Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emily Schneider, Freelance PowerPoint Designer, based in Arlington Heights, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Hi, I'm Emily, a freelance PowerPoint presentation designer dedicated to amplifying impact, captivating audiences, and fostering success through visually stunning presentations.
As a visual storyteller, I'm on a mission to elevate business communications through expert PowerPoint design. I add a touch of magic to your business by instilling confidence and storytelling into each presentation.
My portfolio showcases collaborations with financial and investment firms, where I've contributed to various aspects, including internal and external communications, investor and sales pitch decks, events, and more.
Tell us about yourself
I've always been a creative thinker. I believe it started from my love of touching things and occasionally breaking them, which taught me to put them back together, sometimes in novel ways, as a child! While my parents weren't always thrilled with my experiments, they encouraged me to think outside the box as a child.
After graduating from art school, I began my professional career as an art director at a marketing agency. There, I discovered my love for crafting beautiful things on the computer and telling stories. Over time, I realized that my true passion lay in crafting narratives, simplifying complex information, and aiding others in better communication through strategic design—a uniquely valuable skill set.
Since then, I've dedicated myself to sharing my enthusiasm and expertise in visual storytelling. It's been an enriching journey.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, my greatest achievement lies in forging new connections that pave the way for fresh projects. I take immense pleasure in assisting individuals to feel more confident about their stories and presentations. There's nothing quite like empowering someone else to succeed, and that's precisely what my work allows me to do.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Finding a balance between hustling because I love what I do and taking breaks is one of the toughest aspects of being a business owner for me. I'm deeply passionate about my work and helping others, which makes it difficult to switch off, take a break, and rest at times.
As a solopreneur, I recognize that if I'm not working, the work isn't getting done. However, I'm committed to challenging myself and remaining mindful of the need for balance. It's a journey, and I'm constantly learning as I go!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Here are my top three tips for individuals on their entrepreneurial journey:
- Build a reliable support system comprised of like-minded individuals. Lean on them not only for guidance when questions arise but also to celebrate the small victories that come with owning your business. Sometimes, just talking through challenges or listening to others' experiences can provide valuable insights.
- Embrace a mindset of continual learning and growth. Understand that you don't have to master everything at once. As a business owner, stepping into unfamiliar territories can be uncomfortable, but it's where profound learning occurs. Release the pressure to excel in every aspect immediately, and welcome the journey with its inevitable ups and downs.
- Prioritize regular breaks. For me, it started with just 10 minutes every two weeks to jot down my achievements. This simple practice allowed me to recognize progress, reflect on lessons learned, and identify what truly benefits business. Cultivating this habit has proven to be a game-changer for me over the past year.
You can connect with Emily Schneider:
Website: https://www.iamemilyschneider.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emily.schnurman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mz719
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyschneider719/
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