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

Renee, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new firm – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

The start of my firm actually started ahead of when I originally anticipated it starting. To this day, I believe that the setback, which then turned into my future success, was definitely a blessing in disguise.

In 2010, I was working for a medium to large sized Architectural and Engineering firm. I was there for a little over 2 years when the firm was affected by the recession. I was eventually laid off along with about half of our Palm Beach office. Three days after I was laid off, the same firm requested for me to continue working on my previous Green Building Design projects and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) projects as an independent contractor. This was my first lesson of creating a niche for yourself that will make you invaluable and highly sought after in the workplace and your field of work.

Since I was no longer a traditional employee I realized that this would allow me the opportunity to work with several different firms and clients. I began contacting previous bosses, associates, and other Architecture/Interior Design firms and entered into my first area of independent practice as a design consultant.

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.

Renée A. Webley, a Miami native, is a Registered Architect, Licensed Interior Designer, and LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Accredited Professional with 18 years of experience in the architecture & design industry.

At a very young age Renee knew two things very clearly: (1) she wanted to have her own business and (2) she wanted to be an Architect. Renee obtained her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Florida with a specialization and certification in Sustainable Design. The program at UF opened her eyes up to the field of Architecture and the area of green design practices. Renee has a natural passion for architecture and interior design.

Today, Renée is the Principal Architect and Owner of RAW Design & Consulting and is proud to be a rarity in her profession; as only 0.3% of licensed Architects in the US are Black Women. Staying persistent in her goals Renée established RAW in 2011 after noticing a need in the architecture and construction industry for specialized consultants and independent contractors. Since then RAW Design & Consulting has grown from a consulting company to now providing full service building design solutions, architecture, engineering, interior design, and design project management services.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

My business started quickly, while I was simultaneously pivoting within my career and also trying to make sure I continued earning money. With that said, start-up capital wasn’t set aside for my business. I worked many many hours for the first few years of my business to assist with any needed startup costs.

There were a few moments I began working at other jobs, in order to ensure I could have the capital to successfully continue operating my own business. I took this as an opportunity to further build some of my skill sets.

Some of the positions I took In order to increase my skill sets included working as a project manager for a commercial glazing contractor, creating architectural drawings for high-end/luxury interior design firms, and working as an Adjunct Professor at Florida Atlantic University and Palm Beach State College.

I think small business owners should always encourage themselves to do what is needed to secure the capital that is needed. Not everyone can or wants to take out loans or go into credit card debt starting a business. Sometimes you may opt to work overtime and extra hours, and that’s more than okay.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

I greatly believe that word-of-mouth and referrals are the best source for new/potential clients. The success rate of converting a referral into a new client is much higher than converting a potential online-sourced lead into a new client.

I advise people to make as much referrals as they can, especially to small business owners. Word-of-mouth referrals/advertising is highly impactful to a business’ success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.raw-ad.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawdesignconsulting/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rawdesignconsulting/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-webley-architect/
• Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/rwebley/raw-design-consulting https://www.instagram.com/renee.webley/