Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in web design but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alfredo Del Pilar, CEO of ZatroX Studio, located in San Luis Obispo, CA, USA.

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

ZatroX Studio is a full-service boutique web design and digital marketing agency offering all-in-one solutions to help brands grow online. We help bolster businesses with future-ready websites and navigate an ever-changing digital landscape.

We work with businesses of all industries and sizes. We believe that no matter the size or where a business is at in its journey, they deserve Enterprise level treatment. This means unmatched security, personal one-on-one service, and a truly custom website built the way your business works (not the other way around!).

Tell us about yourself

My name is Alfredo, but people call me Freddy, and I'm a Mexican-American entrepreneur living in California. From a young age, I've always loved computers - from building them to playing video games to creating digital art.

When I was around 14 or 15, I was already managing my own servers, learning coding and development, and designing graphics for big graphics and web communities with PHP Nuke. I used to design under the pseudonym ZatroX (zay-trox), which is where my agency name originated from.

As I grew up, I continued to cultivate these skills, even as I went to work for other organizations. My first job out of high school was with the state of California in the EDD office, helping place others in stable jobs. Next, I worked for corporate AT&T and honed my business and sales skills. Finally, I started at a growing SaaS company, MINDBODY, in a Sales Development Role (SDR). I was very successful and eventually was promoted to an Account Development Role. Here, I consulted and managed over 700 accounts, ensuring the business was growing quarter over quarter.

In May of 2019, I left MINDBODY and started my entrepreneurial journey of officially creating ZatroX Studio. I wanted to combine all my skills - graphics, server management, web + UI/UX design, custom development, business, and sales - into one agency in which I can help other business owners be set up to succeed.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is being able to contribute opportunities to other business owners who may not have the time or skills to set their business up online. It takes a lot for businesses to compete in the world in this day in age, especially with an ever-changing digital landscape.

I'm proud to say that I'm able to help others successfully set up and grow their businesses and livelihoods, as well as educate them along the way. I think what really helps with this is being able to relate to them. If I hadn't gone through all that I've gone through, I wouldn't have the skills and experience to guide others.

Another great accomplishment is keeping the agency open through the COVID-19 pandemic, just sayin'. Not every business made it out alive!

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

I have to say, the hardest part for me is work/life balance - especially as workplaces have shifted to remote. I run this agency from my home, and about a year after we created our LLC (in 2019), my partner Jessica quit her full-time management job to come to help me. We both work from home now, and both wear many hats within the agency. We've definitely seen how difficult it can be to draw boundaries between home and work life when it all seems to just blur together. I have to consciously set aside time to exercise, spend time with family and relax so that I don't end up in front of my computer 18 hours a day!

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

  1. You can save money, but you can't save time. Doing it right the first time saves both time and money in the long run.
  2. Be prepared to give it your all, and remember that failure is not an option.
  3. Invest in your business so that you can charge what you're worth.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Starting a business is no small venture and can feel crazy overwhelming but remember that there are people out there that want to see you and your business succeed - reach out to them! Mentors and consulting agencies are great avenues to take when you feel like you need some support.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://zatrox.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredo-del-pilar-a1453b15a/

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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