It Never Turns Out How You Think It Will

‘When Abi first explained the idea for Just Starting Out, I imagined something simple: a clean, functional directory where new business owners could list their services and find customers. Straightforward, right? Fast-forward to today, and what we’ve built is so much more!

As a software engineer, I’ve seen projects evolve before, but this journey has been on a whole other level. What started as a single idea has grown into a platform that doesn’t just help people get found, it helps them start, run, and grow their business. That shift didn’t happen overnight. It happened because along the way, we kept learning what our users needed, and what they didn’t even know they needed.

In the beginning, I thought I was building a search engine. Now? We’ve created a genuine resource for new business owners- I see it as an ecosystem in itself. We’re building tools that make life easier for professionals, considering what new business owners need such as job management and invoicing features. We’re designing a community space where people can connect and share experiences. We’ve even partnered with some fantastic companies who share our mission- to support those early steps in business. When we asked ourselves, ‘What do people need when they start a business?’ we also asked, ‘What do they need that they don’t even know about yet?’ That question changed everything.

The funny part? We discovered those answers by living through the same challenges ourselves. There were things we needed as a company- insurance, training, the right technology- things that we didn’t think about on day one. Each hurdle taught us something, and every time we adapted, Just Starting Out became stronger. It’s almost like it had a mind of it’s own, and told us where it wanted to go.

And yes, that meant lots of changes- big ones! The website doesn’t look like the first wireframe I sketched. The features? Completely reimagined. Even the logo has had its own glow-up. That’s normal. It’s growth. Just look at Apple: their first logo was Newton sitting under a tree. Today, it’s one of the most recognisable icons in the world. Change isn’t failure; it’s proof you’re moving forward.

So, if you’re reading this and your plans feel messy, or your idea keeps shifting, trust me- that’s exactly how it should be. The detours aren’t a sign you’re lost, they’re a sign you’re building something real. All you need at the start is a spark of an idea and the courage to begin. The rest unfolds in time’.

(Richard, CTO & Co-Founder)

Stay tuned for our next ‘Founders Corner’ where Abi will be talking about knock-backs along the way!

Founders Corner, Just Starting Out Small Business News Scoop