Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in handcrafts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Seda Aladzhyan, Founder of S.A. Designs, located in Granada Hills, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My name is Seda Aladzhyan, and my business is Graphic Design / Marketing. Anyone that needs professional business cards, flyers, logos, brochures, etc. S.A. Design is there to help your business grow. My customers are other businesses or anyone that needs a professional brand identity for their business.
Tell us about yourself
Hello, my name is Seda Aladzhyan, and I am 25 years old with my own company called S.A. Designs. This business started while I was studying for my Bachelors of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and a Minor in Marketing. Throughout my education in school, I really analyzed what I wanted to do after I graduated from Woodbury University. Once I had reached my goal of graduating, I realized that I love to be my own boss and set schedules based on my own time. Throughout being in school, I was able to meet and talk with other graphic designers just like me and dig deep before starting my own business. My everyday motivation is to always list out ten goals I have to accomplish throughout the day, and even if I accomplish one goal out of the ten, it is still an accomplishment. I tell myself that nothing in life is easy; you have to work hard for what you want in life.
Since I was a young kid, I knew that my end goal was to be my own boss, and as things take time to really get started and run a business, it's the end goal that matters for me the most. I love to see my consumers happy with the creations I make for their businesses and being able to trust me / support my business. I am truly thankful to all consumers that allowed me to be a part of their growing business. My family is my biggest motivation having a sister who runs her own tutoring center, a dad that owns his own vending business, and a mom who works hard every day and is very creative when it comes to decorating for events. My entire life, I have grown up looking up to entrepreneurs in my own family and telling myself that I will be my own boss one day. Without my family standing by me and supporting me in everything I do, constantly pushing me to do better and be better, I wouldn't be who I am today.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner, I would say, was when I officially decided to really think outside the box and help those in need. I don't like to put ridiculous prices on any of my work because, at the end of the day, you want people to work with you and spread your name out there. In this day-to-day marketing, the biggest marketing is word of mouth and then social media. Seeing my work really makes people happy, and as a business owner, every little accomplishment is a big accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One hardest part as a business owner, I would say, is consistently thinking about why people should work with you. What do I offer that someone else can't? My biggest challenge was consistently doubting my abilities at first, and I mean really telling myself can I do this, or is this just another phase? What I began to learn about myself is that I never give up, and I never stop hustling to make a living or even just to help my own family out.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The three tips I would give someone that's looking to start their own business is one really be passionate about your business, don't just start a business to make fast cash. You want to really love what you do every day and not make it seem like it is a chore. The second tip is to look into the business you want to start, who your competitors are, what they offer that you can't or can, research your industry very well, and always be positive. My last tip would be to be yourself, be honest, and know that nothing in life is easy; you have to work hard to become a well-known brand or business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/__sa.designs__/
https://www.instagram.com/_sedaaladzhyan_/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seda-aladzhyan-5a6b01174/
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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