Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in creative design solutions but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tammy Huynh, Founder of The Creative Folks, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.

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

The Creative Folks is a full-service Branding & Creative Design agency that provides creative solutions to businesses in Atlanta. We provide branding services to help companies create a distinct identity in the minds of their target audiences and consumers. Additionally, we are a parent company to sub-brands and subsidiaries that focus their efforts on philanthropy and creating opportunities for content creators.

Tell us about yourself

I've always had a soft spot for design ever since I designed my first hoodie, and it actually made sales. I opened my company with a mission to help other creators through blogging and providing resources, but as I continued my freelancing journey, I noticed a need from my clients. They wanted high-quality work without confiscating trust, efficiency, or losing the creativity behind their projects, which is something I strive for when working with clients of any capacity. From my freelancing clients, I was able to build a drive and momentum to get higher-level clients that required team efforts, which is where we are now as an agency. Each day is a new day, and while it's not 100% perfect each day, I am motivated because of the work we put in to serve not only our clients but also our community.

Our company had a unique growth experience as we were tremendously focused on community efforts in our years of business. From partnerships to mentorships with some of the City of Atlanta's greatest companies, universities, and programs, we found the footing to be an important part of the people we serve and work with every day. The Creative Folks is proudly a stakeholder within the creative community within Atlanta and blessed to be included in discussions and partnerships that fostered more opportunities for creators.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Usually, people would maybe answer a monetary value or a moment in which they felt like it was a huge project completion. For me, I would say that just being where I am today with my team is a big accomplishment. As a small business owner who started during her last year of college, went through COVID, and struggled to find her identity some days, even though social media may show we're so about who we are, I think where we are right now is a testament to our commitment and work for clients, partners, and community. As a first-generation Asian-American, I never expected to become anyone in the business world, and it's just not common. To be where we are, I truly feel the utmost honor to be positioned here and where we can go in the future.

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

I would say drive. It's not easy to stay motivated, and fighting imposter syndrome is a real fight each day. I remember younger years when I was so driven, it felt like no one could stop me, but as years went on, I started seeing myself and the competition, I was deep into the numbers and analytics of social media, and honestly, I was surrounded by people who were about the "rise and grind" method. I've learned to take hold of my brand and make it work for me instead of me constantly making ends meet, and it only left me drained and stressed. This was an internal battle.

Next, external battles like COVID or other small impacts that are out of our control. No one can prep you for this outside of experience. I'm super proud we've been able to battle through COVID and still live with it and be able to flourish as a company.

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

  1. Go at your own pace. It's not a race - sometimes we are always GO GO GO and feel the need to compete with people. We don't. Take the time to build and run your business so that you can learn the ups and downs.
  2. There is no right way to run your business, not to be confused with the right way to legally protect your business. I've learned over the years that everyone has an opinion and process on how they would've done it if they started the business over. I do value these gems when they're shared, but I also believe in building my own business journey. For example, some people believe waking up at 5 am will build your business, but I'm not so much a morning business person. I say take people's advice for what they are and take what applies to you to better your business experience. Over time, I've learned to weed out the advice that could work for me versus not.
  3. Failing does not mean you're failing. One thing people don't speak a lot about when it comes to business is rejections and failures. When something in your business fails, or you receive a rejection for something, it does not mean you are incapable. It's actually an opportunity to improve on top of what you presented and try again. I've learned over time not to take "no" as it is. Instead, see why did I get a "no" and eventually turn it into a "yes." In this, too, I've learned not every opportunity is mine. It's ok to take a step back and evaluate the opportunity and see if it's still a fit for you and your business.

Where can people find you and your business?

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

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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