Interested in starting your own business development journey, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jaret Wilson of The Wilson Concept, based in Philadelphia, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Brand Strategy & Graphic Design - Our customers are brands focused on helping people by bettering society through gratitude. We work with underdogs out to do "good" clients, inspired by the lack of support in their area of expertise and intersection.
Tell us about yourself
I am an over-thinker, over-achiever, and self-doubter. These things were challenges for me for years, and I found myself helping others through mental self-care and therapy. Artists by trade, I became overwhelmingly inspired by anthropology, pictographs, archetypes, and murals. Advertising traditionally has the backbone of helping to guide a group of thinkers to feel and empathize in a specific direction — lightbulb moment. So I dedicated my life to finding ways to marry art, empathy, and social change.
The concepts that I align my heart and hand to are elevating a human experience, not selling cereal. Every day, I wake up intending to hear the voice of those who don't often get to speak and advocate for them through unique art and justifying their point-of-view. We do this for culture. It's NOT easy to stay motivated sometimes, but those lows remind me of the mantra that started this for me — "We believe in the people, the process, and the passion for making magic" Everything comes back to the people and the lenses that connect us.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Filling a room with like-minded professionals, guiding them to understand the importance of the struggle and perspective of the people outside of those walls. We had dinners and meetings weekly as a team to discuss our social impact efforts — it has been more important than the bottom-line since conception.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Staying organized and keeping anxiety in check. I daily remind myself, "I'm feeling the weight of my limits. My limitations are not the same as the collective. Have faith in the collective."
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Start a business — "JFDI." Run a company — You are learning more about yourself than anything; trust your growth every day. Grow a business — Do what scares you, ask questions constantly and get out of your head.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We are rebranding! The Wilson Concept focuses on the people and drops a couple of words to do so. We are "Wilson," A Creative & Strategy Collective. This opens a massive door for us to embrace identity, community, and empathy as an organization building influence over barriers. Focusing on relationship marketing services that help all of our clients and partners succeed. Stay tuned!
Where can people find you and your business?
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
