Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emily Rankin, Owner of Take Note Graphic Design, located in Port Hood, NS, Canada.

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

Take Note Graphic Design provides thoughtful branding and graphic design for small businesses with a big heart. I help entrepreneurs, creatives, and non-profits support their brands, grow their businesses, and spread their message through branding, strategy, logos, websites, layouts, and more.

Tell us about yourself

I believe heart-centered businesses will change the world, and I'm here to help them do that. I'm an introverted adventure seeker who's on a mission to help soulful entrepreneurs and creatives show up and make a difference in the world. I attended Nova Scotia Community College and have over 15 years of experience working with and for small businesses as a graphic designer, photographer, store manager, and sales. I came from a family of entrepreneurs and was always attracted to the idea of merging creativity and business while being self-employed.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Continuing to run my business while adjusting to motherhood. The transition has been overwhelming and exciting, and I'm proud of how I've grown both personally and professionally.

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

Dealing with the ebbs and flows. Whether it's your workload, your income, opportunities, or personal things - you don't always have control. Some days that's a freeing feeling, and other days it's anxiety-inducing. Learning to trust, adapt, use your time wisely and keep going is important.

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

  1. Surround yourself with supportive people.
  2. Why you do what you do matters, figure out your why and build everything around that.
  3. You can have a big heart, be sensitive, and still run a profitable, successful business.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

There's no one right way to get started. If you need to work your business as a side hustle for a while, that's okay. Comparison can steal your joy. Success doesn't look the same for everyone. Figure out what success looks like for you and hold on to that vision.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.takenotegraphicdesign.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TakeNote
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emthedesigner

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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