Today, we’d like to introduce you to Makena Delaney.
Hi Makena, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m excited to share the story of how I launched my brand and website design business. It all started back in 2019 when a few key events came together at just the right time.
While I was still in college, my family decided to start a business. I dove in headfirst, working alongside my dad to bring it to life. One of my main tasks was building the website, and I quickly realized just how much I loved web design. At the same time, I was wrapping up my studies, graduating with an IT minor and a master’s certification in business performance coaching.
During my college years, I fell in love with graphic design. I spent countless hours creating planner stickers with my silhouette machine (it’s like a Cricut!), and it was so much fun! When graduation rolled around, I faced a big decision: should I go into business coaching or follow my passion for graphic design and web development?
I reached out to a friend for advice, and after some deep conversations, I decided to dive into the world of digital marketing, focusing on building websites and brands. By August 2019, I was ready to take the plunge. I made my first Facebook post announcing that I was open for business. To my delight, I got my first client the very next day, and we’re still good friends almost five years later.
As 2020 began, my business started to gain traction. I attended networking events in Nashville and made some amazing connections. Then, the pandemic hit, and like so many others, I lost my job as a makeup artist. But, looking back, it was a blessing in disguise.
The lockdown gave me the perfect opportunity to immerse myself in online learning. I became a full-time student of digital marketing, learning everything from copywriting and funnel building to strategic design, storytelling, and email marketing.
I decided to specialize in brand and logo design and website development. Fast forward nearly five years, and I couldn’t be happier with how things have turned out. My business has grown beyond my wildest dreams, and I now have a fantastic team working with me. I feel incredibly blessed to work with so many amazing clients.
So, that’s my story! It’s been a wild ride full of unexpected turns, but every step has brought me to where I am today, doing what I love and helping others bring their brands to life.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a business is rarely a smooth journey, and mine has been no exception, especially launching right before the pandemic.
Anyone who started their business around this time probably didn’t have it easy, and I fall into that category. Despite the challenges, I’ve experienced steady growth by focusing on niching down and maintaining consistency. Consistency is key in business—whatever it looks like for you, operate consistently.
Some of the struggles along the way have included navigating the fluctuating economy and learning how to interact with clients professionally. Building a digital storefront for someone’s business can be an emotional process. I take great pride in helping clients create something that appeals to their ideal customers rather than just themselves. It’s always a challenge to play devil’s advocate and ensure that we’re focusing on the best marketing outcome for their business, not just what satisfies them. Of course, their satisfaction is crucial, but attracting the ideal client is super important.
Another major struggle, especially during the first three years, was imposter syndrome. It’s something many people face, whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or just starting. I often felt like an imposter, but over time, I learned to let it go. I realized that as long as I stayed in my lane, focused on my clients, and made them happy, then who could say I was an imposter? Everyone learns as they go, and I was doing the best I could each day. That’s all anyone can ask of themselves.
So, while it hasn’t been a smooth road, every bump and turn has taught me valuable lessons. The journey has been worth it, and I’m grateful for the growth and success I’ve achieved by staying consistent, focusing on my clients, and learning to overcome self-doubt.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about The Carlyle Creative?
We offer Brands Design, Logo Design, and Website Design for small businesses and solopreneurs.
We’re known for our work in developing winning brand strategies that help clients maximize their growth in the earliest years of business.
Pricing:
- Brand Design starts at $2000
- Website Design & Copywriting starts at $3500
Contact Info:
- Website: www.makenadelaney.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/makena_delaney
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/makenadelaney
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makena-delaney-ab74234b/
Image Credits
Amy Allmand of Amy Allmand Photography and Shannon LeBlanc of Lifestyle By Leblanc
