Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sharece O'Neal, Founder of Sharece O'Neal Creative, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.

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

Sharece O’Neal Creative is a Squarespace web design and branding studio specializing in elevated, strategic design for purpose-led small businesses and entrepreneurs. I primarily work with service-based brands such as coaches, consultants, speakers, firms, and agencies. Whether they’re transitioning from concept to design or rebranding to scale, I support businesses that are ready to take their brands to the next level. I dive into my client’s brand story, positioning, and strategy to create designs that garner authentic connections with their ideal clients.

I love supporting founders and entrepreneurs who have a passion for what they do and are hungry and excited to grow. It brings me joy to take their visions and transform them into designs. I love partnering with entrepreneurs who are ready to create momentum and launch their projects with excellence. It’s gratifying for me to be that cheerleader, support, and guide to help them get there.

Tell us about yourself

My story begins in 2009 as I had just graduated from engineering school at the height of the recession, and no one was hiring. I had to make a decision. I was always very creative as a child and loved designing as I got older. This would be my chance to really explore my creative side. I spent time researching all types of design and found ways to express my creativity through each of them.

Soon after, I found a mentor who supported me in starting my first graphic and web design business, The Design Hall. I realized that I loved collaborating with entrepreneurs to bring their services, products, and vision to life. But as quickly as I got off the ground, I also burned out just as fast. So, in 2012, I took a break from serving clients and went on to study interior architecture and design. Once I started working, I began offering web design services again on the side while I worked full-time at several top architecture firms with the hopes of one day going full-time again in my business.

Fast forward to the beginning of 2020, I landed my dream job in design strategy and consulting, merging my engineering and design backgrounds, but as COVID hit, we shifted to work from home, offices closed, and I was laid off. I saw this as my opportunity to go full-time in my design business, and here I am today!

Through each stage of my journey, I’ve realized that it’s the stories and the people behind the designs that I love. That’s what has kept me drawn to entrepreneurship and serving clients today. I’ve learned that my twisty-turny story is an asset to my business and my clients. And now, I want to support my clients in using their stories to connect, inspire, and build trust with their audience.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is being invited to speak on a panel for Squarespace corporate to over 500 attendees alongside my design mentor. I love speaking, but this was the first time I was speaking as a full-time entrepreneur about something I was passionate about. It was thrilling to speak to other designers about owning their stories and using storytelling as a tool within their business and for their clients. I’m humbled and happy to have inspired and impacted so many people and supported them along their paths. And to do this with my mentor, who has been a leader in this space for over a decade, was truly amazing.

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

For me, the hardest thing is setting boundaries with myself! Many of us are the driven, ambitious types, and this mentality will take you far, but I’m finding that it must be balanced with prioritizing self-care. It’s challenging to know when to put the foot on the gas and when to slow down and rest. As a designer, my mental capacity and creativity are my number one tool, so it’s important for me to balance the excitement of running and growing a business with rest and recharging so that I’m at my best for my clients. This also means prioritization, setting strong boundaries with others, and knowing when to say yes or no. These are all things I could’ve only learned through experience.

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

  1. Get specific about your ideal client. I love the quote, "If you're speaking to everyone, then you're speaking to no one." Gaining clarity about your ideal client is your opportunity to talk to the people you truly want to work with. Get to know them, who they are, what they like, and what keeps them up at night. When you know exactly what they need and how to serve them, you'll gain their attention and trust.
  2. Get clear on your “why.” Even if you’re just starting out, dive deep into the reasons you’re starting this business. Develop your brand story and understand who it is you want to serve. This passion will create a fire within you that’ll be evident to your audience and inspire them to want to work with you.
  3. Create a support system. Find people or join groups to support you as you start or run your business. The group energy will propel you faster than trying to do this alone. It’s an amazing feeling to have people you can share your ups and downs with because they’ll motivate you to keep going. This also includes hiring support when you're ready to take your business to the next level. This will free up your time so you can focus on your core strengths and grow your business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.shareceoneal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shareceoneal/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shareceoneal/

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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