8 Reasons to Start Your Own Business in 2022

Julie Starr • December 31, 2021



What are your new year’s resolutions for 2022?

For most people, these goals usually include things like getting fit, reading more, and quitting bad habits. These are all admirable goals, but there is no reason you can’t think even bigger when it comes to your new year’s resolutions. Instead of focusing simply on self-improvement, why not strive to create something that can have lasting value on the world.

If you’ve ever thought about setting up your own business , you could make 2022 the year to finally make the leap. Building a company from the ground up is no mean feat. It takes a huge amount of hard work to become successful. You’ll need to come up with an idea, procure the necessary funds, find business opportunities and pitch to potential clients. You’ll be getting up at the crack of dawn and working late into the night sending emails and answering phone calls. You’ll have to learn a whole new range of skills from social media to IT support. Your business will become your whole life.

But despite the enormous commitment, there are so many great reasons to go down this route. Once you get the ball rolling and move past the difficult early stages, you will find the process of running a company to be incredibly rewarding. If you’re undecided or you lack the confidence to take the plunge, here are eight great reasons to start your own business in 2022.

Be your own boss

One of the best things about starting your own company is that you are now in control of your own life. We’ve all worked for companies with horrible, overbearing bosses and now is your chance to be free of all that. No more working in toxic office environments with managers breathing down your neck and telling you what to do. No one can tell you what to do but you. You can decide down which route to take your company and can change directions whenever you want. You can hire whomever you like, work with your favorite clients and partners, and follow your preferred schedule. If you want to start working at midday and carry on late into the evening, there’s no one to tell you otherwise.

Your lifestyle will be more flexible and enjoyable as a result. There will be noticeably more freedom in your day to fit in last-minute business opportunities or personal responsibilities and best of all, you will always feel that glow of personal satisfaction that comes from being your own boss.

Work anywhere you want

One of the worst things about being an employee is having to commute to the same place every single day. You wake up early in order to fight rush hour traffic or squeeze onto a packed train, only to repeat it all at the end of the day. But when you are your own boss, you don’t have to do this. You can work from home if you want to or just get into work at 10 am when the traffic has died down. As long as you get your work done, it really doesn’t matter. Fancy a last-minute trip to the Bahamas? Just bring your laptop, hop on a plane and log onto your emails from a sandy Caribbean beach. The world is your oyster.

Financial security

When you first start your own company, you will be facing a lot of uncertainty. A huge number of businesses go bust in the first couple of years, and it is only the most resourceful and hardworking business leaders that succeed. You’ll need some funds in order to get things off your ground, and it may be a while before your company starts to be profitable. But as soon as things are moving successfully, you stand to make a great deal of money.

When you’re an employee, you earn a set salary, meaning there’s a limit to how much you can earn in a given year. But as a business owner, there is no cap on how much money you can make. Your company will be growing all the time, and as your business expands, so does your wallet. Eventually, when you are old and no longer capable or interested in actively running your business, you can then sell it for a huge amount of money. Alternatively, you can set your children up for a good life by passing it on to them.

Follow your passion

Whatever your business is, there is no doubt that it is something you are passionate about. It might be a health food company, a legal firm, or an online clothes retailer. There is clearly a reason why you chose this area of expertise. It is the thing you care about and that you are good at. 

So many people spend their whole lives working in careers that bring them no satisfaction. Perhaps they land a job straight out of college and then settle for the easy life, earning enough money for their family but gaining no real enjoyment from their work. Starting your own business allows you to follow your passions and work hard at the things that mean the most to you. Every day in the office will bring you a sense of satisfaction and achievement as you shape your company in line with your vision. You’ll create a lasting legacy that you and your family can look back on and be proud.

Make a difference

Starting a business affords you an opportunity to give something back to the world. As an entrepreneur, you have the option to set your company up to support community projects, charitable organizations, or non-profits. You can allocate a portion of your profits to help fund these causes or you can offer your business’s products or services for free.

There are many other ways that you can embody corporate social responsibility. As a planet, one of our biggest challenges is the looming threat of climate change. Global warming and greenhouse gases are setting the earth on a course for disaster, and it is the businesses of the world that have the largest impact. Even though you may just be a small start-up, there are things you can do as a business owner to make a difference. For a start, you can choose to only work with ethical companies who do their bit for the environment. You’ll be supporting the companies that are making a difference while also encouraging others to do the same. You should also make an effort to recycle and conserve energy in your workplace. Another option is to go paperless, eschewing physical documents in favor of digital ones.

