We recently connected with Ally Wright and have shared our conversation below.

Ally, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

Most of my employment experience has been in customer service. I fully stand by the statement that I think every single human being should have to work some sort of customer service job at some point in their life. When you’re working with the public on a daily basis, you learn so much about how to treat people, how to manage problems and what to say and not say. When you start a business, you have to know how to manage problems that arise. You have to know how to set boundaries in a respectful manner. You have to know how to apologize when you’re wrong, how to present things in a way that will be understood and reciprocated well. Like most things in the world, it all breaks down to basic communication.

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 am self made and proud. Originally, I started by making logos. Once I introduced planners, the focus quickly shifted to planners and templates. While I loved making logos and still do offer that service, I am in love with creating the planners and templates! My main focus is not to be the best product out there. Now hear me out, that doesn’t mean I don’t put effort and time and energy into my products to be the best they can. It means that my main focus is to be the best product for YOU. When I’m creating a planner for you, I am doing everything I can to include the tools you need to be your most productive, consistent self.
Instead of looking for the best way to mass produce or make the most money (no hate to the ones who operate like that, I applaud them actually), I am honestly just trying to reach those who need help planning and organizing. The ones who struggle with it and need something personalized and customized instead of picking the best of the worst after 20 minutes of staring at the planner section in Target. (Been there, done that. Multiple times).

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My entire business so far has been constant pivoting. I started my business as ATJ Designs, a name that didn’t mean anything to the business or to me. It didn’t capture what I wanted the name to and it just wasn’t working for me anymore. January of 2023, we rebranded as Firsthand Creative. That’s been my favorite change so far, it feels much more genuine and true to what I want people to think of and experience with these products. Throughout the two years of this business, I’ve had to take many “breaks” in content and creation. That doesn’t mean I stopped my business entirely, it just meant I needed to focus my time and energy into other things for a little bit. I have had to pivot timelines and expectations, clientele, countless of things. Being adaptable to change and the ebbs and flows of small businesses is so important, no matter how hard it is.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

For me personally, I am not what I would necessarily call an artist. I don’t have amazing artistic abilities where I’m just drawing and it’s easy for me. I am spending hours creating, changing, perfecting these products. I am hand drawing and writing some aspects, I am using multiple programs, asking for opinions and help from select people, I am learning and growing with every single thing I make. I didn’t go to school for any of this and I don’t claim to have. It’s just me learning and trying to create good products for you to the best of my ability.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.firsthandcreative.com
• Instagram: @firsthandcreative_ / https://www.instagram.com/firsthandcreative_/
• Facebook: Firsthand Creative / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076306821902