Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Liane Agbi, Founder of Beautifuli Digital, located in Jersey City, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Beautifuli Digital is a boutique web design and development agency that builds high-performing websites for female founders that are ready to scale! We leverage UX best practices to redesign websites for established female-led brands looking to optimize their conversion rates and improve user experience.
Tell us about yourself
I started my web design and development business during the pandemic after getting several offline requests from friends and colleagues to build websites for new ideas they were launching as they quit their jobs. I was working professionally as a web developer for a global beauty company. Still, given the onset of the pandemic, work slowed a bit, so I had time to pick up some projects on the side.
I was excited about the opportunity to help other women achieve their dreams by launching a new idea or redesigning their website. That fueled me with a passion for keeping going. I am grateful to combine my professional expertise in user experience design and web development to help more women make it to the top with their beauty, fashion, or lifestyle brands.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was surpassing the six-figure mark in my first year as an entrepreneur. My husband had told me for years when we were first dating that I should consider going into web design. Still, I had never really believed in myself enough as a designer to leap since I didn't formally attend art school.
To see myself achieve that goal in such a short period boosted my confidence as both a creative and a businesswoman and motivated me to continue soaking up as much knowledge as possible through my entrepreneurial experience so I can be the best business owner I can be.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about business owners is knowing who to take advice from. When I started building my web design and development business, I looked into getting a business coach because I knew I needed to train myself on the business fundamentals of running an online business the right way.
I came across many scammers and lost some money in the process. Still, I learned a lot about my relentlessness. I became a better researcher to avoid making bad business deals as I continued to grow.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My number one tip is to know whether or not you want to be an entrepreneur before leaping into it. I built my business as a side hustle before quitting my job. I advise everyone else to see the numbers add up before jumping because entrepreneurship does come with highs and lows, short periods, and slow periods.
Secondly, do your research thoroughly before buying any online courses or working with coaches who can promise to help you make six figures in 60 days. Get client feedback and read reviews because starting a business requires investments upfront, and you want to be competent to whom you give your money.
Lastly, understand the root fundamentals of running a business. If you need to learn how to set up your taxes or reconcile your books -- learn! You can be an expert in some aspects of your business. Still, you must understand the fundamentals of cash flow to know how to succeed and scale long-term.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://beautifulidigital.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liane.agbi/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millianeire/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/millianeire
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liane-agbi/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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