Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amy Shamblen, owner of Shamblen Studios, located in New York City, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My name is Amy Shamblen, and I run the ultra-boutique-exclusive-bespoke, pop-art photo membership (no kidding!) named Shamblen Studios. With the hefty title aside, my mission is quite simple, provide high-impact imagery for small businesses so they can succeed. Each month, I create a new collection of images, animations, and mockups that they can customize with their own brand colors and utilize throughout all their marketing needs. My customers are small business owners who love color, positivity, and a wee twist of sass!
Tell us about yourself
I started my business to help me get out of a dark moment in my life. I was laid off from my dream job as an art director and knew I always wanted to start a business creating something—so what better time to start? To pull me out of my funk, I turned to color. Originally a graphic designer with a very corporate portfolio, I wanted to find quirky clients who also liked color (and having a bit of fun!)
I started creating colorfully creative images and posting them to my Instagram account. This served a few purposes: it helped me learn about color harmonies, pull me out of my depression, and find future clients (that last one was unexpected!)
Ever since then, I have had the amazing opportunity to work with brands such as Dunkin, Pepsi, Too Faced Cosmetics, Olly, and Natalie's OJ. I recently expanded and created the Shamblen Studios membership so that EVERYONE (brands both big and small) can utilize my work, spread joy, and also have access to high-impact imagery.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Nothing makes me happier than sharing my work and someone saying to me, "your photos really cheer me up." If I can brighten someone's day, I feel accomplished.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is definitely balancing work life and personal life. For me, my business is incredibly personal, so it's easy to work late into the night because I enjoy it, but that also offsets a healthy routine of getting enough sleep and exercising (two things I also enjoy thoroughly).
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- If you don't know what you're doing, you're on the right track. We all are unsure when we start. The important thing is to just start!
- Gone are the days of impersonal marketing. No one wants to be sold to. Customize your message and your brand, and really connect with your customers and make them feel special because they are!
- Jumping off of point 2, don't be afraid to be yourself. People buy from people. We want to see who you truly are. Sometimes we feel like we need to hide our quirks, but it's those very quirks that set us apart and, thus, will set your business apart from others.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.shamblenstudios.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shamblenstudios
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shamblenstudios/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshamblen/
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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