We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michaela Dunn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michaela, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s talk about keeping costs under control when growing. How have you managed to keep costs from getting out of control?

I have pivoted my business many times and over the years I have fallen victim to the shiny platforms and the people telling me that I NEED this or I NEED that. I had a year where my business was utterly thriving I achieved my first 10k month and a few months later had a 20k launch. I felt like I didn’t get to enjoy it because so much money was going towards platforms I had just because someone else said I should have them. I just recently had a mindset shift and have challenged myself to really lessen the overconsumption. We’re constantly being sold to, but we don’t always have to buy. I started with my business tech stack that went from 13+ subscriptions to just 5 which is absolutely mind-boggling. The truth is that we often need to focus on what we have and utilize it to the fullest, money in our pocket is the goal when having a business. Sometimes we tend to forget that when someone tells us we need an email, to launch a course, to do XYZ.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started my entrepreneurial journey when I was just 15 years old by picking up a camera and really diving into photography, and that was a 9-year journey that overlapped with the last 4 years of my consulting/ design business that I have made my full focus. Doing so I have been able to be home full-time with my 3 kids that are all under the age of 3! With my consulting and design business, I help business owners feel joy in what they do again. We are here to make your focus your craft our most popular bookings are with HoneyBook users, branding/logo design, and website design.

What sets me apart is that I truly love the work that most people don’t, I LOVEE the moments where you’re like “Where have you been all my life, and why didn’t I do this sooner”. I absolutely love my clients and have seen how working together has helped them find their spark again. I am most proud of the mental space I can give people. Giving them ease in life after working with me.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I didn’t know it at the time but when I started my business I was setting myself up to have the freedom to raise my kids and that I will forever be thankful for. My personal goal is to be a fully present mom to my 3 kids and give them a life of joy. I can do that with the trust of all the clients who continue to invest in me. My mission for my business that keeps me going is knowing that I am leaving my impact all around the world where I can continue to bring joy and confidence back into people’s lives. I will always love being able to meet new people who inspire me daily.

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

I have been able to grow my clientele the most by just not caring what others think. It’s a mental game we have with ourselves where we are worried that we’re too much, talking too much, sharing too much, you know that whole thing. But in all truth, we’re not talking or sharing enough!! I landed my LARGEST client to date by sliding into her DM’s sharing the love and offering my services. But it’s that approach that makes a difference, understanding who you’re talking to and how you can offer service without dragging them through the typical pitch routes we often see. I also have been able to get a TON of referrals, so treating your clients well and taking care of them goes SUCH a long way.. what we say and do beyond what we’re hired for is so impactful. – Sometimes it’s simply killer communication and great service, others could be little gifts and “extra” things! Whatever makes sense for you and your business!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://michaela-dunn.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichaeladunn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067271335260
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaela-dunn-a4938510a/

Image Credits

Michaela Dunn ( I took my own photos)