Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Cutsinger. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sarah, 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.
In 2017, I started my business creating calligraphy pieces for weddings, including signage, invitations, and nursery decor, all while studying Communications at the University of Louisville. Then, a former bride asked if I could use my handwriting for a logo for her new business. I didn’t know much about branding, but I love a challenge, so I dove right in. I spent hours on YouTube learning everything I could about branding and turned my handwriting into a logo for her.
After completing the project, I decided to share this new offering with my followers. To my surprise, I got a lot of interest and inquiries about branding services. It felt like a natural transition, and I was excited to explore this new avenue.
With only one semester left to finish my degree, I made the tough decision to drop out. I knew I wanted to focus on my business full-time and didn’t want to have a backup plan. It was a risk, but I knew I had to follow my passion and do what truly made me happy!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hi there! I’m Sarah, the head designer at PosyPine. I love blending strategy and design to create services that suit your needs perfectly. Whether you need help with your brand strategy, want a standout design, or need a website that gets results, I’ve got you covered.
I specialize in working with entrepreneurs who struggle to find their ideal customers. I help them understand who they’re targeting, what makes them special, and how to stand out in their industry. What makes me different is that I always make sure my creations are truly original. Whether it’s drawing graphics by hand or playing with fonts to give a unique look, each project is one-of-a-kind.
I’m really proud of the impact my work has on businesses. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been into art – painting, drawing, you name it. That love for creativity influences everything I do, from designing to cooking up new recipes at home. And with four years of experience in calligraphy and illustrations, I make sure every project is full of authenticity and joy. My goal is to give my clients an unforgettable experience that truly reflects who they are.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Learning to let go of the idea that I had to do everything myself was a crucial lesson for me in growing my business. Initially, I felt the need to control every aspect, believing that no one could do it better than I could. However, this mindset ultimately left me feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and creatively drained. I found myself spread too thin, unable to focus on what truly mattered – my design work.
Recognizing this, I made the decision to start outsourcing tasks and delegating responsibilities. Bringing on two team members was a game-changer. They lightened my workload, allowing me to concentrate on what I excel at – designing. It was liberating to hand off tasks that were draining my energy and focus, and to trust others to handle them effectively.
Through this experience, I learned that outsourcing isn’t a sign of weakness but rather a strategic tool for business growth. It’s about recognizing your strengths and weaknesses and leveraging the expertise of others to propel your business forward. By letting go of the notion that I had to do everything myself, I was able to reclaim my time, reduce stress, and rediscover my creative spark. It’s a lesson I’m grateful to have learned and one that continues to shape how I approach my work.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Building my social media presence was a journey marked by two key strategies that significantly shaped my success. Firstly, I prioritized personal connections by jumping on calls with potential clients to understand their needs and tell them exactly how I could help them. This direct approach allowed me to establish genuine connections and tailor my services to meet their specific requirements.
Secondly, I focused on creating work that resonated with my ideal client, even when my portfolio was limited. Recognizing that I lacked examples of branding and websites targeted at my ideal clients, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I compiled a list of my dream clients and began crafting fictitious brands to showcase in my portfolio. These mock projects demonstrated my versatility and ability to create unique brands, despite not having prior experience in certain niches.
One pivotal moment occurred when a photographer reached out to me, despite my lack of experience in her field. Surprisingly, we immediately clicked during our call. She valued my genuine interest in her business objectives and admired my eagerness to adapt and learn. This emphasis on empathy and understanding, rather than just prior experience, distinguished me in her eyes, giving me an edge in a competitive market. Our collaboration lead to a long-term client relationship. With her sizable following, she regularly showcased my work in her stories and Instagram posts. Her audience, trusting her recommendation, began to approach me with a sense of confidence, already familiar with my capabilities.
Consistently sharing my work aligned with the clients I wanted to attract further strengthened my social media presence. By showcasing what I wanted to create more of, I naturally attracted more clients in line with my vision. Through these intentional strategies of personal connection and tailored portfolio curation, I was able to build a social media presence and attract clients who valued my unique approach.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.posypine.com
- Instagram: www.instgram.com/posypine