We were lucky to catch up with Debbie O’Connor recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Debbie, thanks for joining us today. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?
Working for start-ups and established companies as an independent contractor, which was not preferred at the time, allowed me to get my first client on my own, simply because they taught me what the classroom did not: How to take my design skill set and apply it in a real world setting. I knew I was good at design, but I had no clue on how to handle the whole process with clients starting out. This included how to find clients, initiate and write contracts, how to charge fairly, and how to set limits. I really knew nothing about the business or legal side of things at first and needed to work for other companies to experience the world more and therefore understand my self-worth in the industry to feel confident on my own. Having a portfolio outside of the classroom is a great tool!
Debbie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I went to college for Interior Design and a tough job market at the time of graduation and many rejection letters from firms all over the U.S. led me into Fashion Visual Merchandising. I also took any unpaid internships or independent contract work I could in Interior Design starting out. My social media work, which started out as a hobby during all my beginning career struggles developed into much more than ever intended and has also led to many partnerships.
My focus is in these 3 areas today: Interior Design, Fashion Visual Merchandising, and Micro-influencing.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I think I received a lot of NO’s in my industry before I even got a foot in the door and when I was most vulnerable and susceptible to not feeling good enough simply because no one would give me a chance to develop my craft. When a chance was given, it was always complicated with all the wrong things. Although some of my early experiences hurt, I do think this is where I belong so if we don’t see it the same way, then I guess I am really my own entity. If I have to do it on my own, I now feel stronger and more capable.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Loving what you’ve designed, not only the end product or result, but also what it brings to someone’s life or the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.behance.net/debbiemarieoconnor
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbiemarieoconnor
- Facebook: https://youtube.com/@debbiemarieoconnor www.facebook.com/AllThingsDebbieMarieOConnor
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiemarieoconnor
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/debbiemoconnor
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@debbiemarieoconnor
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8dFAdey/