Independent Creative Studio

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tara Mckenzie, Founder of Hello Tara Lou, located in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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

I'm an independent creative studio that serves conscious businesses in the sustainable, well-being, and leisure sectors. My mission is to help businesses that impact our lives and the planet by supporting them and clarifying their purpose, message, vision, and reach. I know design and creative thinking have a huge impact on the business when done right, so I choose to support businesses with conscious ideas that would impact our communities and future.

Tell us about yourself

I was born in France, although I grew up in Vietnam and spent most of my life in Asia and Australia. I received my bachelor's degree in design from RMIT and started freelancing right away. I continued to advance and make connections and was fortunate enough to work with a wide range of diverse businesses, ranging from tech medical start-ups and big contemporary art galleries to eco-resorts. I worked in-house and got to understand the inner workings of various businesses and their needs. That allowed me to really see how versatile my role was as a designer and what I brought to my clients. There's nothing like seeing a business thrive in its true vision and knowing you had a part in that!

Before covid, I took a little break between contracts. I thought now was a better time than ever to do my yoga teacher training before life caught up again. I'm so glad I did because that gave me the tools, practice, and mindset to navigate through my shift and lows as a designer during covid. I suffered a lot from self-doubt and a lack of mindset, and it was facing me head-on. I decided to really look within and unclutter my true vision and what I wanted for myself moving forward. That's when Hello Tara Lou was born and encapsulated my values, style, and skills to help conscious businesses find their why. Now I’m so grateful that I get to do what I love and work from anywhere as I continue to expand my experiences and perspectives.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

When I started to streamline and understand my creative process and how I wanted to run my business. This opened my eyes to how I could deliver the best experience to my clients and, at the same time, feel fully fulfilled with my work. Once I did that, the returns have been so beautiful and ever-growing.

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

Being consistent with your work and staying motivated to learn, grow and do! There are definitely times when I feel so unmotivated that I have to constantly remind myself to act instead of just contemplating.

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

Educate yourself! Do courses, find mentors, listen to podcasts and immerse yourself in knowledge.
Figure out a business system and strategy that works for you. Start by breaking down how you want to deliver your product and services to your customer, and be detailed! This will help you see how you can personalize the customer experience and give you a checklist of what you need to do.
There is no perfect time to start a business, only the willpower and drive to do it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.hellotaralou.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellotaralou/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-lou-mckenzie-687b59101/

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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