Day 4 – What Does Success in Business Actually Look Like ?
Before I get into today, let me introduce someone properly. Bailey. My four-legged ride-or-die. A Pomshi — half Pomeranian, half Shih Tzu — and honestly one of the best decisions I've ever made. I'm not here to tell you that if you suffer with anxiety and depression you should go get a pet. That's your call. But what I will say is this: on the dark days, Bailey gives me purpose. The loyalty is unconditional. The love is unconditional. And sometimes that's exactly what you need to get back up and keep going. 🐾
So What Does Success Actually Look Like on Day 4?
Here's what I've figured out so far. To succeed in business you need three things:
1. A Brand
Not just a logo — a feeling. An identity. Something people recognise and connect with. BADASS is mine. Bold, unapologetic, built for people who refuse to settle.
2. To Be Current — And That Means Using AI
AI is everywhere right now and yes, it gets a bad rep. But here's my honest take: it's a brilliant tool if you know what you're doing with it. The catch? You still have to come up with the concept, the ideas, and the right questions. Ask it to tweak something and it'll sometimes forget the original version entirely and start from scratch — frustrating doesn't cover it.
I've used AI across ChatGPT, Canva, and Shopify (Sidekick is Shopify's AI). Each one has its strengths and its quirks. ChatGPT created my logo concept but Canva's AI wanted to put its own spin on it — you can actually spot the slight difference between my website logo and the header. Two versions, both AI, neither quite identical. That's the reality of working with AI right now. It's not perfect. It's just getting going. But it's a tool worth learning.
On Shopify — Sidekick does get you through the process but some things it handles automatically and others it hands you a complicated list of steps involving CSS files, theme code, and website jargon. Honestly? I think Shopify could be easier to navigate. There should be videos for shipping setup, finding your themes, viewing your live store. A proper drag-and-drop builder wouldn't go amiss either. It's getting there. But it's not quite there yet.
3. To Understand Advertising, Websites, Costings and Sales Generation
This is the mountain I'm currently climbing. Google Ads suggested £277 per week to get the best results. My budget is £15. So we're doing this the scrappy way. Pinterest, TikTok ads, keyword research — all things I'm learning in real time.
The Real Costs of Day 4 (No Sugar Coating)
Let's talk money because nobody else will:
- TikTok advertising: £33
- Canva subscription: £13/month
- CapCut (video editing): £10/month
- Domain name: £10/year
- AI music/song creation tool: £8/month
- ChatGPT: free but limited daily attempts — full access is £20/month
- Shopify: £1/month trial for 3 months, then £25/month
I'm currently out of pocket. No sales yet. But here's what I have built:
✅ Brand created — BADASS
✅ TikTok set up (editing is a learning curve but CapCut helps)
✅ Products live on the website including World Cup and USA 250th anniversary designs
✅ Dropshipping set up via Printify — syncing products to Shopify is its own learning curve but it's done
✅ Social media growing — Day 3 stats: 12 followers, 572 likes. Slow and steady.
✅ 2 litres of water. Yes, that counts. 💧
The dream? 50,000 football fans wearing my AI-designed logo shirt. Quit the day job. Build the empire. It takes time. It takes construction. But we don't quit here.
Still dreaming. Still building. Still BADASS. 💪
See you on Day 5.