We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gisela Amador a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Gisela , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
2 years ago I had a retired Marine general pull me aside and ask me if I had ever thought about helping businesses start and market their services or product. I was already doing it for my cleaning company and helping my close friends with their graphics so it was refreshing to hear. After that conversation, I wrote down all my skills and started to create systems that started from the intention to the visuals of companies and personal brands. After the first two months, I really got to see the potential of this venture.
One thing that comes to mind that could have sped up my process is the organization and outsourcing of the things that I don’t like to do. Brand Development has changed my life and I’m so exited about helping others scale their brands and businesses.
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
My Name is Gisela and I’m 27 years young. I’ve been an entrepreneur since I was 7 years old. My mother was a single mom of two and her leap of faith made me step out of my comfort zone and ask people at 7 years old if they needed extra help cleaning their homes because my mother didn’t speak English. I still remember the first client ” Judy” she was so nice and she told all her friends about us and that made me understand the power of referrals. Our house cleaning venture took off from just one client. Customer service is in my blood so it only made sense when my mother moved to California when I was 19 that I would Brand our family business and document my mother’s leap of faith.
I found systems that brought in so many amazing clients and because of my 20-year experience in the service business It was easy to take that same energy and serve my Brand Development clients and bring their ideas to life. My creativity and imagination were preserved because of my mother’s leap and now I’m able to run a very successful cleaning business and assist others with their ideas and business growth.
Brand development starts with a month minimum project to set intentions, analyze where the business currently is and hear the client talk about their concerns and vision. After I hear the vision I get to work and create a marketing plan for the time we will be working together. This will include a Brand Kit, Photography, Videography, Graphics, event coordination, ads, and much more. Knowing different skills has made it possible to be a one-stop shop for my wonderful clients who have taken leaps of their own and I’m so grateful to be able to maximize that leap with them.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
3 of my favorite source of new clients has be #1 Referrals. Do not be afraid to ask your clients to refer you to their people. #2 Testimonials, It’s wonderful to have them in writing but my current favorite is in video form. #3 is Telling everyone you know or meet. As an entrepreneur, we create our own opportunities. It’s been eye-opening to see how simply talking about my passion (business) has created so many opportunities.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of my businesses both Cleaning and Brand Development has been the aftermath when my clients get to see the finished product and are able to get a service done by someone whos passionate about life and what they do. I have had a wonderful experience with my ventures because I’ve focused on working with quality people instead of just for the money. Save yourself the headaches and make a list of your ideal clients. As entrepreneurs, we have to set boundaries because we run the show.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://selfawarebeing.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/levelwhyproductions?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://instagram.com/levelwhyproductions?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Other: My cleaning business page https://instagram.com/levelwhycleaningco?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://instagram.com/levelwhycleaningco?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Image Credits
The picture with the black shirt was taken by Sara Segura. Instagram is @sarita_shoots. I wasn’t able to upload more so ill email them after I finish.