We recently connected with Grace Schupp and have shared our conversation below.

Grace, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

As an INTROVERT, I wanted to stay behind the scenes. I didn’t want to promote myself and “sell” to anyone, because I thought to do that I had to be one of those infomercial types and that was not me! I was SELF-CONSCIOUS about putting my voice out there and WORRIED that I might say the wrong thing. I was OVERWHELMED by all the social media platforms and algorithms. I felt DISAPPOINTED when my marketing efforts fell short. I felt ISOLATED in my industry and on the edge of BURN-OUT… and considered giving up.

But I did not stay there… One morning, I was feeling particularly tired and frustrated with the lack of progress I had made in my business. I decided right then and there that something had to change… well more of a whole host of things!

I spent time digging into what a brand truly is and it is so much more than just a logo! I would love to tell you that I only had to tweak a few things in my business as a result of this newfound knowledge. But in all honesty, I realized everything had to change. This new concept totally revolutionized the way I approached my business brand, and as a result, my customers. After this discovery, the doors flew open with ideas and avenues for me to help business owners.

It is my mission to give business owners the tools they need to find their confidence in their business, tell their unique story and break through the invisible barriers of reaching their ideal customers. I not only want them to FIND their ideal customers, but to CAPTIVATE them in a way that leaves a LASTING impact.

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.

I am a multi-passionate creative entrepreneur, wife and mom of two boys. It is a bit of a funny story how I originally discovered I loved designing. Back in 2013, my husband was working for a non profit and had an event he wanted to rally some volunteers around. He put together a poster that simply listed the information about the event with no eye-catching visuals. Then he showed it to me and as a new wife, I grinned as best as I could and asked him if he was going to do anything else with the poster. He asked me if I had a better idea and I emphatically said “yes” and took over the designing of the project. It was that day that I realized that I had an eye for design and heart for communication.

From those humble beginnings, I have grown more passionate about helping others communicate their heart, soul and passion behind their unique business. So oftentimes, I see business owners spend thousands on dollars on great visuals only to get lost in the crowd of their market. Great visuals definitely communicate professionalism but they don’t communicate heart. This is one thing I get pretty passionate about and that is why I am dedicated to coaching business owners through answering the question of “So What?” In our consumeristic culture, “So What?” is the question potential buyers are asking. They want to know what it means for them. “You have great visuals? So what?” Everything that business owners do must be filtered through the framework of “What does it mean for the potential buyers and how does it solve their most pressing problem?” It is through filtering every aspect of the business through this question that the business owner can find clarity in the business- how to tell your business story, what products/services to offer, how best to market, what designs you create or have created. Everything goes back to this thought process.

I feel so proud every time I see a business owner have a light bulb moment of how they can better serve their ideal clients. It is almost like a roadmap is opened and laid out before them. They are able to confidently take their best next steps in their business feeling supported by me each step of the way.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

About 5 years ago, I burnt out from my business. As a service based business, I developed the mindset that any time away from my desk was time I was not moving the business forward or making money. I sacrificed personal health and development for productivity. It wasn’t long till my mind and body had enough. I was exhausted all of the time and dreaded my work, even though my brain told me it was necessary. One morning I woke up and knew I needed to do something different. I wasn’t enjoying setting my own schedule and living life- and that was why I became an entrepreneur to begin with!

I had to learn that slowing down is sometimes the most productive thing you can do! Slowing down can be spending the afternoon with a cup of coffee and a book or taking a walk or even enjoying a much needed nap. The healthier I was, the better I could show up in my business. I had to learn to not be driven by guilt, but to be driven from a place of healthy motivation.

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

I have to admit that I am old fashioned in my approach to marketing. While some swear by social media, my best source of new clients has always been through referrals and personal connections. I have attended networking events, sat down for a cup of coffee with someone, and shared my heart through conversations that has really made the difference. I have learned that creating memorable connections are what make someone remember you when their friend has a problem that that they know you can solve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://graceschuppdesigns.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceschuppdesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graceschuppdesigns

Image Credits
Yiazelliz Ellison of Y. Photography