We were lucky to catch up with Kate Zeitler recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kate, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.
Growing up with an entrepreneurial dad, I caught the freedom bug early. He showed me that owning your business isn’t just a career choice; it’s a lifestyle. My parents played a huge role in nurturing my entrepreneurial spirit. I mean, at eight years old, I was running a ‘seamstress shop’ from my bedroom, with my folks as my first—and most loyal—clients. They supported all my ventures, from hemming pants to selling handmade jewelry at art fairs.
Fast forward to today, and that support hasn’t wavered. My dad’s consulting business is not only a valued client at Zeitler Design, but together, we’ve also earned an honorable mention from Awwwards.com for the website we designed for him. It’s been a full-circle journey, powered by family, creativity, and a whole lot of entrepreneurial drive.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I dove into the design industry after a decade in retail, where I honed my understanding of what grabs a customer’s attention. Realizing I had a passion for creative work, I pursued formal training in design, attending night classes at MassArt while working full-time. This balance of education and practical experience was crucial in shaping my approach to design. A few years later, after gaining valuable experience at an e-commerce startup, I took the entrepreneurial leap and founded Zeitler Design.
At Zeitler Design, we believe that caring is just as important as creativity. Our process is meticulous and empathetic, enabling us to craft distinctive and memorable branding solutions that truly resonate with audiences. From comprehensive branding efforts to dynamic web design, we strive to elevate your business and ensure it stands out in a crowded market.
What sets us apart is our commitment to truly understanding and addressing the unique challenges our clients face. This approach not only solves problems but also drives meaningful engagement. I am particularly proud of how we’ve managed to maintain high standards of creativity and effectiveness, as evidenced by the awards and recognition we’ve received.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that at Zeitler Design, your vision is our blueprint. We’re here to amplify your message through stellar design and strategic insight. Our goal is to ensure that each project isn’t just completed but celebrated.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
One of the most influential resources that has shaped my approach to business management and entrepreneurship is ‘The Futur’ by Chris Do. I tune in weekly to absorb the wealth of knowledge Chris shares about running a design business effectively. His insights on sales, negotiation, and positioning have been instrumental in refining my strategy and operations at Zeitler Design. Chris’s ability to distill complex concepts into actionable advice has helped me not only enhance our service offerings but also strengthen our client relationships and business outcomes. His teachings have become a cornerstone of how I approach the challenges and opportunities of managing a creative agency.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One significant lesson I had to unlearn as I transitioned from an individual contributor to the leader of Zeitler Design was the notion that ‘I’m the only one who can do it, or I’m the fastest, so I should do it myself.’ This mindset was initially hard to shake off. It stemmed from my early days in retail and design, where I often had to rely heavily on my own skills and efforts to meet tight deadlines and maintain quality.
However, as my business began to grow, I realized that this approach wasn’t sustainable and was actually limiting our potential. I learned to shift my focus towards hiring incredibly talented individuals, not just for their skills but for their ability to bring new perspectives and ideas to the table. This allowed me to delegate more effectively and concentrate on the broader strategic goals of the agency.
Unlearning this has been transformative for our business. It has fostered a more collaborative culture, enhanced our creative output, and allowed me to lead more effectively by focusing on growth and innovation rather than getting bogged down in day-to-day tasks.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zeitlerdesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeitlerdesign/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-zeitler-b5814033/