Full-service Bespoke Branding

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Courtney Sloan, founder of Sloan Studio, located in Alexandria, VA, USA.

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

I build unique and timeless brands through transcendent strategy and intentional design. I work with female entrepreneurs and modern CEOs who are ready to tell their stories and make their mark on the world. My branding work helps ambitious women show up in their respective spaces with confidence and supports them as they build a business and life they love.

Tell us about yourself

As a kid, creativity was my middle name. I spent my younger days collaging and crafting (hello, Perler Beads and Shrinky Dinks!), and as I got older, I dabbled in the more advanced mediums of painting and photography. When it came time to go off to college, I loved the idea of going to art school but feared the stereotyped “starving artist” path.

I ended up going the more practical route of double majoring in Business and Psychology, and after graduating, I landed a job as a Marketing Manager for a leadership development firm. Through the process of social media strategy and graphic design work, I developed a cohesive brand presence for the company. Then something clicked – I realized I could satisfy my creative side while also bringing home enough money to support myself.

That’s when Sloan Studio was born. And ever since then, my business has been a catalyst for me to live a life I love – which looks like traveling to new places with friends, spending long days at the barn riding and enjoying my horse, and finding the coolest spot for cocktails in town.

I realized that every woman should be able to have those same opportunities, to enjoy what lights her up and build a life worth living, and her business can make that possible. Her brand should reflect those beliefs and help her grow her business, and I wanted to be part of making that happen.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

When my clients tell me that they’ve gained clarity and confidence in their business after working with me. Watching them successfully implement their new branding and get tangible results from our work together is the most gratifying feeling in the world. These outcomes are a true testament to the time, effort, and energy I’ve invested in my business.

I’ve worked hard to continue to improve my process and expand my skill set, so to hear that those efforts are paying off throughout my work with my clients feels like the biggest accomplishment. It makes me really proud to know that I played even a small role in contributing to the successes of their businesses.

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

Making time to rest and setting boundaries. It’s easy to say ‘yes’ to any clients and opportunities that come your way, spend endless hours creating marketing content, let alone trying to find the time to update internal processes. As a business owner, there’s always something you can be doing, so it can feel like you should constantly be working. However, it’s important to make time for the activities you enjoy and to take care of yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you’re not operating at your highest capacity if you’re exhausted and burnt out.

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

Take the leap. You’re never going to feel 100% ready to start your business, launch that new offer, or make that big investment. It’s easy to get stuck in analysis paralysis while waiting for the perfect moment to take that next step, but you just have to go for it. You’ll be so glad you did.
Never stop learning. Make time to continue to educate yourself and hone your craft, whether by investing in courses, talking to peers or mentors, or utilizing our good friend Google. Expanding your knowledge will add so much value to your projects and the experience you provide for your clients.
Trust the journey. You’ll experience slow seasons and make mistakes. That doesn’t mean you’re not good at what you do, that’s all part of the process. Remind yourself of how far you’ve come during the hard times because they will always turn around.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://sloanstudio.biz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sloan.stdio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sloan.studio/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-sloan-225977160/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.