Building a Business and a Life: The Loneliness of Starting Fresh
When I moved to Flagstaff four years ago, it was a big leap. I wasn’t just starting over in a new town—I was also starting my jewelry business from scratch. It felt exciting and empowering, but also really isolating. I didn’t know anyone, and I was pouring every ounce of energy I had into building something from the ground up.
What people don’t often talk about is how lonely it can be to start a business and move to a new place at the same time. You’re trying to figure out how to make your work sustainable, how to be your own boss, your own marketer, your own bookkeeper—and you’re doing it without a support system nearby. I didn’t have coworkers or a built-in friend group. Most of my conversations were with my dogs or my customers at markets.
And while I love what I do, I quickly realized that when you work for yourself, work never really ends. I’d tell myself, “I’ll go to that event next week,” or “I’ll reach out to that person later.” But there was always more to do in the studio, more emails to respond to, more prep for markets or classes. It felt like I couldn’t justify making time for social stuff—especially when I didn’t feel like I had anything to show for my business yet.
Two years ago, I convinced my sister and brother-in-law to move here, and that’s made a huge difference for me. Having family close by has helped me feel more supported and grounded, and it’s reminded me how important it is to have people in your corner—especially when you’re doing something as vulnerable as starting a creative business.
Now, four years in, I finally feel like I’m starting to build stronger relationships in this town. But it’s taken time. And it’s still something I have to be intentional about. I’m a naturally self-motivated person when it comes to my business, but when it comes to friendships, I’ve had to build systems to make sure I’m not neglecting that part of my life.
One small thing that’s helped? A habit tracker. I’ve been using it to challenge myself to do one fun thing each week, and one thing with a friend. That might not seem like much, but if I don’t actively make space for it, it just doesn’t happen. It’s easy to get caught in the cycle of “just one more work thing” or “I’ll rest later.” But we’re not machines, and connection is just as important to a meaningful life as productivity.
Final Thoughts
Starting a business and building a life in a new place is brave—but it’s also hard. If you’re in the thick of it, be gentle with yourself. Know that it’s okay if it takes time to feel rooted. Relationships don’t grow overnight, just like businesses don’t. But they do grow—with care, consistency, and a little space on the calendar.
So here’s your reminder to check in with a friend, say yes to that invite, or plan something fun just for you. You’re not just building a business—you’re building a life. And both deserve your attention.
