We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emily Benson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Emily, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?
I grew up with an entrepreneur father and a nurse mother—one taught me the grit of building a business, and the other the power of seeing the best in people.
Watching my dad build his remodeling company from the ground up showed me that chasing big dreams was possible, even if it wasn’t easy. Some of my earliest memories are of watching him run his remodeling company from home. I would wander into his office just to be near the action, dusting the copier or sorting coins on his desk, convinced I’d be the boss one day. That entrepreneurial energy propelled me to where I am today: seven years into running my own small business in consulting, web design, and product photography.
My dad also gave me one of the best pieces of business advice I’ve ever heard: “Do what you say you’re going to do, when you say you’re going to do it, for the price you said you’d do it for.” I didn’t realize until later how rare that kind of follow-through is or how much it makes you stand out.
My mom, on the other hand, has a gift for seeing people’s strengths before they see them themselves. She taught me to look beyond first impressions, assume good intent, and help others lean into what they do best. That mindset is central to how I approach everything, whether it’s refining a brand or coaching a business owner through challenges.
Now, at 30, I turn to my parents more than ever. Their lessons still shape the way I run my business and the way I show up in the world.
Emily, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I started my business in 2018 with a simple goal: to help small business owners cut through what overwhelms them so that they can build something profitable and sustainable. From the start I knew I didn’t want a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I built a flexible framework that let me show up for my clients in a way that was strategically tailored to their needs.
Before launching my business I worked manual labor, retail, strategic management, and eventually as VP of a rapidly growing, multi-city restaurant group. I saw firsthand how exhausting and isolating running a business can be. That’s why I wanted to be a resource, a sounding board, and a partner.
What sets me apart? I believe business should work for you, not the other way around. I focus on practical strategies, clear communication, and make sure every piece of a brand—from the website to client experience—is intentional and aligned with its owner’s values and supports both their professional and personal visions.
I’ve worked with entrepreneurs at every stage—from solo-preneurs launching their first website to established brands ready for a refresh. But what am I most proud of? Helping business owners step into confidence. Because with the right tools and strategy, growth isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
My reputation is tied to three things: results-driven web design, strategic consulting, and genuine client care. The websites I design aren’t merely beautiful—they’re functional tools that help businesses grow. And when consulting, I guide owners through branding, marketing, technology, and the many moving pieces of running a business to make their operations more efficient and profitable.
Most of my work comes through referrals, and there’s a reason for that. I take the time to understand my clients’ goals and challenges so that I can tailor solutions that make a real impact. With 12 years of experience, I know how overwhelming it can be to juggle everything as a small business owner. That’s why I have a comprehensive approach, helping entrepreneurs not just with branding and marketing but also with the systems, strategies, and decision-making that keep their businesses running smoothly.
At the end of the day, building a strong reputation comes down to three things: do great work, treat people well, and add real value. That’s what I’ve built my business on, and it’s what continues to bring incredible clients my way.
Have you ever had to pivot?
In 2019, my health took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency, followed by POTS in 2020. Suddenly, the in-person work I had built my business around—branding photoshoots, client meetings, and on-site consulting—became unpredictable. I could no longer count on having the energy to travel, stand for long hours, or work on-location without it taking a serious toll.
At first, it felt like a setback. But in reality, it was an opportunity to reshape my business in a way that worked for me. I pivoted to mostly virtual consulting so that I could guide clients through branding, web design, and business strategy from anywhere. I also shifted my photography services, focusing on product photography that I could shoot from my home studio instead of in-person branding sessions.
This shift gave me the flexibility I needed while still allowing me to show up for my clients with consistency and reliability. It reinforced one of my core beliefs: business should work for you, not the other way around. By adapting my approach, I was able to continue doing what I love—helping small business owners grow—without compromising my health. And in the process, I discovered that sometimes, the best pivots aren’t about doing less, but about doing things differently.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emilybensonconsulting.com
- Instagram: @emilybensonconsulting
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/emilybensonconsulting
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-murphy-59811199
Image Credits
Angie McPherson
Carrie Michelle Photography
Kat Langford Photography