Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Danelle Gilles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Danelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

I find that so many people undermine the importance of marketing. Entrepreneurs invest considerable time and resources into developing their ideas. However, when it comes to execution, there’s a tendency to prioritize cost-cutting, particularly in the realms of branding and marketing. I often pose a crucial question to those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey: How successful can you truly be if you do not market yourself and bring brand awareness to your endeavor? The key to achieving this successfully is through effective marketing and advertising. Developing a distinctive brand identity that sets you apart, accompanied by creative marketing tactics and campaigns to elevate your brand to new heights isn’t something that any start up or entrepreneur should cut when it comes to budget, it’s actually one of the most valuable metrics to success.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started as a Graphic Designer working for a small boutique advertising firm based out of Miami. At the time I started there was only five of us. Within a short few years the company grew from five people to almost 100 people. Within that time I didn’t have a choice to just sit back do Graphic Design, the job in which I was hired for, I was forced to learn the ins and outs of advertising. A couple of years ago when everyone started to work from home I knew that I too had what it takes to venture out on my own. So within a short couple of months I stepped away from that agency and started my own Brand Consulting business, Danelle Gilles Designs.

So what sets me apart from the thousands, millions of other advertising agencies, designers, creatives? I have realized something that I simply can’t ‘teach’ to others. Creative Intuition. I see this sometimes in others who dress in a way that I could never, or have amazingly decorated houses. People have Creative Intuition that comes in all different ways but with myself I find I just have an eye for designing ‘different’. Stepping out of the norm slightly, not too much that a client says no, or in a way that the business’ typical target demographic would turn their head. But just enough to peek that extra bit of interest and make an impact. This is something I have over and over tried to teach or explain and for the life of me don’t know how to put it into words.

Now in recent years I have taken the time to really take this Creative Intuition and work with meaningful brands. Brands that drive impact, cultural awareness, academic advancement, and personal growth.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think providing stellar customer service is just as important as the actual marketing and design work I do. I try to something with each client relationship that I have that I can relate to. Something that has absolutely nothing to do with the work and services I am actually providing. I then use that to build a foundation, a stronger relationship with them that is outside of the realm of services provide. I find the closer I become to my clients, the more they trust me and the more I become an asset to them. Once I am an asset to them, I can then help guide them to where they need to be in order to be a more successful brand. Really becoming part of ‘their world’ is how I provide services with a deeper more meaningful connection than just a cut and dry design service. The combination of my customer service, along with the actual marketing and design work is just a testament of who I am and how I have built my reputation.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I have been in the marketing and design industry for over 19 years and I have not once spent a single dollar on advertising for myself. My entire business has grown by word of mouth. Relating to what I had touched on earlier building strong relationships with my clients and providing work that really allows brands and companies to reach their goals and be successful is a case to who I am and the services I provided. I have been lucky enough to have had enough success that those I work with consistently recommend me and have allowed me to grow organically through word of mouth. At some point I would love to branch out and spend actual money and time on expanding, when the time is right!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://danellegillesdesigns.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danellegillesdesigns
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danelle.gilles
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/danelle-gilles-designs/

Image Credits
Kate Morris Creative