I started a business with $400 — now it brings in $180,000 a year. Here’s how I spend my money

In the heart of Southern California, where palm trees sway and the sun casts a perpetual golden glow, Sarah Close navigates the often tumultuous waters of entrepreneurship alongside her husband, Brett. At just 27 years old, Sarah has established herself as the founder of Flora Florico, a thriving floral design business that raked in an impressive $180,000 in revenue in 2024. This compelling success story is not just about the numbers, but also about a journey marked by adaptability, compromise, and a shared vision for the future.

In a world where many entrepreneurs grapple with financial uncertainty, Sarah and Brett have faced their own unique challenges. Both self-employed, they initially found themselves in a tight financial spot, prompting a cautious and frugal lifestyle. “For a while, we were making so little that we were kind of just like spending as little as possible and splitting everything down the middle,” Sarah reflects, highlighting the pragmatic approach they adopted in their early days as entrepreneurs.

As their financial landscape evolved, so too did their shared financial strategies. With Brett increasingly comfortable in his own career and contributing to Flora Florico, the couple began re-evaluating how they manage their finances. “He’s feeling more comfortable financially and he’s making more and he’s also helping with the business,” Sarah explains. Their collaborative approach means they have distinct yet complementary roles in both their personal and professional lives.

The couple splits their rent equally, creating a balanced partnership in their living expenses. “I pay for our Wi-Fi, and he pays for our utilities,” Sarah points out. This division of responsibilities not only maintains fairness but also reflects their joint commitment to financial stability. “We’re still splitting a lot of things,” she adds, illustrating how they continue to navigate their finances with an emphasis on teamwork.

However, their financial dynamics also reveal differing attitudes towards investing. Brett, with an eye toward long-term financial growth, actively engages in investing through an investment account and a 401(k). In contrast, Sarah has chosen a more entrepreneurial path, viewing her business as her primary investment strategy. “I have an IRA that I have made a few contributions to, but for the most part, I’m using my business as my investment,” she notes.

This bifurcation in their investing approaches underscores a broader conversation about the nature of entrepreneurship and financial planning. Sarah’s choice to invest heavily in her business mirrors the risk-taking mentality that often defines successful entrepreneurs. Many self-employed individuals, especially in creative industries, find that pouring resources back into their ventures can yield substantial returns, both financially and personally. Sarah’s experience illustrates this point effectively; as Flora Florico flourishes, so too does their potential for personal wealth.

The evolution of their financial management reflects not only their personal growth but also the shifting landscape of the modern working world. With more people embracing self-employment and entrepreneurial ventures, understanding financial management becomes crucial. The journey that Sarah and Brett have embarked upon can serve as a blueprint for others in similar situations.

Indeed, managing finances as a couple, especially when both partners are self-employed, comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. Open communication is key; as Sarah and Brett have shown, discussing their individual financial contributions allows them to maintain clarity and mitigate potential conflicts. Regularly reviewing and adjusting their financial strategies based on income changes or personal circumstances also helps them stay aligned with their goals.

Moreover, the couple’s realization that financial success is not solely about income but also about how they choose to allocate their resources is an essential lesson for many. Brett’s commitment to investments serves as a reminder that cultivating wealth often requires not just earning more, but also making informed choices about how to grow those earnings over time.

This financial narrative is also about the courage to embrace vulnerability. As startups often face unpredictable income streams, it can be daunting to discuss financial issues openly. Yet, sharing these intricacies builds trust and ensures that both partners are actively engaged in their shared financial journey. Sarah and Brett’s experience exemplifies this trust in action as they openly discuss their expenses, contributions, and financial plans.

This story of Sarah and Brett not only offers a glimpse into their financial lives but also serves as an inspiration for anyone contemplating a similar path. Emphasizing both individual responsibility and joint decision-making, they navigate the complex interplay between self-employment and shared financial stability with grace and mutual respect. As they stand on the precipice of future growth, their journey is a testament to the power of collaboration in achieving financial success.

In a world where financial literacy is becoming increasingly important, the experiences of entrepreneurs like Sarah can provide invaluable lessons. Whether you are contemplating starting your own business or are simply exploring new ways to manage finances, understanding the balance between personal expenses, investments, and collective goals can set the stage for ongoing success. Sarah and Brett’s story is just one of many that illuminate a path where personal aspirations and professional ambitions can harmoniously coexist, reflecting a modern narrative of partnership and growth.