11/04/2026
Ever wonder what it’s like to start a business on a whim?
Have you ever contemplated starting your own company but thought, “I don’t even know where to begin”?
Maybe you have all these ideas, but not a lot of money. You’re afraid of making mistakes.
How do I handle taxes? How do I make my business official? How do I protect myself and my personal assets if something goes wrong? How do I stay organized?
And the list goes on…
I’m here to tell you, I’ve been there. And in some ways, I still am.
Starting a business is a choice, and a big one at that.
Every day, I wake up thankful, happy, and incredibly grateful for where I am and how far this company has come. But I still find myself reflecting on where it all began.
ClearWater wasn’t always the 100% woman-owned company it is today. Getting to this point didn’t happen overnight, and the company has certainly gone through its share of changes and challenges along the way.
But today, I am incredibly thankful for where ClearWater stands. I’m proud that we’ve grown into a company that can provide employment opportunities for others, and I’m grateful for our clients, the relationships we’ve built, and the opportunities that continue to come our way.
And here’s something I’ve learned: Those questions you have about starting a business? They’re just the beginning.
Now, I would never encourage someone to jump into a decision that could financially backfire without understanding what they’re getting into.
But I would encourage anyone who has ever thought about starting a business to keep asking those questions.
Do your research. Talk with your bank. Speak with an accountant. Learn the difference between a sole proprietorship and an LLC, and what those differences could mean for you.
Sit down and write out your goals. Think about your vision. Ask yourself what you want to accomplish and what it might take to get there.
You don’t have to have every answer today. I certainly didn’t when I started, and I’m still learning as I go.
Sometimes, the first step isn’t opening a business, signing a contract, or making your first sale.
Sometimes, the first step is simply being willing to ask the questions.
Let those questions be the beginning of your own success story.
Thank you for taking a moment to read my thoughts. 💙
For those of you who have considered starting a business, what’s the biggest question or fear that’s held you back?
~From Behind the Business,
Jaylene R. Milton
Owner | ClearWater Cleaning Solutions LLC
