Elevate Your Products and Services

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in design services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Burkheimer, CEO and Conversion Design Director of Melissa Burkheimer Studio, located in Des Moines, IA, USA.

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

I own a virtual design agency, and we design brands and create buzz-building strategies for product launches. We partner with thought leaders, beauty brands, global nonprofits, and production companies, and their products become the stars of their industries.

Tell us about yourself

I started my freelance design business in 2011, so I could get paid to be creative and have the freedom to take my kids to and from school. After testing many offers, learning many lessons, and failing a ton, I'm happy to have found what works for me: Working behind the scenes of rebrands, strategy, and product launches with my clients. I love that I get to bring my ideas, design aesthetics, and strategy to my client's businesses and their products to curate experiences that generate buzz and sales. I get paid to do something I love, and I'm grateful.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I have two. First, I didn't give up. For real. It's not always easy to run + grow a business. The second is launching my podcast, The Design Business Show, four years ago. In the graphic design industry, we're taught to look at other creatives as competition. I respectfully disagree and believe in collaboration over competition. Every week, I interview creators, designers, and founders behind your favorite brand campaigns to learn why they do what they do in the way they do it. To me, graphic design is not just about what a logo looks like or how pretty your website is. It's about strategically using beauty and language to create a path that connects your audience to your products. I'm grateful I get to do that every week!

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

Being a business owner, in my experience, is not always pretty or perfect. Sometimes you have to make difficult decisions that you know are better for the long run but might sting right away. I remember twice when I walked away from design projects that paid 5 figures because the client was not a good match. How you treat people you work with in business matters.

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

Give yourself grace and listen to your inner voice, especially when it's screaming.
Surround yourself with people you can trust, and get support before you think you need it.
Know your numbers. Even if you're not a numbers person.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://melissaburkheimer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaBurkheimer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissaburkheimer/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mel_kb
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissakhodaiburkheimer/

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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