Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dayana Izquierdo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dayana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

When I first started my design journey, I knew I wanted to make a meaningful impact on small businesses within different industries. After 3 weeks of networking and reaching out to local entrepreneurs, I connected with a beauty business owner who was struggling with her online presence. I listened to her challenges and, through genuine conversations, I was able to showcase how my design expertise could elevate her online brand. I knew I had the project in the bag it was just a matter of waiting for her decision. My excitement peaked when she entrusted me with her very first project, (her website design and visual branding) and that first earned dollar not only symbolized a successful transaction but the beginning of a journey where my design skills translated into tangible business value.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

4 years ago, just before the pandemic lockdown, my situation was pretty challenging—I lacked so much motivation, carried student loan debt, and had lost my job that I believed would become my career. Despite feeling like I’d hit rock bottom, I remained confident in my work ethic and willingness to take risks. During quarantine, I found solace in the iPad and Apple Pencil my partner gave me. Viewing it as a symbol of assurance, I began doodling on Procreate, instantly falling in love with the creative process.

I decided to create an Instagram account to start showcasing my artwork for fun, little did I know that by just being social and sharing what I can create would attract my first paying customer, setting off a chain reaction of clientele. This led to the birth of DC by Dayana, my venture into digital creations. Now, with over 4 years of experience and collaborations with 600+ growing businesses, I proudly identify as a self-taught graphic and web designer. My mission is to partner with small businesses, creating marketable, lasting, and cost-effective branding designs tailored to their visions, no matter how wild. Working from the comfort of my home or any Wi-Fi-equipped location, this journey has been a testament to the power of perseverance and creative passion.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been leveraging the power of social media, particularly Instagram. By showcasing my artwork and design projects, I not only built an online portfolio but also created a platform for potential clients to discover my services. Engaging with the design community and using relevant hashtags amplified my reach, attracting attention from individuals and businesses seeking creative solutions. This organic approach not only brought in my initial clients but also fostered a network effect as satisfied customers shared their experiences, leading to a steady influx of new opportunities and collaborations.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

The foundation of my reputation within the creative market was laid through a combination of unwavering dedication, creative curiosity, and a genuine passion for helping small businesses thrive. I believe my commitment to delivering high-quality designs that align with clients’ visions, coupled with a personalized, one-on-one approach, has been instrumental. Positive word-of-mouth from satisfied clients, coupled with a consistent and impressive portfolio displayed on platforms like Instagram, has further solidified my presence and credibility in the market. Building relationships based on trust and delivering results that exceed expectations has been the cornerstone of my reputation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dcbydayana.com/
• Instagram: @dcby.dayana

Image Credits
Photographer; Mr. Andy Lopez