Personal and professional development

Starting a company is a learning curve, and you’ll have to pick up a huge number of skills along the way. You’ll have to get your head around marketing, learn how to use social media, and plan campaigns. You’ll also have to be able to crunch numbers and keep your own books. Other skills you might have to adopt include tech support, website creation, graphic design, human resources, and operations management (see Operations Management: Definition, Types, And Tips for more information on this subject). Eventually, your organization will be large enough to hire dedicated people for these areas, but while you’re in the growth stage you’ll have to wear many hats. As a result, you will become more knowledgeable and talented.

Create a perfect team

A workplace is a finely-tuned machine, and if there is a weak link then the whole thing falls apart. Most people have worked with a colleague who doesn’t pull their weight and it can be incredibly frustrating. But being in charge gives you the power to create your own A-team from scratch. You’ll be in charge of the hiring, job interviews, onboarding process, and staff training. You can ensure that every single person that joins your organization is exactly the right person for their specific job. You can delegate important tasks to those who are best suited and make sure everyone is happy, satisfied, and productive.

Better mental health

More than half of all workers are unhappy with their jobs. This can lead to stress, anxiety, burnout, and other mental health issues. There are myriad reasons for this dissatisfaction, but some common reasons are being overworked and working in a toxic environment. As a boss, you can boost your mental health by creating the perfect working conditions. You can work according to your own schedule, create the ideal team, and take a restful vacation whenever you like. You and your team will end up happier, less stressed, and more productive and fulfilled as a result.

In conclusion, there are several reasons to carve out your own path and become a business leader. You will have the freedom to live the life you choose, and if you are successful, you will be rewarded financially and creatively. Your quality of life will be greatly improved, and you will be a happier, more successful person as a result. Good luck!

Eco-Friendly Garden Prep: Summer Tips for a Greener Business Space

By Julie Starr • June 5, 2025
If you're lucky enough to have a garden as part of your business, taking some time to set it up for summer is a great investment of your energy. Not only will it be ready for your customers to spend time in, but you can also incorporate some eco-friendly elements into it. Many people just think about the property and what eco-friendly updates they can make , but there are plenty that you can implement in your garden. This gives you the best of both worlds. You own a sacred and beautiful place for your customers to spend their summer, and at the same time, you can do your part for a better planet. If this is the route you want to take, then you also need to consider how to do this with the different seasons. To help you on your journey, here are some top tips for preparing your garden for summer. Plant trees and flowers Planting trees and flowers in your garden is a must. It will make a beautiful scene of nature for everyone to enjoy. Trees will provide people and animals with shade, as well as provide a habitat for wildlife. More trees are needed in the world because they purify the air that we breathe. Flowers, especially if you plant with pollinators in mind, can be an excellent way to attract bees and butterflies, which contribute largely to the earth. Use natural pest control When preparing your garden for summer, you can do this more sustainably and kindly by using natural pest control. Simply by planting trees and flowers, you are likely to attract lots of different wildlife, some of which may destroy your efforts. While all wildlife should be considered, you may need to take measures. Some better and more eco-friendly ways you can do this, as opposed to spraying toxic chemicals onto your plants and into the air, you can implement companion planting, using protective nets over your crops, choosing resilient plants, using natural repellents, and encouraging natural predators so nature can do its thing. Maintain your garden Maintaining your garden in itself can make it more eco-friendly. Composting your garden waste regularly, and kitchen waste can help you to reduce overall waste and create nutrient-rich soil. This is a great cycle of sustainability. You can also keep on top of things that need cleaning and replacing, so you can recycle the materials for other garden structures and projects, and repurpose things around your garden before they become waste. If you have features in your garden like a swimming pool, then a regular pool maintenance service is going to be vital in keeping your water consumption to a minimum, as when it is cleaned and maintained, it will need to be drained and refilled less as well as using less energy. You could also consider how you can use natural purification methods to reduce chemical usage and support biodiversity right in your backyard. Your garden is just an eco-friendly project waiting to be built. Use these top tips to help you get started.

