Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in graphic design but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Maura Kelpy, founder of Maura K Creative, located in Longmont, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is making other amazing companies shine! As a graphic designer and creative consultant, I focus on creating print and digital projects for uplifting brands that promote positivity in the world. My main goal is to help my clients' unique brand connect with their audience through effective, eye-catching graphic design. Whether it's a brand identity project, magazine, online course materials, social media, or web graphics, it's all about visually communicating their brand's mission with the world — and making the creativity process efficient and fun.
Tell us about yourself
After graduating with a degree in graphic design, I worked in the restaurant industry and started doing small freelance design projects (while trying to travel as much as possible!). After a few years of exploration and dabbling in full-time agency work, I realized I had enough freelance clients to start my own business. I seized the opportunity, and my business has been growing ever since. I work with so many wonderful and inspiring clients that motivate me daily – their desire to expand their businesses makes me want to show up for them in every way possible and do my best work.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is creating a business that fits who I am and my lifestyle. I live for the outdoors and experiences with people I love. I'm so grateful that I've been able to build a business that allows me to set my own schedule and prioritize my self-care and passions. I'm a believer in the work-life balance, even when it ebbs and flows! Sometimes there's a big deadline that requires buckling down to get the job done, but other times I can maintain a more steady balance of work and play. Another big accomplishment: working with some of my favorite brands, including Four Sigmatic, Osprey Packs, RepYourWater, and Fresh Thymes Eatery, plus over 100 other fantastic companies.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Dedication and beliefs. Some days are harder than others, so staying committed to your business, your clients, and believing in your skills (even on the toughest days) is crucial. Every human has moments of doubt or overwhelm, so recognizing that those feelings are temporary and stepping away for a minute can help you refocus with greater energy and momentum.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just start writing. If you can't stop thinking about a business idea (or even just becoming an entrepreneur), start writing it down. Keep a notebook handy or start a note on your phone and put those dreams and ideas into written words. It will help develop the concept and make it feel more real so you can bring it to life.
- Build your network. Find freelancers or entrepreneurs in your community or online and start connecting. It's all about the connections, supporting each other, and motivating one another to reach that next goal. Plus, you'll be happy to have someone to share your wins with and even to vent to on the longer days!
- Promote yourself like crazy. You don't always need all the fancy branding and websites to find your people. (And that's coming from a designer!) Talk yourself up and share your skills and mission to find the clients that resonate with you. You never know who your next awesome customer or client will be – I've had great success chatting with people after a yoga class or even on a chairlift!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.maurakcreative.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maurakcreative/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maurakelpy/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
