Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in digital marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kyle Strahl, Founder & Creative Director of KEYLAY Design, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.

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

As a creative visionary, I am the founder and creative director of KEYLAY Design, a dynamic firm that has been serving startups and small to mid-sized businesses since 2008. Our mission is to craft memorable brands through innovative design and effective marketing campaigns, both in print and digital media.

At KEYLAY Design, our expertise encompasses a range of branding and design solutions, including logos, graphic design, web design, packaging design, and trade show graphics. Our work is driven by our passion for creative arts and our commitment to data-driven marketing. With a track record of successful partnerships, we have earned the trust of our clients and built strong relationships with individuals, startups, and marketing directors alike. Our team is composed of creatives who share our values and approach to design, ensuring that every project is executed with excellence and passion.

Some of our prestigious clients include Sprint/T-Mobile, Quicken Loans/Rocket Mortgage, CDE/goEBT, Superior Essex, Interactive College of Technology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Concrete Pump Supply, IRIS, Parallel, City of Atlanta, SECO International, NIIT, and LiveVox.

We are proud to have had the opportunity to contribute to their success and to serve our community through our work.

Tell us about yourself

As a seasoned graphic designer and the owner of KEYLAY Design, I bring over 15 years of experience to the table. My journey as an entrepreneur began after the 2008 financial crisis when I was laid off from an advertising agency. Seeking to fill the gap in the market for supplementary design services, I embarked on a freelance career that quickly gained recognition and demand through word of mouth and grew into what we know as KEYLAY today.

Over the years, I have learned that companies value reliability and creativity, and these qualities have enabled me to establish lasting relationships with marketing directors and businesses across Atlanta. With a focus on branding for startups, ongoing graphic design support for marketing teams, and packaging design for new product launches, I have guided KEYLAY Design from its humble beginnings as a word-of-mouth referral service to a highly sought-after firm with a strong online presence.

While I am proud of the creative talent that I have attracted to our team, I also recognize that our rigorous vetting process can slow down our growth. Nevertheless, I believe that our commitment to quality and trust has enabled us to deliver exceptional results for our clients and earn a reputation for excellence in the industry.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My greatest accomplishment as the owner of KEYLAY Design is bringing clients' imaginative visions to life through creative branding, design, and messaging. The fulfillment I feel when clients express their excitement and gratitude for the tangible solutions we provide is a testament to the exceptional work of my team and the success of our company. Hearing the words "This is more than I could have ever imagined!" is the ultimate validation of the passion and dedication we bring to every project.

In terms of a tangible project accomplishment, I take pride in the successful rebranding of Metro Atlanta's parking lot signs, where I led the KEYLAY team in modernizing and simplifying the sign design and messaging to enhance community understanding. Our collaboration with the city council resulted in a project that still receives widespread positive feedback and recognition to this day. I am humbled to have been a part of this project, bringing the community's vision to life and leaving a lasting impact in the city I call home.

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

As a business owner, I have been able to strike a delicate balance between my professional and personal life. Navigating the demands of running a business can be a challenge, particularly in the creative industry, where one can easily get absorbed in a project. The key to my success has been the ability to manage both the creative aspects and the day-to-day operations of my company, KEYLAY Design. I try to prioritize the well-being of my team, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to produce their best work. At the same time, I aim not to lose sight of the importance of spending quality time with my friends and family and nurturing relationships that are meaningful to me.

It's a delicate balance, but one that brings great satisfaction and a sense of purpose to my life.

I wouldn't trade my experience as a business owner for anything. The challenges and rewards that come with it have been integral to my personal and professional growth. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had.

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

  1. Balance is Key: As mentioned above, maintaining a balance between your professional and personal life can be challenging, but it is crucial for your overall well-being. It is important to set boundaries, prioritize self-care and make time for your loved ones. By doing so, you will bring a refreshed and rejuvenated mindset to your work and be able to give 100% to both your business and your personal life.
  2. Embrace Failure: Every successful business owner has faced failure at some point. However, instead of being defeated by it, embrace it as a learning opportunity. Analyze what went wrong, identify areas for improvement, and move forward with a growth mindset. By embracing failure and using it as a stepping stone to success, you will be able to turn obstacles into opportunities.
  3. Surround Yourself with a Strong Support System: Building a support system of like-minded individuals, mentors, and trusted colleagues can greatly impact your success as a business owner. Seek out individuals who can provide guidance, offer a different perspective, and support you through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Having a strong support system can make all the difference in navigating the challenges and uncertainties of owning a business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://keylaydesign.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keylaydesign
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keylay-design/

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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