10 Years: The Good, The Bad and the Unseen

This summer marks 10 years since I started Bethan. Ten years. That feels… big. Does that mean we are officially established now? Is this real? Yes, I think so and I’m super proud of it.  In fact I’m still taking it all in.  It’s a milestone that deserves celebrating, not just for the time that has passed but for everything that has been built in that time.  Because whilst it hasn’t always been easy,  it’s been powered by purpose, led by a compelling vision and driven by ambition, every step of the way.

Let’s be honest, building a business is not all glossy wins and straight lines. I’ve had more sleepless nights than I’d care to admit, more migraines than I’d care to count, and a period where I felt I had to say yes to everything, just in case it all fell apart. The fear was real. The imposter syndrome? Even louder. I remember hesitating to sign a £30-a-month mobile phone contract in Bethan’s very first month wondering what if I failed and couldn’t afford it? Soon after, we debated whether we should buy one or two boxes of pens - what if we didn’t last long enough to use them? And now? I smile thinking about how far we have all come.

Bethan began with a clear vision: to create an independent customs consultancy that could adapt around clients, not force them into a box. We wanted it to be agile, honest, and genuinely useful. I was incredibly grateful that the reputation I’d built opened doors from day one and from there, the business began to truly blossom.

Of course the road hasn’t been without its curveballs.  

Brexit

Covid

And for good measure… a divorce!  

Each chapter brought its own challenges but also the opportunity to choose resilience, growth and clarity.  And I’ve always chosen to keep moving forward. And now? Here I still am smiling more than ever, standing firm in my values and building a business that feels aligned and true.  And the best part? I’m not doing it alone. I get to celebrate this ten-year milestone with the most incredible team.  People who live and breathe those same values, who share the same passion. They bring an incredible energy to everything we do, all while being kind, supportive, smart and genuinely lovely humans.  I will forever be grateful for their loyalty and commitment. And behind the scenes?  I’m lucky to be supported by a group of trusted service providers and partners who keep things running smoothly. From the tiniest detail to the biggest pivot, your support has been consistent, invaluable and never taken for granted.

There’s been so much joy. The pride in empowering people. The excitement of seeing clients succeed. The real, lasting relationships built and the kindness of those who’ve championed me, encouraged me and believed in what I was building. So many moments that made me stop and think:  “this is why I do it.”  And through it all, I’ve stayed present for what matters most: my children.  I’ve never missed a sports day. I’ve eaten dinner with them every night they have been with me. I’ve been there to tuck them into bed. We’ve made amazing memories together. 
My kids have a mum who is driven, determined and passionate, who places kindness above everything and they’re definitely following in my footsteps, while confidently dancing to the beat of their own drums, exactly as I’d hoped. That, to me, is success.

I’ve never written a formal business plan (despite all the advice to do so). But what I have had is vision, grit, and a refusal to give up. To everyone who’s played a part in this journey - thank you. Whether you’ve worked with me, referred me, supported me, partnered with me, encouraged me, or simply believed in what I’m building: you’ve helped shape this story. Ten years in, I’m still here. Still real. And just getting started.

What are the 10 things that I can still do as a business owner, 10 years on? Because not everything changes and some things are worth keeping exactly as they are:

1. Wear trainers to work 99% of the time: Power shoes? No thanks. I work better in my trainers!  
2. Still prefer instant coffee: Despite everyone’s best efforts to convert me. (Yes, I’ve tried the fancy stuff.)
3. Still get called Bethan frequently: Not my name- it’s actually a blend of my children’s middle names, Olivia Beth and Kai Ethan. But hey, I’ll answer to it!
4. Eat a ridiculous amount of sweets in a day!: Productivity fuel, obviously
5. Forget my own password daily but remember a client’s EORI number from 2018: Business brain
6. Still can’t reach the top shelves in the office: I’m 5ft 2, the shelves are not.  It’s a daily test of creativity, balance and who’s nearby.
7. Put things on my to-do list after I’ve done them, just to tick them off: Feels so good.
8. Say “I’ll do that later today” at 9am and realise it’s 9pm: Time blindness: still undefeated.
9. Care more about a client’s success than they realise: I don’t just work with clients - I root for them, lose sleep over them and celebrate like it’s my own win.
10. Still wonder daily how I got so lucky with my team: They get the work done, share the vision, bring the laughs & somehow still like biscuits as much as I do.