Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lyrik Fryer and Traci Szemkus, Founders of WorkPlay Branding, located in Miami, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
WorkPlay Branding is a Branding solution dedicated to creating savvy content for brands for an affordable flat monthly fee under $500. Brands no longer have to spend ridiculous amounts of money to create a presence online - think location scouting, photography, editing, social media management, etc. - the WorkPlay method helps launch businesses on social media, maintain a cohesive online brand presence, and maintain follower engagement.
Our members are individuals or brands who want to build and maintain a consistent online presence that accurately represents them and the quality they provide.
Tell us about yourself
Lyrik:
When I moved to Miami at 18, I began networking and going to events, meeting a ton of different brands and founders because I had a successful blog and product line (really before the influencer space was a thing!). Brands loved the way I was creating an "aesthetic" for my product line and social media presence online. They would ask me to make their content and manage their social media, so that was my little side hustle in college! Towards my senior year, I joined forces with my mom to co-found our fast-growing startup, WorkPlay Branding. For me, motivation comes from various things, but celebrating small wins is a big one for me. We have a team value that says: "Champagne is always a good idea," and it's the principle that you're allowed to say "good job" to yourself. You're allowed to acknowledge that you just accomplished something, no matter how small… it's something to celebrate. Giving yourself the reward of celebration keeps the journey fun.
Traci:
My daughter Lyrik grew up watching her dad, and I build our lives from scratch. We did it on our own terms through entrepreneurship, and she paid close attention. Family dinner discussions each night were about business. I believe she soaked in every lesson we went through and built a business mindset stronger than most entrepreneurs could possibly dream of having. I remember having high-level business conversations with Lyrik when she was 16. That's truly when WorkPlay started forming-we just didn't know it yet. My clients keep me motivated. Many of them came to us completely uncomfortable promoting their businesses online. To see them now up-leveling in such a powerful way and super confident promoting their business online is really rewarding and keeps me motivated to reach as many people as possible with the WorkPlay Method!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Creating a method that can serve hundreds of business owners across the country and the world. Creating impact and innovation in the world at scale has always been at the forefront of our minds, and the fact that we are living that dream and accomplishment today has been so rewarding. We've been able to do this within 3 years, and each year the business and reach have doubled, sometimes tripled.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Lyrik:
Business is REALLY hard. There's no way around it. There are days when nothing is going right. Maybe you didn't get the deal, you lost a client, or an employee completely messed up… and it all happens to you on the same day. You have to be able to pick yourself up, brush it off and keep going day in and day out. It's essential to your success.
Traci:
Starting a business is not for the weak or lazy. You will have to work long hours and sacrifice lots of experiences you normally would be a part of.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Lyrik:
- Work with people you trust with your life: When sh*t hits the fan, you have to be able to trust your other half of the business. You have to be able to trust that they're not going to bail on you. That type of relationship dynamic in any area of your life is rare, but in business, it's necessary because you're dealing with your future, livelihood, and money. Find your ride or die that shows you unquestionable loyalty, treat them well, and make them the COO of your company. You'll need someone like that holding it down while you grow your Startup.
- A Disruptive Idea: Your idea has to disrupt in some way. You have to find a solution to a problem that currently exists, and there has to be an edge to it.
- Champagne to Celebrate Your Wins: Realize that you're doing hard things and celebrate your wins. We have a team value that says: "Champagne is always a good idea," and it's the principle that you're allowed to say "good job" to yourself. You're allowed to acknowledge that you just accomplished something, no matter how small… it's something to celebrate. Giving yourself the reward of celebration keeps the journey fun.
Traci:
- Embrace the chaos: The path will not be organized for you when you are building a startup, so take each curve and roadblock like you expected it to happen and just deal with them one at a time.
- Patience: Hitting your goals will probably take much longer than you originally expected.
- Empathy: Understand that clients and your team members are human. Everyone has good and bad days and can mess up without a moment's notice.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://workplaybranding.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workplaybranding
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workplaybranding/
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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