Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alyssa Webb founder at Path Creative, a marketing consulting business based in Detroit, MI.
Tell us all about your business...
The advertising industry is broken. Bloated budgets, inflated egos, and glacial speed has rocked the traditional aspects of the industry. I started Path Creative to not only alleviate those symptoms but to also create beautiful things with other business owners.
I partner with small agencies and small- to medium-sized businesses who need help with their digital footprint. We operate in various industries including health and fitness, healthcare, software and technology, restaurants, cannabis, and non-profits.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?
I'm fascinated with people: what makes them tick, what motivates them, and what sets them on fire. It's why I love writing and love connecting. Although I started in journalism, creating brand stories seemed like a perfect calling.
While my clients' success is a massive motivator (it would be silly if it weren't), I'm unapologetically dedicated because of my son. I want him to see what it means to do great work for others.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Even through the most difficult times — the times when I had little income and a handful of clients — I never lost faith. At least, not completely. :) I'd be lying if I said I didn't have doubts. Doubts creep in surreptitiously and eat you from the inside out. If you're unwavering in your ultimate goal, you can keep those thoughts from devouring you. For me, that is a massive accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a solopreneur?
The feast or famine nature of growth. Growth is an incredible problem to have that comes with new stresses. Growing pains are real in business. Every time I grow, I have to make the choice about hiring or taking on more work myself. Every time I have to make the best possible choice for my clients and my employees.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a small business today?
1. Get comfortable with the shitty times. Entrepreneurship looks glamorous on the outside. It's not always pretty and it's important to be comfortable with that.
2. Trust people to get the work done that you've hired them for. And give feedback appropriately.
3. Don't sweat the small stuff. There will be mistakes. There will be screw-ups. Own them honestly and authentically... then move on.
If there was one thing you could do repeatedly to help grow your business, what would it be?
Process. A consistent, solid process for onboarding, communication, content development, and so on is so important.
What are some of the things you put in place to maintain a healthy work/life balance and to keep it all together?
Stick to a schedule and honor it. Always give yourself a little extra time for tasks than you think. Schedule downtime. Have a start time and an end time each day. Give yourself grace.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
As frustrating as it is, you won't always be happy following your "passion." There will inevitably be aspects of your business that you dislike doing. I have a friend who coaches me on "feeling things I'm unwilling to feel": discomfort, boredom, confusion, exhaustion. Her point is once you become comfortable feeling these things, you can achieve massive results. (Her name is Olivia Vizachero and she's incredible! Check her out.)
Where can people find you online?
pathdetroit.com
@pathcreative
www.linkedin.com/in/alyssabwebb
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share then email community@subkit.com, we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.