Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in freelancing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Maryliz Ann Hardware, a freelance graphic designer based in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I assist mostly start-up companies, organizations, and individual clients to have the essentials to start up their businesses or special events— by providing them with brand strategies, creating: brand guidelines, logo design, print design, social ad/graphics, social engagement, photography, video edits, and motion design.
Tell us about yourself
I was set on this one design firm, looked up to the person who owned it, and had a personal appointment to see my portfolio. He said, "I was not a good designer nor bad." He explained that I shouldn't have a personal portfolio because it's all about what the client wants, gave me typography books, and told me to go. Since I was freshly a graduate student, that traumatized me. But it was the reality of it, and that's when I learned to remove my ego. To be honest, I never had a big ego to start with. However, that talk helped me more than ever with the value of critique and not taking it to heart. So I always have an open-minded learning mindset in whatever opportunity I grasp. I knew I would be among the percentage of students who wouldn't get a job instantly after graduating. I would be the percentage that had to grow through building experience on my own. College shapes us with tools but not quite the reality of work experience.
I started freelancing in 2017 for family and friends. Then later began building connections with companies after graduating in 2018. My whole freelance business was to build a work background and figure out what type of industry I would like to work in. I worked in a variety of companies, and even after six years, I still don't have the answer. If anything, it taught me through this experience that I love being a designer with many hats (except for Web Design, UX UI design, or 3D Graphic/Animation). So I knew because I built experience in multiple industries, I couldn't settle for working at a specific one. Working for start-up companies subconsciously taught me how to do and don't run a business. These lessons taught me it is possible to build your own company, how to expand the business, gain connections, how to sell yourself, and much more. I am still learning to this day because there is a lot to learn. I keep a notebook with me for ideas on what I am interested in pursuing and how to improve my freelance business.
What motivates me each day is hearing others' stories of their success because it is possible if you have a solid resolution and mindset to get there. Also, the hardships and failures I have endured. I don't see failure as its literal term. But more of a self-improvement of knowledge, self, and craftsmanship guide.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Always constantly building connections because it will get you places you thought were impossible.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Money is not consistent. Always have to schedule ahead for the next gig to keep the business existing and providing to evolve.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Who you surround yourself with is very important because this journey is complicated.
- A negative situation always has a silver lining, meaning there is a reason why it happens— for growth, experience, and gaining knowledge.
- If you are going to start a business, create one that has a great story to tell because a business without character will always fail in the long run if no one can connect with it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://marylizann.com/work
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marylizann/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marylizann/
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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