Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lori Kendall, Founder of Brand + Design + Create, located in Austin, TX, USA.

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

I am a web designer, brand designer, and graphic designer who works with business owners to provide strategic designs that not only look amazing but help them reach their marketing goals. I use thorough research and guided processes to take the stress out of design work and provide thoughtful designs that help business owners reach their target audiences and grow their businesses.

Tell us about yourself

I started out as a multi-hyphenate marketer doing a full range of marketing services, from social media content to marketing planning to brand strategy, design, and web design. As my career continued, I found my true passion was within brand design and web design. Although my background as a full-service marketer and team leader for many years has given me invaluable insight into the full marketing life-cycle and the role that branding and design play in an effective marketing strategy, my real value to my clients and partners is bringing visual concepts to life through strategic design and communication.

Every day, I'm motivated by my background as a small business owner. I know that the way a business communicates visually is the difference between finding success and communicating with their target audience or failing to reach the people they serve and missing out on sharing their product or service with the world. I love helping people find their visual identity and voice to attract their ideal clients and customers and show people their value.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Making it to year three! I started my business out of need during the height of COVID, and there were so many unknowns and so much fear. I had no idea if I would make it the first few months, much less a few years. Every moment that I keep going and keep improving my business is an accomplishment. As business owners, we should celebrate our wins and the fact that no matter what, we just keep going.

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

For myself, I think it's trusting yourself and trusting the process. You have to have a lot of faith in yourself as a business owner because there are so many unknowns. Month to month and year to year, so many variables impact your ability to generate leads, income, or publicity for your business, and so many factors (such as the economy, new policies, taxes, etc.) can impact your business. You have to really trust that no matter what, you can navigate those situations and come out better for it.

There's a quote that I've come to love that describes this type of trust in yourself perfectly. "A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking because its trust is not on the branch but on its own wings."

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

  1. You have to go for it! You can plan as much as you want, but no matter how much you plan, it will never make as big a difference as jumping in and figuring it out. Do the research and do the planning, but don't get stuck in analysis paralysis...at some point, you have to trust yourself and take the leap.
  2. Don't be afraid of mistakes! You are 100% going to make more than a few of them, and they are a normal and vital process of being a business owner. As Maya Angelou said, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."
  3. Get a mentor or five. I was very lucky to join an organization with a mentorship program. I was repeatedly told to get not just one mentor but several. Ideally, one in each area of business I needed help with - finances, business planning, growth, etc. Every single one of my mentors has been invaluable in getting me through the past few years.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.branddesigncreate.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/branddesigncreate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branddesigncreate/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/branddesigncr8
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/branddesigncreate/

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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