Merging Mindful Design With Strategy - Griflan

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in design services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ari Kaplan, Co-Owner of Griflan, located in Philadelphia, PA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Griflan is a creative design agency focused on brand strategy, visual identity, and interactive web and mobile development. We work with clients of all sizes from across the full spectrum of industries, including healthcare, cryptocurrency, education, and much more. From cutting-edge startups to Fortune 500 companies and everybody in between, we serve clients searching for captivating creative, tech-savvy development and intuitive brand refinement.

Tell us about yourself

In a lot of ways, we think of Griflan as a marriage between style and function. We are at once visual artists and practical developers. We got into this business organically because it proved the best canvas for our creative process.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We’ve scored a number of design awards over the years. Obviously, we’re very proud to place these on our mantle, if only because peer recognition tells us that we’re making a positive impact on the industry. But more than anything, we take pride in the relationships we’ve built and maintained over the lifespan of our business. We’ve established meaningful and lasting partnerships with an incredible roster of clients and colleagues. Our biggest accomplishment is the sheer breadth, depth, and diversity of this roster.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

As business owners, one of the biggest challenges we face is simply ensuring that our organizations are prepared for the unknown. If the last two years have demonstrated anything, it’s that uncertainty is certain. As business owners, we can’t necessarily anticipate the exact nature of the next earth-shattering event. But we can take steps to prepare for this event. That may be the biggest challenge that independent business owners face today—building the structural foundation to withstand unforeseen realities.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. Love What You Do: You must be prepared to be on the clock at all times. Being a business owner is a 24-7 job, so you’d better love it.
2. Keep Your Eyes on the Road: Stay focused on what makes your company different, what makes your work excellent, and what motivates your team. The rest is just traffic and noise pollution. But…
3. Stay Agile: Don’t be afraid to take chances, adapt to changes, and seize opportunities. Stay on the mission, but allow your mission to evolve.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.griflan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griflan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griflan/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/griflan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/griflan-design-inc/

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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