Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in graphic design but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tamara Paylor, Founder of Mae Lea Designs, located in Charlotte, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Mae Lea Designs is a graphic design and branding agency specializing in helping startups, and small businesses create a cohesive brand for their target audience via brand strategy and design.
Tell us about yourself
I've been creative for as long as I can remember. I initially started as an entrepreneur at a young age. Through middle school and high school, I created flyers, event tickets, and programs for churches and schools. At that time, I had no clue that I could develop these skills into a real profession and career. I finally ended up getting a degree with honors in graphic design after previously leaving an engineering degree program. After graduation, I started my business as a side hustle because I had gotten an internship at a major clothing brand. After being laid off during the recession, relocating, and having my daughter, I found it hard to get back into the industry. I ended up going into customer service and, eventually, sales. I was miserable. After some encouragement from my mom, I returned to my passion and became a full-time entrepreneur. Through my creativity, I've always loved helping other businesses feel legitimate through my design services. Now, I am told stories of how my branding has elevated my clients' businesses beyond their imagination. That's my motivation to keep going.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment, as of now, is being named business of the year by more than one entity several times.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is learning how to pivot. You need to learn how to be flexible during slow times and how to be efficient in high-demand times. This may mean becoming more selective in who you work with or what services you continue to offer. The path to your vision may change how you initially saw it, but you'll still get there.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Research - before branding, buying a domain, or opening a shop, do your research. Research your intended audience, the market, your industry, and your competitors.
- Set up systems in place for growth before you get there. It's easy to make modifications to something that already exists than to try to implement new processes in the midst of growing.
- Continue to look at your metrics. Brand Audits are great to make sure you're still reading your targets or if you need to make adjustments. Be proactive.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://maeleadesigns.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maeleadesigns
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maeleadesigns/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maeleadesigns
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mae-lea-designs/
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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