Being Bold with My Belief in my Businesses

By Sunny Clough

I am no stranger to the business world. I started my first business at the age of 15 (pitching coach), opened my first brick and mortar store at age 23 (Down Home CrossFit), purchased my second company at age 29 (Pooler Day Spa), and am currently working on the build-out of business number three at age 30. I have learned through many falls but also through big blessings that the only way for me to be a successful leader in my companies is to not just be bold, but to be even bolder in my trust in the Lord.

As a Christian, I believe that these earthly treasures are not “ours,” but are more of a responsibility and blessing given to us by God. Much like the parable of the talents—which teaches us to use our gifts boldly for God—my husband and I see the resources of our businesses much in the same light.

Over the past few years as we have worked at consistently weaving the gospel into our businesses, it has provided more clarity in how we lead our teams, direct our business goals, and where we invest in growth. As such we have been able to give back to our community more than we ever thought possible.

When I first started out, I found there was an overarching pressure to keep my beliefs and businesses separate. Everything seemed to always be preaching “balance,” which was always presented as having your personal life on one side of the scale and your professional life on the other. There was this attitude that if you allowed these things to touch, or heaven forbid overlap, that somehow, I may not be handling my work in a professional manner.

But I think most small business owners will agree that our business IS part of our family. When I finally dropped this mentality of separation and allowed God to lead me in all areas of my life, the results were magnificent.

Being a bold risk taker doesn’t mean that these leaps come without fear. These roads are still unknown and in this post-Covid world we have learned that our plans can easily be derailed without warning. But having our household rooted in belief has given us the framework, mindset and confidence to follow our callings and lead our businesses according to the word of God.

Advice for Those Starting a Business

One of the verses I seem to be leaning on a lot this year is out of Zechariah 4:10 “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” You just need to begin.

For many that I talk to who have an entrepreneurial calling, beginning is one of the most important things we can do, but it is also one of the hardest steps to take. I believe most people feel this step has to be a large one, which adds to the anxiety that can build in trying to follow your calling. It doesn’t have to be. The smallest actions will move your business forward.

So don’t shy away from that one phone call, the meeting at the bank you’re putting off, or the business plan outline sitting on your desk. These small consistent steps will not only build your business, but they will begin to build in you the tools needed to then grow a successful team.