Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jasmin Plouffe, Creative Consultant, Branding and Graphic Designer, based in Long Island, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I help female entrepreneurs attract their dream customers with head-turning branding design so they'll stand out from the crowd.
Tell us about yourself
Visuals have always been a big part of my life. From ballet class and laying out my NSYNC posters to majoring in graphic design, I love how they tell a story and create connections. My first full-time job was in the fashion industry. I designed everything from socks and scarves to the packaging for it. It was so rewarding to walk into Target or Walmart and see my designs on the shelves... but there was still something missing from my corporate career. I was sick of churning out design work without knowing the why behind it all.
I started my business to not only help my clients find clarity in creating their fullest potential by creating head-turning visuals. But to also pay forward the guidance and inspiration I found from other female entrepreneurs when I struggled with self-doubt and felt lost early into my career.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My confidence has been my biggest accomplishment so far. I'm so proud of how much I've grown in the past year. I officially cut my safety net job and started my business full time this past October, but I couldn't do so without learning to put myself out there. I hated talking about myself, what I do, or how I can help my clients. I preferred being behind the scenes. But now, I've realized that stepping into my light and showing the world my true authentic self has been the most beneficial to my business. By sharing my entrepreneurial journey, I'm inspiring other female entrepreneurs to put themselves out there too.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Trusting yourself is probably the hardest thing that comes with being a business owner. Its true entrepreneurship is a roller coaster ride. I've had plenty of "oh shit...what am I doing" moments and times when my inner critic makes an appearance. In every instance, I have to trust myself that I know what's best for me and my business and to ignore all the noise-making me question my next move.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You don't need a logo to start your business. Shocking coming from a brand and graphic designer. But don't waste your money on a professional logo/website until you know for sure there is a demand for your business. Market validation is key!!! So test your product/service out on people and see if it's truly solving a problem.
- Know exactly who your product/service is for. You are in business to help solve someone else's problem. So understanding both their external and internal challenges will make them feel confident that you are the perfect business they should invest in.
- Take one step at a time. Starting a business is no small task and can get overwhelming quite quickly. By taking a step every day (no matter how big or small) will bring you closer to your dream business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.jasminplouffe.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasmin.plouffe/
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.
