Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in advertising services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Maria Paula Murad, Founder of Studio DMLA, located in Maple Ridge, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Studio DMLA is a digital marketing agency that operates as a B2B network, connecting clients in North America to services providers locally and, more specifically, in Latin America. We focus on the technical aspects of digital marketing, such as web development, technical SEO audit and implementation, website maintenance, 3D rendering, and digital design. Due to the nature of our business model, we are a full-service agency and are able to ramp up or down the services as needed. Our clients are middle size, looking to complement their marketing team's skill set and outsource projects as needed. We like to work with diversified industries, such as Education, Real State, Tourism, etc.
Tell us about yourself
I have had the idea to open the Studio for a few years already. Being a Brazilian immigrant to Canada, I could see that Brazilian professionals had a lot to offer in terms of marketing and technical skills. The pandemic turned an employer into a client, which was a very organic way to start a business. We have been growing and diversifying since then. I'm inspired by providing business opportunities while helping our associates to have a life-work balance.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I read that the first two years are critical for a business to get established. The Studio has been in business for over two years, and I'm proud of our ability to keep on going, no matter what changes in the market or with our clients, such as budget or team updates. Seeing how sustainable our business model is and how our associates believe in what and how we do things is my biggest accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I joke that when you decide to become an entrepreneur, you take the red pill, a reference to the movie Matrix. You see the ups and downs with the market, the wins and setbacks, and you keep on going. You create stability for others, your employees, and your associates, and you continue doing what is needed to succeed.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Once I read a simple piece of advice, which I keep in mind every day: open your "doors," do the right things every day, and customers will show up. Another tip is to look at the problems and errors with curiosity and an open mind, as you will enjoy the journey and have better outcomes. The third one is to keep true to your values and essence and keep doing what you believe in, even if the "outside world" seems to be going in a different direction.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://studio-dmla.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StudioDMLA/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiodmla/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-dmla/
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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