Crafting and Refining Stories

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Monica Tuck, Co-Founder of U•Studio, located in Cincinnati, OH, USA.

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

U•Studio accelerates your WHY through branding, content marketing, and events. We work with scaling entrepreneurs and non-profits who are ready to elevate their brand and content strategy.

Tell us about yourself

I began as an independent consulting company 11 years ago, Unbridled Studio. At that time, I became a mom. As a brand and content strategist, I was helping others brand themselves into thought leaders and create businesses that worked around family dynamics. I essentially got my start branding others in the beginning start-up phase of their business. Ironically we were all moms at that time!

As time grew, the work grew, and client size grew. Essentially Unbridled Studio was my story, and I felt that I had outgrown my origination, and that is when I partnered with Pamela Brinkmoeller, who is now our lead branding strategist and graphic designer. Pamela provides logo identity and naming packages and can design anything from a direct mailer to a billboard campaign.

We rebranded to U•Studio essentially because the brand was more about U•S working collaboratively as independent creatives under one company umbrella with other independent creative entrepreneurs and non-profits. We also began working with scaling businesses that essentially needed the services we provide but were strapped on time, budget, and resources.

Additionally, this year we rounded out our team to three and added Jenna Lee. Jenna is our Digital and Content Strategist and provides copywriting, website strategy, social media, newsletter, and blog management.

We are all motivated by the clients we serve each day. Not only are we providing creative services to our clients, but we are also a strategy-first studio and apply the strategies to the future goals of the business owner. Each business owner is unique, and we also meet clients where they are in their business journey and customize packages that suit the client. In the end, it's about growing small businesses, and we want to make an impact on that.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

This year we scouted, placed, and designed a multi-highway billboard campaign. I feel like I have proven we can do anything we set our minds to do. We have also finally aligned with ideal clients that match our mission and feel as though we uniquely match theirs as well.

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

The juggle of ALL the things from sales, marketing, operations, accounting, billing, taxes, and providing your services to the client. It can be a lot when you are doing it all yourself. This year I have learned the joy of delegation and putting niche people in roles to help me manage the business, such as operations, accounting, billing, and taxes. Our goal as a business is to be that same solution to business owners and close down the marketing tab in their brains so they can work in their zone of genius.

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

Identify your ideal clients, and stick to that. When you do this, more clients and referrals will start to fall into your lap.
When you start scaling, let go of control and delegate. Put others who are better than you in roles. There are so many affordable independent service providers that are out there waiting to help you.
Do it! And don't look back because the money will start replenishing itself when you are living in your unique zone of genius.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://experienceustudio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/experienceustudio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/experienceustudio/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicatuck/

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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