Hey loves! This week I am doing something a bit different; I am taking a moment to interview one of my alumni from a past retreat. My hearts passion is to elevate my tribe in mind & body, AND I love supporting small business. Today’s post does both!
I want to introduce you to Vanessa Thayer. She has not only attended a past retreat of ours, but she has done some creative work for us in big ways! I would like to introduce you to her 🙂
Hey Vanessa, can you introduce yourself and tell us about your business? What inspired you to start it?
Hi, I’m Vanessa and I’m a Business Branding coach who focuses on mindful marketing for myself and my clients. I have always known I wanted to create something for myself and to walk away from working at a 9-5, 40 hours a week, but once we had our 2nd son and covid happened, I knew I had to make a change for my family.
What are the core products or services your business offers, and how do they address the needs of your target audience?
Currently I offer a “Mindful Marketing Workbook” that helps entrepreneurs create their unique brand that attracts their target audience. I also design branding packages, logos, and consult one on one for a more personalized experience.
Small businesses often face unique challenges. What are some of the biggest obstacles you’ve encountered while running your business, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest obstacles I’ve encountered is time management .Though this is an on-going struggle for me, when it comes to time management, I’m a mom also, so this is something that I think we’re bound to encounter. With three kids 5, 2, and 4 months, there is always someone who needs my attention, so setting firm boundaries on when mama is working is key.
How has your business evolved since its inception? Are there any significant milestones or achievements you’re particularly proud of?
Since I started my business about 4 years ago, I have learned a lot and continue to pivot to adapt to fit my busy life. I began mostly sharing only artwork I’ve created, hand painted items and logo design for entrepreneurs. Once I realized the physical time demands of anything hand painted, I moved to a more digital creative, and most recently ebooks and e-courses that can be made once and resold to many people. I think I’m mostly proud of the fact that I haven’t given up and continue to learn more and more each day on how to build this business from the ground up.
What is your business’s mission or vision?
To empower multi-passionate entrepreneurs to confidently create their branding with unique style and authenticity that allows them to live a prosperous life that they love.
Could you share some insights into your business’s growth strategy? What marketing or expansion tactics have proven successful for you?
The best tactic that I have learned so far is to do things in a way that best suits you. Following trends and so called experts can be exhausting and frustrating. Learn as much as you can, and throw out what doesn’t work. Hire the right coaches to get you over any hurdles you can’t do on your own.
Small businesses often have to compete with larger, established competitors. How do you differentiate your business and stay competitive in your industry?
Through being as authentic as possible. My unique background of yoga and graphic design have brought me to where I am now and by using my own intuition, I know that I will succeed as long as I stay true to myself.
Many entrepreneurs face the challenge of balancing work and personal life. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance while running your business?
Like I mentioned earlier, I am a mom of 3 so balance can be extremely challenging. Lately, I’ve done my best to focus on my own needs like getting some exercise in and eating better. If my kids see me taking care of myself, they will learn the importance of that for themselves as well.
Can you tell us about a challenging decision you had to make as a business owner and how you arrived at your final choice?
The most recent challenge I faced was deciding whether or not to jump into a coaching program or not, because I wasn’t sure if I could afford the investment. I knew I connected with the coach that was offering this program, and her information was always SPOT ON. Once I received the email that the pricing was going to increase the next day, I jumped on it. I felt like I was going to work with her at some point anyways, so why wait til it was more expensive. BTW, it was SO worth it!
In your opinion, what are the key qualities or skills that have contributed to your success as a small business owner?
Perseverance has been key in small business growth. Changes are inevitable and if you are open to being flexible, you’ll succeed in due time.
How do you stay updated with industry trends and keep your business adaptable to changes in the market?
Being an “elder Millennial” I’ve seen the progression of social media from AOL to the vast amounts of platforms we have to connect with an audience now. Learning TikTok has opened up many doors for me as a business owner.
Small businesses often rely heavily on customer feedback. How do you gather and use customer feedback to improve your products or services?
After working with someone, I find it best to just reach out and either ask for a review or send them a link to leave one directly on google or facebook. They can always be repurposed and used on my website. When it comes to feedback, before my ebook launched, I reached out to 3-5 people that I felt were my target audience and offered my book to them to review in exchange for feedback as well.
Have you encountered any unexpected opportunities or challenges, such as those related to technology, during your business journey?
I didn’t realize how important building an email list could be. In a world where social media is king and you don’t “own” that account, if you ever lose access to it, the only way you can still contact your audience is by directly emailing them.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to start their own small businesses?
Don’t wait any longer, just start. Start scared, start not knowing all the answers yet… just start. If you have the idea and the drive, you WILL make it work.
Can you share a memorable customer success story or a moment that made you proud of your business’s impact on your community?
One of my favorite memories goes back to a client who left his high powered law firm to start his own business and was referred by a mutual friend of ours to have his new logo and branding created. He was HIGHLY skeptical, and wasn’t very sure investing in branding was the best way to use his time or money. But he trusted this mutual friend, and was giving me the benefit of the doubt having never seen my work before. After speaking once, and getting to know his needs, likes, and ideas, I told him I’d get to work and share my ideas as soon as possible. Within 2 days I had a solid concept back to him and he was so thrilled with the outcome, he literally overpaid me!
How do you give back to your community or support local causes through your business?
Outside of my branding work, one of my passions has always been pitbulls, rescued pitbulls to be exact. And after my husband and I joined our (fur)families, we once had 4 rescues all together. I found a local rescue that specifically works with bully breeds and I wanted to help out in some way. I started by digitally painting them and sharing them on social media for added exposure. I’ve since worked with them to offer paintings for auction that have raised them a few hundred dollars. It makes my heart so happy to be able to use my talents to help in this way.
Looking ahead, what are your plans and goals for the future of your business?
I’ve been taught to be specific with my goals, so I’m hoping to make at least 50K by this time next year, and after that I’d love to double it for the following year.
Is there anything else you would like to share or highlight about your small business or your entrepreneurial journey?
When I was still working full time, all I dreamed about was how I could combine my passion for yoga with my passion for design. Two very different niches areas that I deeply love. It may look different than when I used to teach 30-100 people how to downward dog, but I get to use all the knowledge from my two passions to form this unique business of mine. If you happen to also be a multi-passionate person, just know that you can make it work for you!
Vanessa I am so thrilled you joined us today and shared some really insightful knowledge, history and tid bits! Thank you so much and I can’t wait to work on our next project together!
xoxo
Shannon
