Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Corey Pontz, Founder of CWP Design Studio, located in Philadelphia, PA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

CWP is a branding and design studio with a focus on the multigenerational space. Quite simply, we build brands that bridge generation. We partner with companies and organizations that want to future-proof their brands to withstand a dynamic environment. A company’s core set of clients will age alongside the company, so gaining appeal and promoting engagement with younger prospective clients will help the brand to remain relevant. And it’s not just about external customers—companies also often need their brand to resonate with a multigenerational workforce. We’ll work with a mid-size company that has a variety of age groups coexisting together in the workplace. They likely have seasoned employees who have been working there for years, but they also want to attract the next generation of talent. We can help them reinvigorate their brand to accommodate all points of view.

Tell us about yourself

I started my business in 2008 after the economy tanked, and I got laid off from my job as a senior graphic designer at an established design agency. I had wanted to start my own business for a while but didn’t have the courage to take that leap. Getting laid off gave me the kick in the pants to take that risk, and I have never looked back. In the beginning, it was just one person (me) in my home laundry room, and now I am the Creative Principal for a team of six that is continuing to grow steadily. We have a “no jerks work here” policy. So, we show up every day ready to work but also make sure to infuse playfulness and fun in everything that we do. And, it’s inspiring to design brand solutions that have an intergenerational impact and make a difference on a broader scale.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Growing my business. From day one, I marketed myself as a company and not just a sole worker. My vision was to make it bigger than just me and not be self-limiting. Being able to pay people’s paychecks week over week is a major high. Having my team feel excited and invested in our work, and take ownership of the company’s growth, is really cool to see. I learn so much from each person, and I hope that I’m also able to provide my team with opportunities for mutual learning and development as well.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Raising a family and running a business is hard. I consider my business to be one of my children and care for it as such. I put my whole heart into each of these activities, and finding balance has been an ongoing struggle. However, understanding priorities and creating organizational systems both in my work and home life have allowed me to get stronger with this juggling act. It’s not easy, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. If you have a passion for something and are willing to work hard…go for it. Everyone should love what they do every day, and if being an entrepreneur is your dream…I say, do it.
  2. Surround yourself with a village. You cannot (and should not) do it alone. I rely so strongly on the village I’ve created, and I would not be where I am today without it.
  3. Find real ways to deal with stress. Stress is inevitable when you run a business. Ignore it, and it will rear its ugly head in uncomfortable ways. The sooner that you can find healthy solutions to stress management, the better.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I think a lot of people are subject to analysis paralysis, so they do nothing for fear of doing the “wrong” thing. But fear shouldn’t get in your way. Don’t be afraid to try something—if it works, then great! If it doesn’t, you can always learn something, re-evaluate, and take a step in another direction.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://cwpdesignstudio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cwpdesignstudio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cwpdesign/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwpdesign
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreypontz/

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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