By Duke Wells, Photographer & Entrepreneur.
If I were 25 again, standing at the edge of 2025 with a camera in one hand and a blank business plan in the other, I’d do a few things differently.
And a few things exactly the same.
I’ve made money, lost money, bootstrapped several successful businesses from scratch, and watched a few of them burn to the ground. I’ve learned that talent is only part of the game — timing, dedication and persistence carry just as much weight.
So here’s what I’d do if I were just starting out today:
I’d Start With One Clear, Small Offer
Not a big brand. Not a “vision.”
One thing. One customer. One problem solved.
You don’t need a massive website, award winning logo, or 5-page mission statement to get paid. You need a service or product that works, and someone willing to pay for it. Find the friction in people’s lives — then ease it.
If you’re not a little embarrassed by your first product, you probably launched too late.
I’d Keep My Costs Light and My Thinking Heavy
Forget the office. Forget the gear.
At 25, I’d rather have Wi-Fi, a decent phone, and a free Canva account than a loan I’ll be dragging into my 30s.
Working lean forces you to be creative. It teaches you to sell before you spend. Anyone can throw money at a business. It takes real guts to bootstrap one.
I’d Make Social Media My Test Lab
In my day, your ad had to run in the paper or on the radio, and if it flopped, that was it.
Today? You can test ten taglines in one week on TikTok.
For free.
I wouldn’t chase followers. I’d chase data. What content makes people DM me, click, or comment “How much?” That’s my compass. Likes don’t pay rent. Conversions do.
I’d Build an Email List Like My Life Depended on It
Instagram could vanish tomorrow. Algorithms can ghost you. But that email list?
That’s yours.
Start collecting emails on day one. Give people a reason to sign up: a discount, a how-to guide, a behind-the-scenes look. Email lets you own your relationship with your audience, not rent it.
I’d Embrace AI Without Letting It Define Me
AI is a tool. Not a threat. Not a savior.
If I were 25 today, I’d use AI to write drafts, brainstorm, clean up images, and automate customer replies — but I wouldn’t let it rob me of voice or vision.
People still want human. Your energy, your story, your weird quirks. In a world of machine-polished content, realness is rare — and rare things are valuable.
I’d Learn to Sell — Without Feeling Slimy
Too many creatives are allergic to sales. I used to be one of them. But you can’t help people if they don’t know you exist. Selling is service. It’s clarity, confidence, and follow-up.
If you’re doing good work, charging fair prices, and solving real problems, there’s nothing dirty about asking for the sale.
Say it with your chest.
I’d Spend More Time Building Relationships Than Perfecting My Logo
Your network is your lifeline. Friends become clients. Clients become collaborators. And every business breakthrough I’ve had came from people. Not pixels.
Go to events. Message strangers. Show up for others before asking them to show up for you. Kindness is a business strategy. Generosity is branding.
I’d Let Failure Punch Me. Then I’d Get Back Up
You will fail. You’ll price too low. You’ll trust the wrong people. You’ll botch a project.
Welcome to the club.
But every failure is tuition. Don’t hide from it. Don’t wallow. Learn fast, forgive yourself faster, and move on.
I’d Remember That Success Is a Season, Not a Self-Worth Score
Social media will try to convince you that if you’re not making six figures by 26, you’re behind. That’s nonsense. Real success is quiet. It’s building something that lasts. It’s paying your bills, loving your life, and having the freedom to do meaningful work with good people.
Take your time. Protect your peace. Trust your pace.
I’d Stay Bahamian — And Think Global
Being from The Bahamas is not a limitation — it’s leverage. Our culture, creativity, and voice are unmatched. But we must build for the world, not just for our shores.
Use your roots to anchor you, not trap you. Build your brand with authenticity, then let it travel.
Final Word
If I were 25 in 2025, I’d remind myself that no one has it all figured ouT.
And that’s okay.
You don’t need a ten-year plan. You just need to take the next right step, stay curious, and keep showing up.
And don’t worry. We’re all winging it.
The real pros just do it with style.
— Duke Wells
Photographer, Entrepreneur, Lifelong Student of the Hustle
Duke Wells created BahamasB2B in 2000 following a successful career as an advertising photographer in Detroit and New York. Mr Wells was an executive board member of the Advertising Photographers of America and a photography instructor at the College for Creative Studies. He has started, managed and consulted dozens of successful companies throughout his 50+ year career. In 2013, Mr Wells and his wife Lisa, a Bahamian artist, created The Bahamian Project — a non-profit photography initiative honouring the cultural legacy of The Bahamas and its people.
