Starting a business is a brave act. It means believing in something that doesn’t yet exist and choosing to show up for it every single day.
As a brand designer, I meet founders at the very beginning of their journeys, hearts full of vision and notebooks filled with ideas and while the passion is always there, the path forward isn’t always clear.
The truth is that most small businesses don’t make it past the first year. According to recent data, around 20% of new businesses fail within their first 12 months, and 60% don’t survive beyond their third year. That is a heartbreaking statistic, but it’s also an invitation to ask why, and more importantly, how can we do things differently?
The most common reasons businesses fail often come down to more than money. Yes, funding matters but even with capital, businesses can crumble if they lack clarity, consistency, and connection.
Here’s what I see time and time again:
001. Lack of alignment
Many brands skip the deep inner work before launching. They start with a logo, but not a clear sense of why they exist or who they’re here to serve. Without a grounded strategy or intention, it’s easy to get lost in comparison or trend-chasing.
002. Inconsistency
Whether in messaging, visuals, or how they show up online, inconsistency creates confusion. And confused customers don’t convert. Brand recognition (and trust) is built through repetition, rhythm, and presence.
003. Disconnection from their audience
Brands that speak at people, instead of building with them, often struggle to grow. The brands that thrive are the ones that listen. They lead with emotion, clarity, and care.
004. Burnout
This one is big. Running a business is not just an investment of money, it’s your time, energy, and heart. If you’re not building in a way that supports your wellbeing and honours your rhythm, it becomes unsustainable, and a burnt-out founder can’t pour from an empty cup.
What makes a brand successful?
A brand that lasts is one that feels true. It’s rooted in intention. Shaped by strategy. Led by soul. It knows what it stands for and who it’s speaking to. It grows with the founder, not against them. And it moves beyond aesthetics becoming a vessel for impact, storytelling, and expansion.
At Studio Kynd, we don’t just design pretty things. We help you build a foundation. One that aligns with your values, supports your energy, and creates space for real connection because branding isn’t just about being seen — It’s about being remembered, trusted, and felt.
If you’re at the start of your journey, or you’re ready to realign — I see you. This is your invitation to pause, reflect, and begin again, with intention.
With light, Niobe x
