Today we’d like to introduce you to Adelle Brianne

Hi Adelle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

Back in my early 20s, I remember being told by my boss at Clear Channel Radio that they were “in a freeze” and unable to shift my job position or salary at the time. However, I’d been given more and more responsibilities beyond the scope of the original job description. My boss hired me as Sales Assistant with graphic design skills and I worked with about 50 salespeople, helping them craft attractive RFPs (requests for proposals). Soon after, other departments heard of my talent and I ended up doing graphic design and website design for five departments as their in-house graphic designer.

Soon I was creating original website designs for the radio station. At the time, a decent web designer salary was around $60k, but I was only earning $30k annually. I wrote out a new job position so I could also earn commissions, but the company refused my request. They claimed they could not make any adjustments.

I was young and talented and I knew my worth. So after a year, I quit the job, even though I really enjoyed the work and the staff. I actually shaved my head right after I quit! I crossed a threshold and declared I would work for myself. I would not accept corporate restrictions on my salary or appearance.

That was over 15 years ago and I never looked back — I’ve been self employed since then! I attracted clients using Craigslist initially. I developed a clientele working as a freelance website designer and graphic designer in my hometown, Portland, Oregon. I created websites, brochures, business cards, and logos for small business owners.

My clients loved me and referred new clients to me. I never had to pay to advertise services. My website ranked well online and also brought in leads. SEO was so new back in 2005. Hardly anyone knew how to utilize keywords and websites for lead generation. With a degree in journalism, I was naturally good at search engine content because I love words and writing.

Fast forward to 2024. I live on Maui, Hawaii, where I serve local business owners who rely on me for website management, marketing support, design, branding, consulting, and copywriting. I feel very blessed for my career in creative communications.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Ha! One has to laugh at the idea of entrepreneurship being a “smooth road.”

Working as a freelancer can be quite challenging at times. Unlike a traditional job, there are no guaranteed paychecks, and so one must constantly take action to bring in income.

Self employment requires a lot of dedication, focus, and commitment to ensure the business stays afloat year after year. In 2014, I attracted a mid-sized business client and my contract ended up going strong for 9 years, providing consistent income. That was a huge blessing while it lasted. However, when the magazine sold to new owners a couple of years ago, I lost that income. Afterward, I focused on building new relationships with other local business owners on Maui.

I feel fortunate that my clients appreciate my work ethic and talent, yet there were certainly times that felt more challenging than others.

Surviving the pandemic was a big struggle. I lost the majority of my income from both of my small businesses. My second business is an event entertainment company that lost all its income for 2 years while events were restricted.

During that time, I decided to start selling my own tie dyed clothing in order to pay for my business expenses and other bills. I still had to invest in tie dye supplies to get started, and I used the last of my cash to start my tie dye “side hustle.” I committed myself to doing whatever it took to pay my expenses. I’m grateful that friends and family and other people online found my tie dyes and bought from me via my web shop.

I believe that being resilient and willing to pivot in business and life can help you get through challenging times… As well as focusing on gratitude and relationships!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

As a multi-passionate entrepreneur, I founded two LLCs. Gratefully, both of my businesses offer me fulfilling creative work.

For over 25 years, I’ve built and managed websites for business owners. Operating as Adelle Brianne LLC, I build and manage WordPress websites and I specialize in SEO copywriting. I’m known for getting clients to the top of Google and I’m passionate about SEO; it’s helped my businesses thrive without paying for advertising.

In 2017, I applied my SEO skills to launch my second business, Dazzle Entertainment LLC, which provides strolling characters and minglers for Maui events and weddings. My search engine marketing has provided the majority of my business income for Dazzle.

I’m very proud that Dazzle Entertainment provides the top wages on island for local performers. Most of my staff do not have websites and they don’t get corporate bookings without me. Every year I pay out more income to my contractors than the previous year. I pay higher rates to my team than my competitors. It’s important to me to pay people what they deserve, rather than paying the lowest wage possible. This allows me to retain the best talent and to ensure my clients receive the absolute best performances, which they appreciate.

Currently it’s a very tough economic time on Maui, due to last summer’s devastating fires. As such, I am even more committed to paying top wages to my team of performers.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?

My biggest lesson has been to expect the unexpected and to build partnerships that can sustain tough economic times. I could never have predicted my businesses would lose so much income beyond my control. My creative approach to business and my ability to adapt and pivot has served me well despite the difficult times.

When other people believe in you and your business, they are more willing navigate through challenges with you, instead of dropping you. I’m grateful that many of my web design clients stayed with me during the pandemic, even though many cut expenses and couldn’t afford their regular packages.

With a positive attitude and teamwork, my business and other businesses that I support are still operating today, after the pandemic. I feel very grateful for each day and for the wonderful people I serve and collaborate with.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amazingandhelpful.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/amazingandhelpful
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdelleBrianne
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmazingAndHelpful
• Other: https://dazzlemaui.com/

Image Credits
Rebecca Yale
Brittney Baker
Sean Hower