Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Megan Kline, Founder and CEO of Twin Sails Creative, located in Austin, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I run a creative agency that provides website design and digital marketing services to small to medium size businesses across all industries. We help entrepreneurs achieve ripple-effect success online by architecting a new standard in online businesses. We dive deep into pain points and provide creative solutions to modern problems.
Tell us about yourself
The desire to both disrupt and create is what energizes me. I always knew a corporate desk job wasn't for me. I didn't like the way society put everyone in boxes and a timestamp on our lives. I started my career as a digital marketer for a Fortune 500 finance firm. It was an incredible job and company, but I knew it wasn't for me. I wanted to live life on my own terms, create my own schedule, travel the world, and challenge myself creatively. So, I took my digital marketing experiences and created an approach to digital marketing and design that blends online strategy and business development with creativity and visual aesthetics. Now, I create websites for clients all over the world in various different industries. My design approach is very methodical and aesthetic, capturing the essence of the business and brand and translating them across screens through visually compelling and descriptive designs.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Landing my first 5-figure design project (who just so happens to be an amazing dream client as well)! Running a business is hard - any business owner will tell you that. After months and months of feeling burnt out and like I was not being valued for my time and skills, I landed a dream client who valued my work and my expertise, and understood the importance of a website and marketing for her business, and was willing to invest in it.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Running a business is difficult - any business owner will tell you that. Whether it is setting up your systems and processes or getting over imposter syndrome, there is no shortage of difficulties business owners face. For me, the most difficult part of being a business owner is the financial rollercoaster we sign-up for and the inconsistencies in income. Although I started my own business to live my dreams, some parts had to be put on hold. I wasn't able to save as much for retirement or investment property at first. And I still struggle with this today! Understanding that building a profitable and successful business takes time will save you from getting frustrated or discouraged during the process.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just start, even when you aren't ready - I'm a systems girl, so I understand the need to feel somewhat prepared before jumping into the deep end! Looking back, I'd encourage myself to start my business and not worry about it being perfect (having the perfect website, social media presence, etc.)
- Test & learn (quickly!) - one of the most important lessons I learned in starting a business is to be able to implement, test, and learn quickly. If you're rolling out a new program or product, don't waste too much time making everything perfect. Build an MVP (minimum viable product), launch, test, gather feedback, and make changes accordingly. This ends up saving you so much time and energy in the long run and creates great products and services for your audience.
- Stay positive and don't give up - one of the most difficult things to do is to train yourself mentally to stay positive and not give up when things get hard. It's so easy to give up, but we wouldn't be entrepreneurs if we did that now, would we?
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://twinsailscreative.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twinsailscreative/
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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