Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in website design but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emily Agan, Founder of Emily Agan Studio, located in Lake Jackson, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I provide 1:1 website, branding, and done-in-a-day services for coaches, creatives, and online service-based industries. Small online companies barely have time (or money) to figure out the design side of things. I take this part off their plate in a couldn't-be-simpler process - from stuck and overwhelmed to, "OMG, now I can actually get other stuff done in my business!"
Tell us about yourself
The youngest of four, I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. I spent most of my life supporting those efforts through weekend bazaars, tee shirt designs, and social media management. I was a small business hype-woman and loved every minute of it.
I began my own business in early 2020 - after being furloughed, breaking my foot, and, well, you know, during a pandemic. I had done random design jobs all my life and thought, "Why not?" - I had plenty of time to kill. So I opened Emily Agan Studio, designing Squarespace websites for other entrepreneurs.
Every day is so exciting - new businesses, new people! But what truly keeps me going is getting to help. When the industries I design for make a breakthrough, get clients, make money, etc. It feels personal - like we're family. I like to call it "little sister syndrome," but whatever it is, it's why I do what I do.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I found out I was pregnant one month after going full-time in my business. My husband and I had just quit our "corporate" jobs and moved from Oregon to Texas. My biggest accomplishment is growing my business while growing a human being - it was one hell of a year. But I don't think I would have (could have) done it any other way.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I mean, I hate to say it, but - anxiety. Having all the responsibility fall on your already heavy shoulders is so hard. You do everything in your business - the accounting, marketing, design, customer service... it's a lot for one person, and it takes laser-focused intentional effort to care for yourself and not spend every waking moment thinking about things you could be accomplishing.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
For online businesses:
- Start a blog - immediately. The sooner you get going on this, the better. It helps your organic search traffic, a.k.a. potential clients finding you when they Google a question to a problem you solve.
- Get comfortable talking about the problem you solve. When you do this regularly with people in your network, word will spread, and referrals will start coming in before you know it.
- You don't need a logo or a solid business name to start, but a website (remember that blog) is invaluable. It gives your business a hub for collecting leads and a simple way to sell your services.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If you're an online business owner in a creative, coaching, or service-based industry (or even if you're not), I'd love to connect! You can follow me over on the gram at @emilyaganstudio. Shoot me a DM and share what you're doing. I'd love to follow along on your journey. Cheers!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.emilyagan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilyaganstudio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyaganstudio/
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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