We were lucky to catch up with Lila Jimenez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lila, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

I never thought I would open my own business. When I graduated from UGA in 2019, I began the job search for an entry level designer role in a studio or agency. I knew from school that I really loved branding- creating a whole kit of graphics that businesses could use to tell their story. But I loved Athens and didn’t want to move or drive to Atlanta, and it seemed like opportunities in Athens just didn’t exist.

I worked a few local design jobs and started doing branding work for friends and family. From there I started to get some freelance work. That freelance work led to a full time job at as a brand designer at one of the only design studios in Athens! I loved that job, but it helped me realize that I wanted to work for myself (and that I could actually do it). My boss at that job was and still is an amazing mentor and supporter of everything I dreamed of doing.

I got my first big freelance branding project in November of 2021. That relationship immediately became a sort of mentorship as well. At that point I knew I wanted to have my own business. I already had a name chosen and dreams of the clients I would have. I had a 2 year plan to leave my job and build my own business. That mentor questioned me and challenged me, and with his encouragement I made the leap into running a business in June of 2022, a year and a half ahead of schedule.

I worked hard as I was planning to leave my job to get my new business, Calor Creative, in front of the eyes of local business owners that I admired and would love to work with. I went to events, mailed out free stickers for small business owners to show their pride in being locally owned, and went around town leaving bright orange branded bottle openers with businesses I wanted to work with. And it worked! I built a client base and launched into my dream of having a design studio in Athens.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been interested in art and storytelling from a young age. When I was younger I would write and illustrate my own books. Looking back now, it makes perfect sense that I’m doing what I’m doing. I get to use my creativity to do exactly what I used to love- to tell a story and create a picture that helps that story come to life for an audience.

It’s a little different than it was when I was a kid, but in my opinion branding is just that. All of the businesses I work with, they each already have a beautiful and unique story. My job is to help them understand who they are, concisely capture what their story is, and to create a visual identity that supports and amplifies that story to the world. I’m not making magic, just helping to bring that magic out!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I love creating for others but I also love creating things that I’m inspired to make! The most rewarding is when those two worlds collide. It’s so fun working with clients who have cool ideas and are open to try bold or fun designs. It’s the best when they get excited about their business all over again.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

One of the best books that helped me start my creative business is Freelance and Business and Stuff by the Hood sisters of Hoodzpah Design! It gives great advice specifically for creatives looking to freelance or start their own business. They cover proposals, finances, budgeting, taxes, and so much more. They also have a video course that goes into the information even more in depth, and connects you with a Slack channel of other creatives. It’s been an amazing resource not only for my business, but has also helped me connect with photographers, animators, and other designers across the US and internationally! I now have a group of friends that I chat with every Monday about business, but more frequently just about life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://calorcreative.design
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/calorcreative
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilajimenez/