We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Crystal Bryant a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Crystal thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
I am happier as a business owner. Being my own boss is the best feeling ever. But we all have those what-if days some more than others. When I have those slow business days I surely do. I wonder the things I could be doing to secure the bag instead of sitting here waiting for someone to put an order in for graphics. Instead of giving up, I use that what-if as fuel to think of ideas to bring clients in. Because if I’m thinking what if that means I need to be going harder. I took a risk out of high school starting my business and I’m not about to make that for nothing. It gives me that push I need to take my business to the next level. I know that if I did have a regular job I wouldn’t be able to fully focus on my business and since I’m helping other business owners brand their businesses I would have to cut the time in half to focus on my regular job so I remember my why on why I started and continue to keep going.
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.
Hey readers, my name is Crystal and I’m your 21-year-old graphic designer. I developed my love for graphics in 2017 I found creating my own designs for projects amusing. As time went by my love for it grew stronger. Finally, I let my love for graphic design help others bring their visions to life by building Dip of Graphics, LLC. I love helping others form the best visual representations for their business, organization or product. Seeing ideas come to life is one of the best feelings ever. The excitement of my clients when they see the finish product fulfills me with joy and motivates me to keep working harder. Dip of Graphics purpose is to bring your visions to life and to allow your creative mind to take it’s course.
Any fun sales or marketing stories?
I was getting little to no sleep putting in work for my business trying to complete everything from websites to flyers. I saw other graphic designers and I saw how they were getting all these clients when my turnaround time was shorter, my prices were cheaper and my work was good quality.
I knew I had to do something different. So, I took a chance and created a segment called “Shoot Your Shot” where I created graphics for social media influencers. Everyone I did graphics for grabbed their attention and they showed love. I’m now a graphic designer for @KeeshaKaylee (Youtuber, Social Media Influencer, Entrepreneur). Roderica Scott @IyeTasti (Entrepreneur, YouTuber) 2/4 ladies I shot my shot at gave me the chance to show them what I can do.
They brought in so many clients and my business took off. Not just one-time clients but permanent clients that keep coming back and I’m forever grateful.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been being more than just a designer. I develop more than just a designer-client relationship. If I haven’t heard from them in a while I’ll make sure they’re okay. They need advice on their business that’s more than graphics I do my best to give it to them. Relate to your client/customer and watch how the loyalty grows.
Posting my work consistently is also a huge key. Remain active on your social media, post your work and interact with your followers!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/dipofgraphicsllc
- Instagram: @dipofgraphics
- Facebook: Dip of Graphics, LLC
- Twitter: @dipofgraphics
- Youtube: Dip of Graphics, LLC
- Other: Tiktok: @dipofgraphics