We were lucky to catch up with Abbey Bruggeworth recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Abbey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?
One of the most obvious pros to owning your own business is the ability to make your own schedule. You work when you want to and you get out what you put into your business. If you are a person that thrives on a daily schedule and structure, like me, then owning your own business will come with a lot of challenges at the start. You have to structure your days essentially as if you were working a 9-to-5 job. And if you really want to grow your business and grow quickly, those hours are often much longer than the 9 to 5 window.
98% of the time I am soooo happy and thankful to own my own business, build up my client portfolio, get creative and do what I love. That 2% comes when I’m burnt out from a week of long hours, or missing something due to work. In the marketing world, you always have to be “on.” Trends change constantly and content is needed at a minute’s notice. The last time I had a down moment as a business owner was working on a project until 3am when I had a full schedule the next day. Taking a step back, I acknowledged that this was just a small moment in time that will yield positive results. Yes, I will be exhausted for 24 hours or so, but my client will be happy, I will keep that recurring business, and hopefully these efforts will come full circle when I am recommended to other companies.
Work life balance doesn’t always exist if you are a business owner, it is more like a work life juggle. However, your motivation to get the job done will always shine through in the product or service you produce. Work hard, work often, put your heart into your work, but when you need “me” time take it to recharge to go again.
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?
I began as a contact creator nearly 5 years ago. I started a blog and began posting regularly on Instagram to grow my following. Through working with brands and on the back end of personal marketing, I developed the concept of owning my own marketing firm catered to small businesses. Within my company, Brugge Branding, I offer clients Full-service marketing strategy, social media management, graphic design, website design, and more. I’m able to take a concept and a vision for a brand and execute it to bring the business sales, clients, visibility, and growth. For many business owners, they know exactly what they want their brand to look and feel like, but don’t have the tools to bring that vision to life. That’s where I come in! I develop a strong relationship with each one of my clients where they feel that they can contact me on a daily basis and have that open line of communication. It keeps the creative juices flowing, brainstorming is always happening, and thus we are creating marketing magic collaboratively! While I still grow my personal platform @abbeybruggs and share my love for fashion and travel, Brugge Branding is my brainchild and I adore what I do!
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
When I began this journey, I wanted to go the cheapest route possible, It was a risk quitting my corporate job in the first place, so the idea of putting even more money on the line was terrifying. Initially I maybe had $500 into the business and from there I began Brugge Branding.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Being a “yes” girl. I think in general women are people pleasers, me being very guilty of that in the past. Being extremely aware of your schedule, how much you have on your plate and boundaries are crucial as a business owner. Learning to say no in order to excel in other areas is so important.
In addition – as a business owner it is important to identify your strengths and weaknesses to be able to grow a well rounded team by bringing high quality people on board. Brugge recently expanded to include a dedicated website developer, photographer, and communications intern.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @abbeybruggs @bruggebranding
Image Credits
Chris Edwards @chrisedwardsphoto
Laura Thompkins @laurelbellephotography