Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Heather Nunery. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Heather, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

I passionately ask my friends and family to support my business endeavors because when it comes to dreams, I believe nothing is off the table. It’s a dream for a reason – go big or go home, as they say. I’ve learned that you don’t know until you ask, and seeking support is an essential part of turning dreams into reality.

In terms of appropriateness, I don’t believe in setting strict boundaries. I feel there’s enough room at the table for everyone to be successful. This inclusive mindset is reflected in my commitment to building a community, such as the Delaware Female Creatives, where we support and uplift one another.

My journey from graduating Johnson & Wales University to establishing HMV Designs and La Nunery Apothecary has been filled with dedication and success. Winning prestigious awards, like the Graphic Design USA honors, and building a community of 3,000+ female creatives are milestones that reinforce my positive and open approach to seeking support.

I truly believe in the power of collaboration and community. Creating Delaware Female Creatives was inspired by the notion that it takes a village or community to support one another in our creative pursuits. Through this journey, I’ve seen firsthand how the support of friends, family, and a broader community can turn dreams into tangible achievements.

Heather, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For those who are discovering me for the first time, let me share my story. From the moment I walked out of Johnson & Wales University with a diploma in hand, I knew that graphic design was my calling. Having poured my heart and soul into my college career, I earned recognition as a published designer in New England by my junior year. This exhilarating experience fueled my passion and set the stage for what was to come.

Upon graduation, I returned to my Delaware hometown and founded HMV Designs. My mission was clear – to assist local businesses in achieving their design and marketing goals. The success of HMV Designs has been nationally recognized, with prestigious awards such as the 2019 and 2020 Package Design Awards and the 2023 Graphic Design USA Award for Publication Design. This national acclaim solidifies my position as a nationally ranked, award-winning graphic designer.

But my creative journey doesn’t stop there. I also specialize in social media engagement and strategy, utilizing innovative ideas to help my clients succeed. Whether it’s crafting compelling content, executing influencer marketing campaigns, or developing comprehensive social media strategies, I am dedicated to delivering impactful results.

In addition to HMV Designs, I own La Nunery Apothecary—a micro apothecary dedicated to creating organic and sustainable items, reflecting my commitment to ethical and environmentally conscious practices.

Beyond these ventures, I founded Delaware Female Creatives, a thriving community of 3,000+ female creatives and business owners. My passion lies in fostering connections, inspiring each other, and supporting women to thrive in their respective fields.

As a designer, marketer, entrepreneur, and community builder, I thrive on challenges. If you’re seeking a multi-faceted creative partner, look no further than HMV Designs. My dynamic and passionate approach is ready to elevate your creative projects to new heights. Join me on this journey, where creativity knows no bounds!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media, particularly with Delaware Female Creatives, was rooted in a genuine passion for fostering community and addressing a need. Having experienced similar groups during my time in Rhode Island, I recognized the importance of such communities. When I returned to Delaware, I observed existing groups fizzling out after a short period. This realization fueled my goal to create a lasting space where individuals could come together, share, support each other, and defy the trend of short-lived groups.

To build this social platform, I adopted a strategy of featuring businesses weekly and providing valuable tips. Leveraging my background in marketing and experience as a former brand manager for an international company, I brought essential skill sets to the table. These skills played a crucial role in not only growing the community but also in nurturing it. The key was consistency – by showcasing businesses regularly and offering valuable insights, I aimed to create an engaged and supportive environment.

My advice for those starting to build their social media presence is rooted in authenticity, consistency, and a genuine commitment to your community. Identify a need or gap in the market, and build your platform around addressing that need. Consistency in content delivery is key, whether it’s featuring businesses, sharing tips, or fostering discussions. Authenticity resonates with audiences, so be true to your brand and purpose. Lastly, actively engage with your audience, respond to comments, and create a space where meaningful connections can flourish. Building a social media presence is a journey, and by staying true to your vision and consistently providing value, you can create a lasting and impactful community.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

My approach to managing a team is rooted in the belief that being a good boss means being human. In many corporate settings, titles like manager, VP, or director can sometimes overshadow the true essence of leadership. In my previous role, I cherished my team and treated them as individuals. Avoiding micromanagement, I understood the importance of respecting their autonomy, as nobody likes that boss.

Transitioning to remote work during COVID, I introduced virtual lunches as a way to connect. I actively sought feedback, listening to my team’s concerns and dislikes. If they expressed discontent with a task, we pivoted. I encouraged them to voice what they wanted to learn, and I addressed those needs, making it a collaborative effort.

My inspiration for being a great boss came from observing exemplary leaders in my life. My mother, who gave a lot to her employees, and Donna Hill, a former boss, exemplified genuine leadership. I emulated their qualities when I became a manager—showing appreciation with team lunches, acknowledging hard work, and standing up for my team when needed.

Real leadership, in my opinion, involves more than just pizza parties and pats on the back. It’s about understanding your team’s needs, fostering a collaborative environment, and speaking up for them when necessary. My experience has shaped my belief that the current corporate landscape needs improvement, but I am optimistic that the new generation of leaders will bridge those gaps. The key is to lead with humanity, empathy, and a commitment to the well-being and growth of your team.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hmvdesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_heathersss/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DelawareFemaleCreatives/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-nunery-17007a25/
• Other: linkin.bio/lanuneryapothecary linkin.bio/hmv_designs linkin.bio/delawarefemalecreatives

Image Credits
Photos for Delaware Female Creatives, they were taken by Alli McGrath Photography (@allimcgrathphoto)