Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alexis (Lex) Campanis, Co-Founder of Industry of Hues™, located in San Diego, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Industry of Hues™ is an independent visual identity & graphic design studio. Our expertise: to build foundational identity systems that empower the savvy client & awaken the human psyche. Our customers range! From arts and fashion to higher education and the non-profit sector, we embrace all projects and genres with the goal of creating unique and functional identity systems. We build creativity that endures. Our goal is to support the ongoing growth and evolution of individuals and organizations.
Tell us about yourself
I enjoy being a creative think tank. Gazing up towards the enormous sky, dabbling in india inks, singing at the top of my lungs, playing self-taught guitar, taking snapshots of unnoticed things, bobbing about the chilly Pacific, collaborating with fellow creatives, ping pong concepting, generating a vision, using deadlines as jet fuel - all while relishing in the wonderments of this fascinating and ever-changing life. My entire career has been in the design realm since graduating from Penn State University in 2003. I loved that I tried big firms and small firms and went out on my own as an independent. Being able to have the freedom and flexibility for my days and the work itself is what keeps me motivated to continue to run the studio (with my current design partner, Jeff St. John).
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
That we have been thriving for years is not always simple or easy, but the commitment and determination to decide (and BE) a business owner is a total WIN. I always say that no matter what you choose, there will be pluses and minuses. There have been more pluses overall.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Communication :) Sometimes I just want to focus and create, but that is not all that keeps our studio going. This business has forced me to continue to check in with myself and those around me. Are we good? Am I good? How can we be better? It's not the easiest thing to connect and be transparent on a daily, but worth it. Lots of unexpected growth moments.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just try it.
- Try harder at it.
- You tried it; you're doing it; now keep going. (Don't forget to have some fun!)
Over simplifying, of course, but sometimes chunking all of the details down IS the catalyst to just start. Be smart and realistic, but aim not to get buried in analysis paralysis.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://industryofhues.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/industryofhues/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/industryofhues/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/industry-of-hues/
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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