Tell me a little about you and your company.
Hi! I’m Alyssa, owner and lead creative over at www.alyssajoypd.com where I specialize in helping creatives, small businesses and non-profits beautify their brand from start to finish! I offer full branding packages, Squarespace web design, and custom styled stock photography and just recently launched my stock photography shop! I really love getting to know my clients, I believe that’s the best approach to design the perfect brand just for them - and well who doesn’t like making a new friend along the way?!
How long have you owned your own business?
3 years!
What made you decide to start your own business?
Well, me and my husband had started a family, we welcomed our little girl in June of 2012 and I just couldn’t stand the thought of letting someone else spend more time with her than me, so that was it, I quit my 9-5 and started doing graphic design jobs here and there - now 3 years later I get to stay home with my sweet girl and help support my family! That’s a win win right there, if you ask me!
What was the best advice you received when you started your career?
Don’t be afraid of your business! Some people like the idea of starting a business but then when it grows they get overwhelmed and think “what am I doing?! I don’t know how to do this?” instead of just putting on their big girl pants and rolling with the punches and pulling out their best for the clients! Don’t be afraid of your business and it’s growth - embrace it at whatever pace it comes and continue to deliver your best for your clients!
What do you wish someone had told you when you started your business?
Your business works for you, not the other way around. It’s easy to get yourself inundated real fast - you’re only one person and you can only do so much! I wish I had been more diligent about scheduling, establishing office hours, and all that jazz straight from the beginning.
What are the three skills that new entrepreneurs need in order to succeed?
Heart, a desire to continually learn and grow, and a little touch of OCD (striving for perfection can go along way when you’re trying to serve your clients!)
What routines do you have in place to help your days run smoothly?
Honestly? I’m a mom - routines generally go out the window the second my three year old flings toothpaste at my computer screen when I sit down to answer all my emails (not really - she’s a good kid, but you get the point!). I always make it a habit to answer all my emails first thing in the morning, and with the beauty of the iPhone that can be done before my feet even hit the floor ;) And I really couldn’t live without my 17hats! If you’re a creative and looking for a great management system - you totally need to check it out! It’s my right hand, reminds me what I have for the day and in the future, organizes all my inquires, emails, quotes, contracts invoices - all in one pretty little place!
How do you find balance as an entrepreneur?
It’s hard, each and every day I start and end the day with prayer. I ask the Lord to help me find the balance between being the mom I need to be to my girl and the wife I need to be to my husband and running my business. And honestly, when the days get tough - sometimes I use the timer method. I set the time for say an hour and work, and then when the timer goes of the next hour is hers to do whatever she wants to do with mommy!
What is your favorite thing about being an entrepreneur?
It’s a beautiful balance of adrenaline and humility! I love sending a client their first draft and having them answer back “Wow - you nailed it!!!” when their logo is just what they were looking for and dreaming of, then in the same moment I’m humbled that I get to help these powerful amazing individuals do what they love and bring about their dreams too!
What do you do to unwind?
Stop, walk away from my computer, grab my little sweetie and cuddle up on the couch and soak it all in. She’s my world, It’s easy to get caught up in everything else, but staring into her chocolate brown eyes brings it all back and all the stress melt away!
What is a project that you are working on right now or just finished?
I am in the middle of a full brand and web design for awesome blogger, Brittany, over at www.backroadsandbinkies.com! I can’t wait to see the finished product!!
How can people get in touch with you?
Shoot me an email at alyssa@alyssajoypd.com, I’d love to have you visit the site www.alyssajoypd.com and follow me on Instagram - it’s my love language! @alyssajoypd
