We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emily Wiggins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

During my six-plus years as a college professor and thirteen years as a business owner, I’ve gained some valuable insights.

1. The Power of Personal Connection: In this digital age, where screens often dominate, I’ve discovered that there’s no substitute for genuine face-to-face interactions. Energy and empathy shine through in personal meetings, fostering trust and rapport with clients.

2. Proactive Problem-Solving: An essential skill in both academia and business ownership is the ability to tackle issues preemptively. You position yourself as a solution-driven partner by identifying and addressing clients’ needs before they even voice them.

3. Embrace Levity: Taking yourself too seriously can be detrimental to your well-being and the quality of your work. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance and a sense of humor can lead to better results.

4. Unearth Inspiration Everywhere: In today’s interconnected world, Virtually nothing is original. Instead of striving for pure uniqueness, drawing inspiration from various industry sources and infusing your creativity into the mix can yield truly innovative outcomes.

5. The Art of Active Listening: Genuine listening involves more than hearing words – it’s about understanding your clients’ underlying needs, concerns, and aspirations. Listening to understand fosters stronger connections and more effective collaboration.

6. Selling Through Reminders: Successful client relationships are built on trust, not aggressive sales tactics. Only a tiny percentage of people respond to these tactics. Rather than pushing products or services, remind clients of the value you bring and how it can positively impact their business.

7. Lifelong Learning: Embracing a progressive mindset is crucial, regardless of your career stage. I recently implemented AI into my business model, for example. It’s essential to keep up with emerging technologies and trends. If you don’t understand the latest technologies, watch instructional YouTube videos or ask someone younger!

8. Don’t Hesitate to Seek Help: We all encounter challenges, and asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Collaboration and teamwork can lead to astonishing creative breakthroughs and exciting opportunities.

9. Rise Above Competition: Maintaining professionalism and integrity when it comes to competitors is essential. Speaking ill of them reflects poorly on your character and won’t get you clients in the long run.

10. Banish Self-Doubt: Conquering self-doubt is a universal struggle. We must remember that each of us possesses distinct talents and perspectives. The key is to identify and harness these strengths to create a compelling personal brand and business identity.

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?

My life’s journey has been a canvas for my innate creativity, both in my personal experiences and professional endeavors. From a young age, I had a knack for enhancing my parents’ living spaces, infusing them with unique character. I distinctly remember reimagining my Barbie house and giving my dolls a fresh look using everyday household items. I was constantly brainstorming ways to improve aesthetics, functionality, and style– ways to make better experiences for people. I delved into the world of digital artistry when my father introduced me to one of the very first editions of Adobe Suite. This opened doors to Illustrator and Photoshop, where I taught myself the ropes and explored my passion for creating digital artwork. My journey continued through high school and college, where I pursued a diverse range of design disciplines, including Interior Design, Graphic Design, and Industrial Design and eventually obtaining a master’s degree in design education and development.
In 2010, I launched my own venture, “M Design Creative.” As a freelance creative director, I had the privilege of working with different companies, helping them with branding, logos, product design, marketing materials, and even organizing inventories and interior spaces. Alongside my business, I had the rewarding experience of being an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University Department of Design and Columbus College of Art and Design. Teaching quickly became one of my passions, showing me the value of listening attentively and expressing ideas creatively and succinctly.
Fast forward to today, my business has evolved into a digital marketing and social media management creative house, specializing in branding and rebranding for a diverse range of businesses. We’ve partnered with some fantastic clients, from real estate agencies to eyewear companies to plastic surgery practices, in cities like Columbus, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles. Our work involves a lot of photography, videography, and graphic design for social media, and we also manage social media accounts. Recently, I welcomed my brother, Randall, to the team to contribute his photography, videography, and editing skills. He brings a fresh perspective and impressive technical skills to the table.
What truly excites me is the diversity of clients we work with daily. Each day presents a new opportunity for learning and creative expression. I take great pride in our commitment to truly understanding our clients and their brands. We immerse ourselves in their narratives, shaping bespoke marketing strategies that authentically convey their stories. It’s a rewarding journey, and I’m really enjoying it!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I learned a lot about the nuances of communication and human interaction through teaching as an adjunct professor. One of the most impactful philosophers during my graduate studies was John Dewey. Dewey advocated for a learning process that intertwines theoretical knowledge with practical applications rooted in the students’ personal experiences. I discovered that this approach to teaching was really effective in establishing a connection with my students. s.

In my business, the same philosophy applies. My most profound realization is that marketing is fundamentally about people and emotions. It’s a misconception that marketing is just about selling products or services; it’s actually about connecting with people on a deeper level. People respond strongly to what they resonate with, what feels familiar and safe to them. Once you’ve established this emotional connection, they’re more open to listening, and that’s when you can provide them with information about your product and service. Relatability is essential; it’s why sitcoms are so popular!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The majority of my clientele are referrals, which speaks volumes. In the digital age, it might appear simple for anyone to engage in digital marketing, yet it’s a field with numerous complexities. The true mark of a proficient digital creator, videographer, or designer is attention to detail, consistency, and making their work appear seamless and effortless.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mdesigncreativeus.com/
• Instagram: m.design.creative
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mdesigncreativeus/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-w-02874314b/

Image Credits
All photos by me except for the realtor photo– that is her property (I do not know the photographer)