Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Michelle Tristan.
Hi Sara Michelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always had a creative spirit and I started Sara Michelle Design back in 2011 as a way to make extra money to support my family. My first paid commission was to design holiday cards for another mom who was supporting her sweet Girl Scout. My first corporate job was designing a 5K Run promotional flyer for Marathon Oil. I charged only $45 at the time. No matter the client, I have was always given the job my all and that sometimes meant overworking and being underpaid. I was new to the game and wanted to build a reputation for myself. It took hard work and a lot of learning curves, but I was able to build a name for my company while creating a fair pricing structure. I think learning how to price your services is one of the most challenging parts of being an entrepreneur. In the end, you have to see the value in what you are offering and not be afraid of what others may say. In 2013, I became a Wix Pro Designer and shortly after that, the Wix Ambassador for Houston, Texas. Wix is a web-building platform that serves millions of clients worldwide. Today, Sara Michelle Design is among the top Wix Experts showcased in the Wix Marketplace with more than seventy 5-star reviews. As a freelance graphic and web designer, I am proud to say that I have worked with over 300 hundred clients, from start-ups and non-profits to corporations and companies, across the globe. It has been an amazing journey and I am not done yet.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For any small business owner, it takes a lot of groundwork to get your name out there. When I started out, I had no website and no online visibility. My first work opportunities were from word of mouth and Craigslist ads. I quickly realized I needed an online storefront in order to give myself viability for potential clients. I launched my website in 2012. It took time to integrate SEO (search engine optimization), social media platforms and find ways to get visibility through networking and participating in local events. While I continue efforts to build my online presence among competitors, I have found that long-term clients and word of mouth to be the largest revenue streams for freelancers like me.
If there is anything I have learned over the last decade, it is to never give up. It takes a certain kind of grit to run your own business. It takes late nights and early mornings and there is a lot to juggle when you have a family and other commitments. There are moments when it can be overwhelming, but you dig deep, hustle, and make it happen! I am truly grateful for the opportunity to do what I love. Since launching in 2011, I have completed my bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston-Downtown with a minor in communications and I am wrapping up my Master’s degree in Technical Communications from my alma mater. I believe in continually building your craft. When it comes to freelance work, you cannot evolve your business if you do not build your skills. You cannot be afraid to step out and try new things in order to learn new skills.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I offer a wide range of communication services to start-ups, nonprofits, companies, and large corporations worldwide. This consists of graphic and web design, technical writing, and social media marketing. I have created hundreds of websites, marketing pieces, social media campaigns and more. My passion rests in working with start-up companies and non-profits to bring their vision to life. It is always exciting to see the drive and commitment from other business owners and to be a part of their origin story. I don’t just consider my client a commission or a project, it is a partnership. I provide clients looking for branding services a detailed questionnaire and together we consider many different aspects of their company, from their vision, their inspiration, their competitors, and their target audience. From there, we come up with a brand that is truly unique and something they will be proud to call their own. I have clients that I started with a decade ago who still work with me today. That means so much to me because I get to be a part of their come up too!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Absolutely! I believe all entrepreneurs should be doing constant research to build their craft and better their businesses. I enjoy online publications like Entrepreneur and I participate in Marie Forleo’s B-School. I also recommend the YouTube channel, The Futur. It never hurts to network and find areas where you can improve. I also think it’s crucial to stay on top of the latest apps and online integrations that will help you manage your business, from calendars and appointments to fielding client inquiries and offering different payment methods. Technology is your friend!
Pricing:
- Branding Package starts at $1,199
- Basic 1-5 Page Website starts at $699
- Logo Design starts at $250
- Advanced Website Design starts at $899
- Consulting & Design Services $75 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: www.saramichelledesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saramichelledesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saramichelledesign
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/saramichelledes
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/saramichelledes/
