Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in web design but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Laura White, owner of Revy Web Design, located in Revelstoke, BC, Canada.

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

Revy Web Design says it all! We design WordPress and Shopify websites for the people of Revelstoke, BC, Canada (and further afield as we grow). Specializing in mom-and-pop businesses that need a lift to the next level. It has been wonderful working with small businesses and start-ups to see the positive impact that our services have had on their sales, reach, and online presence.

Tell us about yourself

Originally, I was a rock climbing guide in Revelstoke. While working for an outdoor adventure company, I built and maintained their website for its sheer fun (the company owner had new twins and little headspace for quiet time with a computer). I had always dabbled in WordPress, but this got me hooked.

My business then took off as the people in my life inspired me to start my own business, and referrals kept appearing in my inbox. It will always be this community of Revelstoke that gets me up early and has me dreaming wireframes all night!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The reviews of a satisfied customer are my accomplishments. We’ve been at this for three years now, and our clients are still raving about working with us, which must mean we’re doing something right!

Financial targets are great for some, but for me, it is being able to see the success in the businesses we work with. I also work with great people who share my community vision, and this year I joined the Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors to work even closer with our local business owners.

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

Working from home with a demanding cat and a frequently naked husband means Zoom meetings are a high-risk/high reward activity. My husband is also a pretentious chef, which spells both good and bad news. Bad news: I get instant crushing feedback if the visual aesthetics aren’t quite right in a website I’m developing. Good news: I rarely cook any meal outside of breakfast!

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

  1. Don’t quit the day job yet! I still worked three part-time jobs when I first started my business just to make ends meet. It was only after six months of growing my client base that I could eventually leave those jobs behind and focus my energy entirely on my business. It’s been a long journey of learning to get me to where I am today, so be patient with yourself. You’ll know when the time is right to dive in and fully commit your time and energy to your business.
  2. Network. Reach out to those around you, even if you do not know them yet. I have found something insightful from so many people, and those connections have evolved to friendships and mentorships today. Speak to your local Community Futures and get some business advice, take some online courses on business (there are plenty of free courses online), sign up for some masterclasses, and always maintain a learning mindset.
  3. Close the office door! Create healthy separation and boundaries between your business and personal life. Otherwise, you risk burning out and neglecting your family. It is that personal life and outside time that energizes and inspires me, which allows the business growth I couldn’t achieve while working.
  4. Here’s a bonus tip: just dive in. If you’re just starting out, then don’t get bogged down in creating a logo, building a professional website, or buying office furniture. To begin with, you should focus entirely on developing your product(s) and then selling it. There’s no point in getting a logo made for a product that nobody is interested in. You can develop your brand and spend time improving your product later. Get the ball rolling first.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://revywebdesign.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revywebdesign
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revywebdesign/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/revy-web-design-inc/

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.