Stand Out and Shine From the Rest

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in design services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tara Detchemendy, Owner of Guild Design, located in San Diego, CA, USA.

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

The majority of my customers are through referrals. Most of my customers have ongoing design needs, but overall I'm trying to focus more on the bigger picture and bring in clients who want to brand themselves.

Tell us about yourself

I'm originally from the east coast but have been living in San Diego for about nine years. When I moved out here with my family in 2014, I was offered a job working remotely for a company on the east coast. I worked there for four years, and within those years, I realized I could do so much independently, so I decided to do it myself.

What motivates me every day is getting new clients and taking on new and exciting design challenges. As I grow older in my career, I also am constantly intrigued by the business side as well. It is an ongoing process where you never really feel caught up—but the learning aspect excites me.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Around my second year doing work on a solo basis, I was able to win a substantial job. The budget was large enough that I could hire a writer. At times it felt overwhelming, mainly because it was my first time doing it—but in the end, I felt very accomplished!

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

You have to wear many hats, and most of the work that you do is not necessarily design. I've made many mistakes, but really that is the only way I have improved.

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

I'm still in the early stages of my business, even though it's going on four years, but here are some tips:

Figure out what type of work you might be doing and create a scenario of what process would happen if, for example, a client came to you and asked you to do a logo for them. Think of all the steps from beginning to end. This will help you wrap your head around what your internal processes should be. Overall, you need to have a plan for everything.
If a person comes to you and asks you to do a job, don't rush into saying yes and giving them a price right away—give yourself time to really think it through and let them know that you will get back to them in a day or so.
Find a mentor or a group where you can ask many questions. Listen to podcasts that relate to what you aspire to do. One of my favorites is TheFutur.com.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://guilddesign.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077964611713
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guild.design/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-detchemendy-a814642/

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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