How I Started My Brand Design Business
HOW I GOT STARTED
Most people don't know this, but I actually started 2 businesses before I started at The Joyce Collective as a branding studio. The first was a custom shoe business where I hand draw custom artwork on canvas shoes for private clients.
The business idea was actually unintentional. The idea solely came from my frustration to find canvas shoes that reflected my creative taste at the time, so I decided to draw on my own. People started taking notice of them and were surprised that I hand-drew the design myself. So they asked if they could also get a pair for themselves. The news spread through word of mouth, and before I knew it, I was hand drawing on several pairs of shoes every weekend or free time I had.
My business started from my own desperation to have something unique, and it seemed l wasn’t the only person. I saw a need in the market and filled it with my creations.
I’ve never shared this, but the reason I started full-time freelancing was that I got laid off from my corporate job. I was heartbroken because I loved what I was doing. Even though I knew it was due to external factors that led to my lay-off, I couldn’t help ask myself how I could have done better. I felt less-of, shame and embarrassment.
However, I didn’t let my thoughts get the better of me and moved on quickly. In God’s timing, I quickly connected with someone who soon became my business partner to start my 2nd business and travel to some amazing places with the job.
Looking back, I always knew an office job was not for me and I wanted to start a business as a full-time freelancer. But I didn’t have the courage to make the jump at the time. Although getting laid off was a hard pill to swallow, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. If it weren’t for the 2nd business and the STEEP learning curve. I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I know a lot (or some) of you may be able to relate with me due to the circumstances COVID 19 put them through. I want you to know that you don’t have to be ashamed of it. I love how Robin Roberts puts it: Let your mess be your message. You are stronger than you think, and I can tell you after experiencing that first-hand.
Fast forward 5 years after getting laid off from my corporate job, I find myself doing this freelance business thing. I thought freelance life could give me freedom financially and time-wise. But I was working harder than ever, without seeing consistent growth or sustainable results. I found myself questioning what went wrong here? And that’s when I realised, I was too focused on myself and my needs, I didn’t think of the bigger picture. I gradually had a mindset shift to asking, “How can I help others?” and “What am I passionate about?”
From reading my previous stories, you would have gathered that I am very fortunate to have the skills and creativity to create a brand that people will be drawn to. However, I know that many entrepreneurs may not have the same tools and skills to present their business in the best way possible.
Wishing I had the support and tools l had when I started, it made me super passionate about helping entrepreneurs to ignite their business potential. And that is how The Joyce Collective shifted and offers brand strategy, design + web design for business owners to have the confidence to show up and inspire action.
So what’s next?
If you are an entrepreneur who wants to ignite your business potential, I would love to chat with you!
Simply click here to get started and I would love to see if we are a good fit.