I’m offering $111 off the Bellano Signature Solution through July 11th, 2025.

This package is perfect for creatives, bloggers, and service providers who want a site that looks amazing, functions beautifully, and grows with their business.

Ready for a site that reflects where you’re really at? Click here to learn more and grab your spot.

“I didn’t get there by wishing for it or hoping for it, but by working for it.”
— Estée Lauder

Thanks for reading—and for being part of the Bellano journey. Here’s to the next chapter!