Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emily Lyman, Founder of Branch & Bramble, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Branch & Bramble is an award-winning marketing agency for lifestyle brands. From companies willing to take social stances to eco-conscious materials, today's customers are more eager to engage with brands that have embodied an individualized meaning so that they can feel good about where they're spending their money. We understand that finding an audience who shares a company's values is the key to success. We bring brand stories to life and craft strategies that cultivate meaningful relationships between our clients and their audiences—turning ordinary followers into lifelong fans.
Tell us about yourself
After working with top global companies on both the agency and brand side for more than a decade, I found myself frustrated by the mentality of accumulation over solid strategic thinking that looks at the why behind the brand. I was swimming with sharks who wanted nothing more than to prove ROI and increase the bottom line in the short term. My days were spent trying to create content that made everyone happy, but I never actually said anything. On top of that, I was experiencing extreme burnout.
I built Branch & Bramble to be a company that listens to the needs and aspirations of both our clients and our team members with the goal of creating honest, transparent, and respectful working relationships for all involved. We are focused on helping brands stand up for what they believe in and finding others to stand with them.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am extremely proud of my team and the amazing work we do for our clients. What I strive to accomplish every single day is building an environment where my team feels trusted, heard, and fulfilled in their careers. It is a constant learning experience that requires diligence, active listening, and not being afraid to admit when I'm wrong.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
For me, being a business owner comes with a daily emotional rollercoaster that pulls me in a million different directions. Elation for the achievements and worry for the future. I remind myself that there is joy in problem-solving and that we can tackle anything we put our minds to.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Focus. You don't need to do everything all at once. Rather, pick the 1-3 things that you have the time to do well and stick to those.
- Be okay with making mistakes. They're going to happen. Some are going to be expensive. It's the cost of taking a risk and building something. At the end of the day, a mistake made is going to yield more for you than not making any decisions because you were afraid.
- Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone is at a different stage in their entrepreneurial journey. This only leads to insecurity, doubt, and jealousy, which take up mental energy that could be used to grow your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.branchandbramble.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elyman/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/emilylyman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilylyman/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.