The Impact of Sustainable Practices on the Food Service Industry

By Julie Starr • June 3, 2025
Sustainability is no longer something that can be considered optional in many businesses, including the food industry. From fast casual to fine dining, businesses face pressure to reduce waste, cut emissions, and use resources responsibly. Customers noticed, so too did regulators. This shift isn't about trends; it's about long-term business health. Operators now rethink everything: ingredients, packaging, equipment, and even furniture. The choices that they make affect cost, reputation, and the environment. Forward-thinking brands see sustainability as a chance to stand out, align with customer values, save money, and future-proof their business. Let's look at how sustainable practices are shaping the future of food service and why furniture choices matter more than ever. Sustainable Sourcing and Supply Chains Restaurants are choosing local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. More often, this reduces transportation emissions and supports nearby farms. It also appeals to customers who want food with a story. Sourcing matters; a restaurant that serves organic produce imported from thousands of miles away loses credibility. Local sourcing, when possible, keeps the supply chain shorter and more resilient. They also build community relationships. Sustainable seafood, fair trade coffee, and certified humane meat are becoming menu standards. But it's not just food; suppliers that use low-impact materials, avoid single-use plastics, or operate zero-waste facilities are getting more attention. Working with responsible vendors reduces environmental impact and strengthens the restaurant's reputation. It also makes it easier to meet sustainability benchmarks and certifications. Reducing Food Waste and Single-Use Plastics Food waste is expensive. Restaurants are responding with better forecasting, smaller portions, and creative ways to repurpose ingredients. Many now donate leftovers or compost scraps. Smart kitchen systems have reduced waste by tracking usage and spoilage. Front of house, more places encourage guests to take home leftovers or offer flexible portion sizes. Single-use plastics are also being phased out; straws, cutlery, and containers are switching to compostable or reusable versions. Many cities now require this, but even without mandates, customers expect it. Small changes make a big difference, such as swapping plastic lids for fiber-based ones or using reusable containers for takeout. In the long run, it also sends a clear message about your brand Energy Efficiency and Equipment Choices Energy use is a major cost for food service businesses. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and HVAC systems can contribute significantly. Induction cooktops, LED lighting , low-flow faucets, and energy-saving refrigeration reduce the environmental footprint. Some kitchens are even going all-electric to reduce reliance on gas. Smart energy monitoring systems provide real-time insights; this helps operators find waste, track trends, and make better decisions. Beyond the kitchen, some restaurants invest in solar panels or purchase renewable energy. It shows leadership and appeals to customers who care about climate action. Designing with Sustainability in Mind Interior design now plays a role in sustainability. Choosing eco-friendly materials and modular furniture reduces waste and supports the circular economy. Furniture companies that sell food service furniture offer tables, chairs, and booths made from recycled or responsibly sourced wood, metal, and plastics. Their products are durable, stylish, and built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Long-lasting furniture means fewer items in landfills. Plus, some suppliers offer take-back programs or extended product life. The right furniture also supports flexible layouts, which is important for adapting to changing service models like outdoor dining or shared spaces. Aligning with Customer Expectations More diners care about sustainability than ever before. It’s something that is extremely prominent in today’s dining experience. They want to support places that reflect their values. Transparency matters too , diners want to know exactly what businesses are doing to be more sustainable. Posting sourcing details, using certifications, and showing behind-the-scenes efforts builds trust. Sustainability isn't just a back-of-house concern; it should be visible throughout the customer journey. Guests notice packaging, signage, cleaning products, and even furniture. If your chairs are made from reclaimed wood or your tables are built from recycled metal, it becomes part of the story you tell. Employees also want to work for businesses that care; sustainability efforts can boost morale, improve retention, and create a strong workplace culture. Being consistent across all touchpoints helps turn sustainability from a checklist into a core part of your brand identity. Tracking Progress and Measuring Impact To stay on track, businesses need to measure what matters. Sustainability isn't guesswork; it's data-driven. Many restaurants now set goals for waste reduction, water usage, and carbon emissions. Digital dashboards, smart meters, and waste tracking apps provide clear feedback. Certifications like LEED , Green Restaurant Association, or B Corp can help validate progress, but the real value comes from aligning with goals and quickly reporting results. This transparency involves sharing results with staff and customers. This builds trust and shows accountability. Food service brands that track their impact tend to improve faster; they spot problems early and share wins more confidently. A culture of measurement helps maintain steady progress and keeps sustainability top of mind. Collaborating Across the Industry No restaurant can do it alone. Real change happens through partnerships. Food services need ot consider teaming up with local farms, recycling programs, and talking to local councils about any green schemes . This collaboration speeds up progress and helps avoid mistakes. Industry groups and supply networks now host workshops and certifications focused on sustainability. These shared resources help smaller businesses catch up and stay competitive. Technology platforms also make collaboration easier. Apps that connect surplus food with charities or tools for joint purchasing of sustainable goods are helping restaurants work smarter together. By building strong networks, the industry strengthens itself. Working together, sustainability leads to better outcomes and stronger communities. Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Future in Food Service Sustainability touches every part of the food service industry, from menus to materials. The shift toward responsible choices is clear. Restaurants that act now gain a competitive edge; they reduce costs, attract loyal customers, and stay ahead of regulations. The transition doesn't have to be all or nothing; small steps lead to big changes. Choosing eco-friendly furniture, like the options from food service furniture, is one of the smart steps. It shows commitment, supports long-term value, and elevates the dining experience. Sustainability is no longer an add-on; it’s a business essential. For those who embrace it, it can be a source of growth, loyalty, and resilience.