Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amanda McNay, Owner of AJM Design Studio, located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own AJM Design Studio, a Denver-based creative graphic design studio working with clients all over the world in many different industries. We specialize in Squarespace website design, branding, website assets, the whole spectrum of print & digital graphics, and building awesome relationships with our clients.
We mostly work with new businesses looking to brand from the ground up, SMBs looking for a brand refresh, and any clients needing a la carte design services.
Tell us about yourself
My first experience in graphic design was with my high school yearbook staff. The second I opened Adobe InDesign for the first time, I was hooked! I went on to be the design editor of The University of Georgia's newspaper and magazine, and my passion for design grew throughout college. After graduating, I was an art teacher for a few years and quickly realized it wasn't the path for me.
Since I had a strong background in graphic design, I immediately decided to start freelancing after leaving my teaching job. I searched for jobs on freelance websites all day, every day in the beginning, and now, almost seven years later, I work completely off referrals! There's nothing I love more than building close relationships with my clients. I look forward to logging on every day, knowing I get to be a crucial part of helping them build successful businesses.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would say my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is growing my business every year 100% off of repeat clients and referrals. Working with AJM Design Studio NEVER feels transactional, and I really value my client relationships. It's always interactive and personal, which is (I think!) why clients keep coming back.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Knowing when you can no longer do it all yourself! I reached a point where I was working 14-hour days, and my mental health wasn't in the best place before I finally realized I had two choices: take on less work or hire an employee. I chose to hire, and now I have an amazing junior designer who I really don't know how I ever lived without!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Create a business doing what you love! There is truly a market for everything today, so there's no need to spend your life doing something you don't enjoy.
- Set up your processes early! These will adapt over time, but it's important to have an organized and professional process for working with each client.
- Always protect yourself: send contracts and invoices half up front! I like to believe all people are good, but unfortunately, this isn't always the case.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ajmdesignstudio.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ajmdesignstudio/
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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