The Books That Helped Shaped My Business (and My Brain)
Running a creative business is as much about knowing yourself as it is about knowing your craft. Over the years, I’ve found so much wisdom, support and clarity from a selection of books - not necessarily business ones but ones that have helped me understand how I want to work, what matters most and how to shape a business that supports me, my brain, my energy and my values.
Here are a handful of books that have genuinely changed the way I run things:
Little Black Book – Otegha Uwagba
This tiny powerhouse of a book was one of the first I read before I even started my business, recommended to me from one of my creative besties. We were sitting in a little coffee / plant shop and she was like “you need this book!!!”. I went home and ordered it that day! It’s a neat little toolkit packed with practical advice for creative working women. Whether you're employed, freelancing or building your own thing, it’s a brilliant place to start and I still dip into it when I need a no-nonsense reminder of how to take up space and get things done. Back to basics is always a winner.
Wintering – Katherine May
I’ve picked this one up a couple of times now, when December rolls around. Wintering taught me that rest isn’t just okay but it’s absolutely necessary. Paying more attention to the natural rhythms of the seasons allowed me to appreciate the slower times in my biz and actually build them in (especially around my cycle, which I’ll get to in a moment!). I try not to push myself too hard when everything in me wants to pause, this book helped me honour rest instead of resisting it. It’s not always easy, but I’m working on it!
Do/ Purpose – David Hiatt & Do Story/ – Bobette Buster
Both of these are short, thoughtful reads that helped me ongoing mindset shift from running a business to building a brand. Do Purpose helped me define the “why” behind what I do and Do Story reminded me that stories - the real, behind-the-scenes stories - are what connect people to you. That’s the heart of my work truly! I might actually revisit these soon.
The Digital Marketing Handbook – Alice Benham
This one is a dream if you want clear, actionable advice without the jargon. I loved how easy it was to dip in and out, with simple tasks that made marketing feel doable and not completely overwhelming. I don’t think I’ve ever highlighted so much of a book within the first few pages! Whenever I’ve felt a bit lost about where to go next, this book has helped me refocus and take that messy action.
More Sales Please – Sara NASSER Dalrymple
Selling doesn’t come naturally to me (yerrrr, awkward creative for ya) but Sara’s book reframed that ick. It’s focused on sales without being pushy, full of tips that again, feel so achievable. It reminded me that selling is just another way to invite people in, not pressure them. I also love how relaxed it feels.
Hype Yourself – Lucy Werner
I loved the energy of this one. It’s packed with creative ways to promote your brand and helpful information on how to actually get noticed by the right people, all without feeling like you need a marketing degree. I read this at the very start of my small biz journey so another one I’d like to revisit now it’s been a few years.
Period Power – Maisie Hill
A total gamechanger. Seriously. I struggle with my periods - BADLY - and this book helped me understand my cycle in a way I’d never been taught before. Learning about the “seasons” of your cycle and how they affect your energy, focus and mood has made a huge difference. Now I try my best ti work with my body and not against it. I plan slower tasks when I know I’ll be low on energy, in Winter, and I try to shoot or do bigger visibility stuff when I’m feeling more in my Spring / Summer!
Unmasking Autism – DR Devon Price
As someone who identifies as neurodivergent, it all started to slowly make sense (iykyk) and I wanted to grab a couple of reads to help me understand why certain things - like back-to-back shoots, full-day bookings or juggling too many things at once - burn me out so fast. Since reading it, I’ve made intentional changes in my business… I’ve capped my shoot length, reduced how many clients I take on at a time and also stopped comparing my working style to neurotypical norms (you’ll find me editing til 2am sometimes ooooops). My brain works differently - and now my business does too!
These books didn’t give me a perfect business formula for success but they offered something much better: permission. Permission to do things my own way. To rest. To sell without shame. To shape my business around my energy, my story, my neurodivergent brain and the kind of life I actually want to live. These books helped me build a business that feels aligned, sustainable and true to me!
If you’re building a brand (or perhaps thinking about starting) and feeling like you don’t really like the thought of ‘hustling’ (blergh), maybe some of these books will help you find your own rhythm too. Because it’s not about doing more - it’s about finding a way where you can allow your business to work for you!
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