Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Smetherman.
Hi Katie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I had a pretty conventional upbringing in a loving family, with parents deeply in love and one older brother. Originally from Houston, Texas, it remains a special place for me due to my family’s ties there, leading me to make regular visits. Although Houston holds a special place in my heart, my love for travel has taken me on adventures around the world, thanks to my mother’s early influence. Her stories of backpacking through Europe with her camera bag as luggage left a lasting impression. While I may not travel quite as lightly due to my camera gear, the passion has always been within me. I have traveled the diverse landscapes of various U.S. states, as well as savored the rich cultures of France and Italy, I have even ventured out as far as the vibrant streets of Singapore and Indonesia, and the dreamy shores of Mauritius. You could say that I have embraced the world with open arms, capturing its beauty through the lens of my camera, all while having my very own adventures along the way!
It was always my dream to own my own business. Initially envisioning a bakery, my path ultimately led me to establish a design agency. After graduating from my undergrad, I gained valuable experience working in various design agencies, each of them offering a unique insight into business operations. However, it was a particular role where I closely collaborated with the owners and engaged with clients from the beginning of their marketing journey, that I found my true calling. It was during these interactions that I realized that I loved being able to hear why people were starting their businesses and their dreams and aspirations. I could listen to their dreams, and my work as a designer was able to help bring life to their visions! After that, I was certain that I wanted to open my design agency and help other entrepreneurs build the business of their dreams.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not! Successful business owners know that owning a business is never smooth. You are bound to have some ups and downs along the way. But the good part is that the businesses that survive and learn from their struggles/mistakes are more capable of lasting than those who give up when things get hard. One critical piece of advice that I learned from my struggles was to delegate tasks that you are not as strong at so that you can run your business more efficiently. The first task that I made sure to delegate was hiring a dedicated accountant and CPA. Being able to outsource these tasks allowed me to spend more time with my clients while the back end of my business ran smoothly.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have a master’s degree in Brand Management and Communications with a specialization in brand identity systems and website design. I spent 6 years working in marketing before starting my own business, Brand Studio Creative. At Brand Studio Creative, we are committed to elevating businesses with award-winning branding and website design services to attract more clients and increase sales. Our passion lies in branding, and we bring the pleasure of creativity to every entrepreneur who works with us. What we are most proud of is transforming not only the businesses that work with us but also the wonderful people who run them. Our clients have given us many touching testimonials, expressing their confidence in their business after working with us. That is what continues to drive us.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I love resources. I’m a huge fan of research and constant learning. I follow many designers and creative agencies to learn from their practices as well as what tools help them be successful. I reach out and meet with them personally to establish a friendship with many of these business owners. Another great resource that I frequently visit is attending conferences. Conferences are such a great way to meet new business friends and learn from businesses around you. Some of my top resources/inspirations are Mohawk Paper, AIGA, CropCon, Made by James, Aaron Draplin, Design Taxi, Digital Synopsis, Brainz Magazine, Coolors, Pantone, Emma Kate, Simon Sinek, Donald Miller, and so many more. One of my favorite ways to find inspiration is to look outside your own business industry. Currently, I am in the midst of wedding planning, and I have been discovering numerous creative inspirations from wedding vendors that I am incorporating into my own business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brandstudiocreative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandstudiocreative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandstudiocreative
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-studio-creative
- Other: Book A Consultation Call: https://calendly.com/brandstudiocreative/30min
Image Credits
Ashley Edward
