Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in media and publishing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Callie Revell, Founder & Editor of Callie Revell Media Services, located in Amarillo, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am an editor, designer, and media manager. I primarily work with print, digital, and social media. My services cover a wide range of media needs, including book publishing, website design, business branding, marketing materials, and even podcast and video editing. My clients come from all walks of life. I've worked with men and women, teenagers and retirees, large corporations, and sole proprietors. My clients have been doctors, entrepreneurs, motivational speakers, counselors, teachers, authors, social workers, psychologists, publishers, professors, accountants, therapists, and many others.
Tell us about yourself
I've been working with various forms of media for over fifteen years, and my business has been my own passion project since December 2013. My first job out of college was as a secretary in an office. I spent a year there and left the position because I felt underutilized, underpaid, and not challenged. I needed a way to pick the projects I work on and do something I'm really good at to make a difference. I knew freelancing was the way to go, and I haven't looked back! I love my job because I'm constantly solving problems and helping people, two things I really enjoy doing. Now that I'm a mom, the flexibility of freelancing is a lifesaver.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have consistently grown each year in business, expanding my earnings and client intake while still retaining many of my clients for years at a time. I receive and happily complete one-time projects all the time, but my favorite clients are the ones who keep coming back over and over. I have a few dozen clients who rotate through my schedule and a few who pop in every couple of years asking for help with a new big idea. Over the years, I've served over 175 clients from all over North America and Europe. I'm very proud of my client retention.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Work-life balance is always a challenge. When you make your own hours, it's easy to overcommit and push yourself to the limit. I've had to learn how to set boundaries, especially with two young kids. Learning how to use my time at my desk to the fullest (and also when to walk away from my desk) has taken time.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research! Learn everything about your target market, and talk to people who are already working in that market.
- Make a plan, and prepare to change that plan over and over. Stay steadfast and flexible at the same time. It takes a lot of determination and persistence but also a certain amount of humility to admit when something isn't working, and you need to try something else.
- Don't be shy. If you're like me, it might feel a little odd to be outspoken about your business. It might feel like bragging, or you might be afraid of boring people with something you're so passionate about. It might be scary to open yourself up to the possibility of criticism and rejection. However, you are always going to be the one most passionate about what you do, so you're the most qualified to talk about it! When I started talking about my business more online and in person, I gained a lot of confidence and encouragement.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://callierevell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/callierevellmedia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callie_revell/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callierevell/
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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