We recently connected with Melissa Bandera and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

I started my business back in 2012 after designing and building a few blog sites for a few friends. I was enjoying the work and just went for it. I never regret having that impulse to go for it – but there are a couple things that I would have done differently. The main one being how I structured my rates and packages.

The biggest mistake I made was pricing myself so low that it was impossible to truly turn my side hustle into a full-time career for myself. I always felt awkward to talk about pricing and money with other freelancers that I knew, so instead I just priced myself into a corner.

Eventually with time I learned my lesson, but when your clients mostly come from referrals, it’s hard to do a big price increase. So I slowly increased my pricing but it did take a few years to truly get to a price that I was happy with.

If I were to do it again, I would do more research and really understand my worth when it came to the services that I offer.

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

Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to have my own business. Throughout the years my ideas changed and I tried many different things (selling jewelry, making cakes, etc) but it wasn’t until I picked up a book on WordPress that I truly found something that I loved – and completely changed my life.

I actually only started learning about WordPress because I needed to build myself a website for my wedding invitation business. As I built my very first website and shared it with friends, I then started getting requests from a few blogger friends on helping them with their websites.

This was the spark that I needed. With every design I worked on I knew that I found something that I truly loved to do and that could help many businesses. So that is when Jelly Design Studio came to be. Because of this, I’ve had the privilege to work with so many amazing (and extremely talented) business owners.

Currently Jelly Design Studio specializes in website design and development for creative entrepreneurs, boutique owners, and other service providers. I design unique websites that reflect my client’s brand and supports their business strategy.

My favorite part of it all is the fact that I get to work with people from all around the globe and help them create the website of their dreams that will allow them to pursue their very own business. My intent is to connect the passion and drive my clients have for their brand and business to the design we create for their brand.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Yes! When I first got started with my business I didn’t have a network of creatives/entrepreneurs that I could reach out to for questions and advice on the many struggles of managing a business. Because of that I had to learn a lot of lessons the hard way.

Throughout the years I then discovered the value of online networking groups. I’m a member of various Facebook groups where I can connect with other business owners and creatives that are always happy to share their journey and their advice.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Feel like it often gets overlooked – but one of the best ways to retain and also acquire new clients is by providing the best service/experience to your current clients. For me, about 75% of my business comes from current clients referring me to their friends and colleagues.

The best part is that most referrals are ready to start working with me right away after our initial discovery call. Most of my referrals don’t even reach out to other designers. They like what they hear and are ready to sign on.

There is always plenty of competition for every single business (service or product based) – but it’s easy to stand out when your current clients have a positive experience that they share with others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jellydesignstudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jellydesignstudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jellydesignstudio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissabandera/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwL0jCXO6lDor73ehYKZWyw

Image Credits
Photos of myself: Andrea Flores | Drea Flow https://www.bydreaflow.com/