Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in web design but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Yuliya Shulman, Founder of Yes I Web, located in Newton, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I help businesses maintain their web presence. I do website design, development, and maintenance, and I perform a variety of web-related services – setting up newsletters, creating Wikipedia pages, SEO (search engine optimization), and so on. I also do graphic design – creating logos, ads, flyers, posters, and business cards.
The majority of my clients are small businesses and self-employed professionals: artists, writers, coaches, doctors, therapists, and real estate agents. Just like me, they struggle against the difficulties of maintaining small businesses and competing against large companies.
My clients always get personal service – that's what sets me apart from big web development companies. I'm there whenever they need me, even if occasionally I have to work in the middle of the night or during a family vacation.
Tell us about yourself
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a theatrical designer, but it didn't happen. So, I opted for a practical profession and became a software engineer. I happily worked in this profession for quite some time, and then one day realized we both had changed – the field I was working in was deviating towards things I didn't want to do anymore and areas I didn't care about
I yearned for the visual aspect, so I switched to website design and development as the only area where I could combine my professional expertise with my desires and the artist's training I received as a child. I've been doing website and graphic design ever since.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It took me some time to get to a point where my future customers started seeking me because they'd heard about me from somebody or just found me on Google or social media. It's exciting because my business is growing, and it's also exciting because I know I leave a trail of happy customers who share their happy stories with fellow businesspeople.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Being on your own. There are professional boards where one can ask for advice there are professional boards where people share information and support. Still, when it comes to technical questions or business decisions – I'm a one-person operation, and I'm on my own.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Listen to your instinct, and don't do anything that doesn't feel right.
- Connect with like-minded individuals and support one another.
- If it's worth doing, it's worth doing well.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.yesiweb.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yesiweb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yes.i.web/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yes-i-web/
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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