Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tanya Smith, Founder of WorkStory Creative, located in Liberty Lake, WA, USA.

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

WorkStory Creative™ provides branding beyond the logo. We create story-based brand makeovers for businesses that want to scale. Our clients have typically been in business for a couple of years and are ready to rebrand with a new logo and brand identity, website design, copywriting, and even photography and video production. We help them look more professional, so they can charge higher prices, more effectively attract their ideal customers, and more easily close sales. I also teach creatives and micro-businesses how to scale without working more hours or hiring more employees.

Tell us about yourself

I started my business in 2006 as a freelance graphic designer. I wanted the flexibility of working from home on my own terms. For years I worked for brands all over the world in the fashion, tech, and medical fields and learned what makes a cohesive and powerful brand image. About ten years ago, I decided I wanted to work with small businesses that make a difference in their local communities. My clients now are psychologists, chiropractors, dentists, and coaches, mostly owned and operated by women. I love helping these businesses grow. Their success is my success, and it's very motivating to me to see the branding work or coaching I offer help my clients succeed.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The year I finally earned six figures in revenue in my business was very exciting. According to a report by the National Women’s Business Council, nearly 90% of woman-owned businesses make less than $100,000 per year. Only 6% make over $250,000, and under 2% make $1 million or more. These low numbers are astounding to me, and my goal is to help women grow their revenue and profits.

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

As a woman business owner and mother specifically, balancing all the responsibilities of home and parenting have made it difficult to grow my business. I believe this is a common reason more women don't grow their businesses beyond $10,000 to $50,000 per year, at least not until they are middle-aged or older. The social or personal expectation that women should take care of the majority of household affairs, children, or elderly parents leaves little time, energy, or resources to focus on growing a business. Even if she wanted to really go for it, access to childcare, funding, and mentoring is extremely limited for women.

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

  1. Get some help, education, and mentoring from the small business administration, your local chamber of commerce, or a business organization like The National Association of Women Business Owners. I started my business with no knowledge of how to run a business at all and didn't realize all the free resources that could have been available to me until years later.
  2. Hire an accountant right away to consult about how to legally structure your business, which taxes and fees you're subject to, and how to strategically lower your tax liability.
  3. Charge more money. You're likely undercharging, especially if you're a woman. Value yourself and your expertise enough to at least charge the same as your male counterparts. Take into consideration all of your expenses, including paying yourself as if you were a top employee.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.workstorycreative.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workstorycreative
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workstorycreative/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-goodall-smith-1808a12/

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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