We recently connected with Jordan Willaby and have shared our conversation below.

Jordan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Before I started Willaby Way, I was working as an interior designer for a residential remodeling company. Although I loved my job, I have always wanted to start my own business. During the pandemic, I began working from home, along with so many others, and found I loved no longer commuting and being able to do my work at home. Since my husband and I wanted to start a family, it felt like a good time to consider going off on my own. While it seemed like an unusual time to leave a job I loved in the midst of a global pandemic, I knew it was time to take a risk. Starting my own business was scary, but it has been the best decision! I’ve loved being able to make my own schedule, take on projects that excite me, and be both a mom and business owner. Thankfully, I have incredible support through my husband, amazing clients, and great contractors that this risk has paid off and has been such a blessing.

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’m Jordan Willaby, owner and designer of Willaby Way – an interior design company built for the DIYers, dreamers, and doers. I’m based in Minnesota, but serve clients nationwide. From first time homeowners seeking inspiration, to remodelers needing floor plans and renderings, or clients looking for full service design, I get to help people turn houses in to homes. What I love most about my job is working with a variety of design styles and being able to offer services that are tailored to client’s unique needs and wants. Through renderings, I’m able to provide clients with a visual of how their space will look before construction even begins. What I hope to convey to my clients and followers is that your home should be your safe space and a place where you love to welcome others into. I believe home takes time and that it’s an ever-evolving space that reflects who you are.

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

From the beginning of Willaby Way, I knew that social media would be an important way to connect with my audience and share my story. My goal was bring a personal touch that also showcased my design portfolio. One way I have done that is by showing up in stories and sharing about my life and projects I’m working on. It has been an impactful way to show my face and give a behind-the-scenes look at my business. This has allowed me to build an audience that not only likes to see my design work, but also truly loves when I share more personal moments like when my children were born or travels that I take. Because of this connection, so many of my clients come from social media and by the time we work together, they feel as though they already know me. My advice to someone just starting to build their social media presence would be to just show up! Engage with your audience in comments and DM’s, show your personal life, and post consistently. You don’t necessarily need to post every day, but if you are consistent and your audience knows they can come to you for engaging, personal, and inspiring content, you’ll continue to grow that connection.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Other than social media, my most common source of new clientele is through referral. This has been an effective strategy because new clients coming to me already know what the process is like working with me because they’ve heard about it from someone they trust – a family member or friend. They have likely seen my design work in person and the person referring them has already had a great experience. This allows us to have a solid foundation of trust before we even start working together. It reminds me to show up well for each project and client because I never know who they could be sharing the experience with.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://willabyway.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willabyway/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willabyway
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/68528540/

Image Credits
Chelsie Lopez