Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in design services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Desiree Almodovar, Founder of The Inlay, located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We work at the intersection of strategy, marketing, and technology to build future shaping brands. Our customers are start-ups and fast-growing companies that need a partner to help guide their VC/fundraising narrative, position them within a market, and go-to-market strategy.
Tell us about yourself
I'm a strategic creative leader that has built award-winning experiences for some of the world's most influential brands, such as Google, Soho House, and Viacom. I started The Inlay because I knew some bold founders of consumer brands who could really benefit from this knowledge in their quest to build future shaping companies. I was aware that there were loads of creative studios out there, but I knew that building one that worked at the intersection of strategy, marketing, and technology, with empathy at the core, would set us apart from the rest. I'm extremely motivated by watching our partners get that huge valuation or make an acquisition they could have never dreamed of a few years ago—that's when you know you've succeeded.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been watching team members that I've mentored go on to build highly influential businesses.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things is time management and prioritization. When I started The Inlay, there was definitely a huge learning curve in understanding what truly needed my attention vs. where to lean into the strengths of the experts I hired in order to best serve my team and clients.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Move fast, but don't break everything along the way.
- Surround yourself with people that are experts in areas you're not.
- Show your team that you care about their success and career, and not just the tasks they are doing for you within their current roles.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://theinlay.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.inlay/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desireealmodovar/
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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