We were lucky to catch up with Emily Close recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Emily thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?
As an entrepreneur, I can confidently say that embracing the challenge of starting and running my own business has been the best decision I’ve ever made. Yes, there are hard days when doubts creep in and the weight of responsibilities feels overwhelming. But in those moments, I remind myself of the incredible freedom and power I possess to shape the future I desire. And that realization fills me with an indomitable spirit, inspiring me to push forward and overcome any obstacles that come my way.
The last time I contemplated the notion of having a regular job, it was a particularly tough day for me. Everything that could go wrong seemed to have gone wrong. I felt exhausted, discouraged, and uncertain about the path I had chosen. The thought of a stable, nine-to-five job with predictable income crossed my mind, tempting me with its apparent simplicity and security.
In that moment, I took a step back to reflect on why I had embarked on this entrepreneurial journey in the first place. I realized that my passion, my burning desire to make a difference, and my longing for autonomy had driven me from a young age to take this leap. I considered the countless hours I had invested, the risks I had willingly embraced, and the skills I had developed along the way. These thoughts rekindled the fire within me.
I reminded myself of the wins I had experienced as an entrepreneur—the milestones achieved, the impact created, and the amazing people I’ve been able to meet. I thought about the satisfaction of knowing that my efforts were directly contributing to the realization of my dreams and the betterment of others. The freedom to chart my own course and the power to make decisions aligned with my values outweighed any transient comfort a regular job might offer.
Entrepreneurship is not just a career choice; it is a way of life. It demands resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering determination. It challenges me to continually learn, adapt, and grow. Yes, the journey can be arduous, but the rewards far exceed any temporary doubts or hardships. The joy that comes from pursuing my passion, making a meaningful impact, and living life on my own terms is immeasurable.
So, to answer the question, am I happier as a business owner? Absolutely. The trials and tribulations I face as an entrepreneur are nothing compared to the fulfillment, purpose, and exhilaration that come from building something of my own. I embrace the challenges because they are the catalysts for personal and professional growth. The freedom to create, innovate, and follow my dreams is a privilege I would never trade. Entrepreneurship is my chosen path, and I am grateful every day for the opportunity to shape a future that excites me and inspires others.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Allow me to introduce myself to those who may not be familiar with my story. I’ve always been that kid who would spend hours perfecting the school project poster, caring more about its visual appeal than the project itself. As I grew older, I explored various paths, from considering a career in the medical field by taking an EMT course to contemplating teaching, as I had often been told that would be a good path for me. However, no matter where my journey led, I always found myself drawn back to the realm of creativity.
It wasn’t until I enrolled in the GIT program at ASU that I truly found my passion. This program not only taught me the foundations of graphic design, web development, entrepreneurship, and creativity, but it also changed in me the belief that creativity is something you can learn, rather than something you are simply born with. This realization inspired me greatly.
Born and raised in Colorado, I developed a deep love for the outdoors through countless hiking, backpacking, and camping trips in the magnificent Rocky Mountains. This upbringing, along with my family’s emphasis on nature, has fueled my desire to share the beauty of the outdoors with others. Now settled in Upstate NY with my husband and two young sons, I am fortunate to be surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Adirondacks. Being part of a community that values and embraces nature is truly fulfilling.
In my business, I offer a range of services that revolve around brand design, website design and development, and business automation. I understand the challenges that entrepreneurs face, particularly the struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance. That’s why I strive to help my clients automate their businesses and implement efficient systems and processes. By doing so, they can step away from the day-to-day tasks and focus on the aspects of their business they love, or even take time to enjoy life outside of work.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to putting people first. I deeply value the trust that business owners place in me when they seek my assistance in bringing their vision to life. When designing websites, I pay close attention to the customer experience, ensuring that it aligns with the brand’s values and goals. For me, business is all about building relationships, and when relationships thrive, success naturally follows.
I understand the overwhelming nature of the digital landscape, with its countless options and should-do’s for businesses. As an entrepreneur, the to-do list never seems to end, and it can be challenging to know where to focus your efforts without sacrificing precious free time. I help clients navigate through this maze, prioritizing their digital presence and tailoring their strategies to their unique goals. Every business is different, and so should be its digital footprint. It’s about finding the right path that leads to the desired outcomes.
What I am most proud of is the ability to guide and support my clients on their entrepreneurial journeys. Witnessing their growth, seeing their businesses thrive, and knowing that I played a part in their success brings me immense joy and fulfillment. So, to potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that I am here to help you streamline your digital efforts, achieve your goals, and ultimately create a business that aligns with your values and allows you to enjoy the freedom and fulfillment that comes with being an entrepreneur.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Absolutely! My creative journey is fueled by a powerful goal and mission: to make a difference in the world through the brands I create and the lives I intersect. I am driven by the desire to inspire people to take control of their businesses and make them work for them, rather than the other way around.
I understand firsthand the stress and challenges that come with stepping out to work for yourself. It can be overwhelming, and at times, it’s easy to become consumed by the demands of entrepreneurship. Trust me, I’ve been there too. However, I firmly believe that having a business is an incredible opportunity to make a positive impact in people’s lives through your brand.
Your brand is not just about the products or services you offer—it’s about the way you communicate, connect, and share. It encompasses your mission, values, customer service, and the way you treat people. It’s the unique essence of your business that sets you apart. I want to inspire entrepreneurs to harness the potential of their businesses to live the life they’ve always dreamed of when they took that leap of faith.
By empowering entrepreneurs to take control of their businesses, I aim to create a ripple effect of positive change. When you have the freedom and the tools to run your business efficiently and effectively, you not only improve your own life but also impact the lives of your customers and the community you serve. It’s about more than just financial success; it’s about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Through my work, I strive to encourage and support entrepreneurs in building brands that embody their values, resonate with their audience, and create authentic connections.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
One thing that non-creatives may struggle to understand about my journey as a creative is the belief that creativity is a skill that can be learned and developed. Often, there is a common misconception that creativity is something innate, that you are either born with it or you’re not. However, I have come to realize that creativity is not limited to a select few; it is a skill that can be nurtured and honed through practice and exploration. It’s a lifelong journey.
In a world that loves to give labels, many children by age 8 are defined as creative, sporty, analytical and on. And while these may be obvious traits we see as teachers and parents, it also hinders kids who may be labeled as a non-creative from an early age. It may be challenging to comprehend the mindset of constantly seeking new ideas, experimenting with different approaches, and embracing failure as a stepping stone to growth. The creative journey involves pushing boundaries, taking risks, and embracing uncertainty, which may seem daunting to those who prefer a more structured and predictable path.
I want to offer insight to you, as I believe everyone has the capacity for creativity within them. It’s not about being an artist or designer; it’s about tapping into your unique perspective, thinking outside the box, and embracing a willingness to try new things. Creativity is not limited to traditional artistic pursuits; it can be applied to problem-solving, business innovation, and everyday life.
By understanding that creativity is a skill that can be learned, “non-creatives” can unlock their own potential and explore new avenues of self-expression. It’s about embracing curiosity, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, and cultivating a growth mindset. Everyone has the ability to think creatively and bring fresh perspectives to their work and life, regardless of their background or profession.
So, to all the “non-creatives” out there, I encourage you to embark on your own creative journey. Embrace the joy of experimentation, challenge your assumptions, and allow yourself to explore uncharted territories. You never know what incredible ideas and solutions may arise when you tap into your creative potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://kindrbrand.com/
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/kindrbrand/
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/kindrbrand
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/emily-close/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_Emjclose
Image Credits
Headshots: Ethan Hill