Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Janel Lucia, owner of Janel Lucia Design Studio, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a brand and website designer who helps business owners get clear on their design and strategy, so they get noticed by their ideal clients and grow with confidence.
Tell us about yourself
I first went on my own in 2019, more to test the waters. I wasn't happy working corporate and knew that something needed to change. So I saved some money and took the leap. In my first year, I was mostly catering to friends and family. Once I gained some confidence and prepared myself for the next step, I joined a coworking space. Immediately I was connected to many different types of entrepreneurs, many with years of experience beyond me. They helped me build a business on a more serious level, how to reflect and grow from each experience. When the pandemic hit, it really shook up my stability, but talking it out with my community, experimenting, and learning from my experiences, failures, and hard-won successes is what really helped me stand strong. I take every project seriously and show up to the best of my ability. In my experience, when we show up and do our best, clients take notice and refer their friends, and eventually, word of mouth becomes a wonderful, reliable side of the business. Knowing that our best will change from day to day is also a learning experience. Be kind to yourself, take advantage of the creative highs, and allow for rest when needed. Some of my best ideas have come from laying on my couch and resting in between tasks.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Leaning into empathy, compassion, and understanding. There is no one size fits all, especially in design. What works for one client may not work for another. Being able to learn and adapt translated into happy clients that felt connected to their branding! I love knowing that I've helped another entrepreneur or small business owner feel more empowered in their own business and strategy. Running your own business is not easy – so I love being able to help my clients find the confidence to promote their own business and voice in the most authentic way possible. And another important yet often overlooked part of being a business owner is building a community. It takes a community to grow a business. Staying connected inspires me to do better, and it also helps me learn from my mistakes in a really informed way. Be teachable, be adaptable, don't take things personally, don't make assumptions, ask questions and above all, try your best.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I really had to get over my own impostor syndrome, self-doubt, comparison, and perfectionism, which, I think, is true for many of us. Traditional education systems don't necessarily teach us how to take up space, be outspoken, or allow ourselves to experiment and fail without judgment. I constantly have to talk myself into posting my work online or going to a meetup to talk to other people and show up as myself. I'm always happy after I push myself, but these things rarely come easy for me. As an introvert (and procrastinator), I have to constantly tell myself, "just do your best with what you have, and you will learn in the process." For me, that's always true. It's hard to show up at my desk, and it's hard to constantly be creative, but sometimes the best things come when pushing myself into those uncomfortable unknown areas of myself. When doubt arises, I just say, try your best, and after, your best will be a little bit better.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Connect to your community. As entrepreneurs, we are often seen as a solo act, but there is a community of other strong entrepreneurs backing each of us up. Plus, we all need a work friend to honestly critique our work and to vent to from time to time.
- Experiment and allow time for reflection, whatever your form of reflection is, whether it's journaling, painting, or talking to a friend. Reflect and grow from your experiences. It only gets better.
- Be kind to yourself, you will make mistakes, as everyone does, but if you can find a way to learn from them, you've found a growth mindset.
- There is no destination in running your own business. As you set goals and achieve those goals, new ones will inevitably arise. It's all about the journey (as my client Jamie O'Neil always says) and how you can grow and expand in that journey. Destinations change all the time, and that's okay. Expansion takes us to new places we never thought possible, trust and grow your instincts.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.janellucia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janellucia/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janel-lucia-brand-designer-b7425b9a/
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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