One year in Bloom…
Today marks a milestone for us at Tide & Bloom.
On 7th May last year, we landed our first Sussex client where we were flown to the outskirts of Barcelona to help land a stronger brand narrative and event experience.
A year on, we haven’t quite reached the same global heights but we have been reflecting on what we’ve learnt, and what we’d tell others who are thinking about starting out on their own.
The simple answer, by the way is “Go for it”
Gayle Jones, Founder Tide & Bloom | Brand & Marketing Consultancy
1. Trust Your Expertise
Launching and running a business is both exciting and terrifying. Even with three decades of strategic brand and marketing experience behind me, starting something entirely on your own is, honestly, all a bit daunting.
There’s a little voice that pops-up from time to time.
“Are you sure you’ve got this?”, “Shouldn’t you be getting a proper job?”
The answer is to trust your expertise and your intuition. Keep reminding yourself of the value you bring, and stay true to what’s driving your big ambitions.
Don’t wait for that moment to feel completely ready.
Just go for it, and start making a difference.
2. Build a Brand (that means something)
The first few months going solo, are often spent being your worst critic. Having to apply the same strategic thinking you’d give to clients, working late, going back and forth, without a team to sense-check ideas. But every iteration, is worth it.
Spending the time on your brand foundations to create something you;ll always be proud of, is one of the most valuable investments you can make early on.
I wanted a brand name that Sussex businesses and creatives can identify with, something that would be recognisable, and once I had that, everything followed and quickly.
Tide represents the resilience and energy of our Sussex coastline, adapting to external pressures through seasonal change. Similar to the journey of running a business
Bloom reflects fresh ideas and creative growth to make real impact, and something to make us all smile.
Together, they captured a core belief: that your brand and marketing should evolve with your business, just as the seasons do.
3. Good Vibes, Together (Always)
Surround yourself with good people who are genuinely here for the same exciting journey. Who bring their expertise, complimentary skills, good energy, and a shared commitment of doing great work. FACT 😉
Building a community doesn’t just happen by accident. It happens by showing-up at events, in conversations, curating collaborations and by being genuinely excited by the talented people around you.
In just 12 months, the Tide & Bloom community has grown into something I’m so very proud of. Bringing inspirational founders, talented designers, illustrators, copywriters, photographers, videographers and developers together, to deliver creative magic for our clients. Something we carefully curate and flex to every project, timeline and budget.
My only challenge? Finding more time to get out from behind the desk and meet more of our extraordinary Sussex business owners and creative talent. I’m working on it!
A saying that really resonates is that “you can strive alone, or thrive better together”.
4. Money, Money, Money
I was thinking if I should be so blunt to include this one, but you can’t ignore it especially when running a business.
Gone is the safety net of a monthly paycheck. Very quickly it’s replaced with the quiet uncertainty of not knowing whether your first 3, 6, 9 or 12 months were a brilliant decision, or a complete whim.
Pricing your businesses, expertise and value is, honestly an ongoing challenge – especially for someone that has a habit of getting so very excited, and throwing everything in to always deliver the biggest possible results for every project.
A couple of things that have really helped:
Build flexible packages that meet clients where they are - from focused strategy workshops and tactical campaign projects to longer-term strategic support. Staying adaptable means you remain accessible to a variety of businesses, without undervaluing your work.
Get a good accountant early - someone who understands your business and feels like part of your team. It will be one of the best investments you make. The right financial support builds confidence to price properly, plan ahead, manage cash flow and make better decisions. Harry at Clear Sum Accounting has been an absolute gem, and someone who makes understanding the numbers and the requirements of running a Limited Company easy.
So in summary, if you're thinking about taking the leap yourself…
My advice would simply be:
Go for it
Back yourself
And, find your tribe
For Tide & Bloom the tide is turning, and we’re here for it.
If you’re a Sussex creative looking to connect or a business wanting support with your brand and marketing?
We’d love to hear from you
