Jamie Dobrowolski & Steasia Findley - Owners of PROJECT Graphic Design & Marketing, their business started with a mapped out plan on a napkin. They've created something amazing by helping their clients shine and cultivating local relationships.
They've shared some of the things they've learned since launching their company in 2014. Read below to gain insight on how they have grown their business.
If you are interested in their services you can contact them through their website, Facebook or Instagram!
Tell us about yourself
We both graduated with Marketing Degrees from Portland State University.
We've worked together for a combined 10 years in various positions evolving in Marketing.
We love making a positive impact and being a part of the growth of businesses of all sizes. PROJECT is a full service agency so we can help with everything that helps establish a brand for companies from websites and social media to tradeshow displays and printed materials. We are a one stop shop.
How did you get into your business?
We've been doing freelance marketing and event coordination as a side hustle for years before officially taking the PROJECT plunge in 2014. When Steasia was proposed an offer by her current employer to move to Texas for a promotion, she knew that was not an option. She called Jamie to meet her for a sandwich and a talk and said, "We should start a business." Jamie said, "Ok, let's do this!" They mapped out a plan on a napkin and that was that. Jamie gave her notice at her current employer and PROJECT came to life. It was not an overnight success. We won some and lost a lot in the beginning, but learned all the while. Although self employment comes with some challenges and uncertainty, it is worth it! We love the excitement of bringing on new clients with their own unique set of challenges and helping them navigate to success.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Marketing ourselves. Much of our client base has been gained through our prior employment in the aviation industry and word of mouth recommendations from local connections. Our main focus is making our clients shine in their best light, and unfortunately that means a lot of the time, marketing for our own business falls the the way side.
What do you wish you’d known when you started?
How to plan for taxes.
As an employee, it's easy to take for granted taxes. As a business owner, state and federal taxes are 100% your responsibility. March and April is a stressful time each year in preparation for tax season. But in 2018, we got wise to the situation and hired an accountant to help with tax planning and monthly accounting to manage that better.
If you could narrow your success down to one thing, what would it be?
The connections and relationships we've developed with our clients turned friends.
Where do you see yourself in a year?
Continually growing our business with a focus on adding accounts from our local community.
What are your top three tips for women starting a business?
1) Write a business plan.
2) Invest in a good website & quality business cards.
3) Don't let fear rule you
What is a typical day for you like?
A balancing act of family and business. Each day begins with a rush to get food in mouths and clothes on the backs of our children before leaving to the office.
Each morning we circle up for a strategy and planning session to prioritize our lists, divide and conquer. We each have our strengths, so we work independently while collaborating for design advice and proof reading on the various projects we are engaged in.
What’s your business motto or quote you live by?
Stop being afraid of what could go wrong, and focus on what could go right.
If you were starting your business over again, what would you do differently?
Worry less and embrace the experience. It wasn't always easy, but it was and continues to be worth it.
Comments