Entrepreneur Spotlight focuses on amazing ladies who are rocking their online businesses.
This week we have the lovely Amber Phillips, who offers design and print for creatives, crafters and small businesses.
Hi Amber, What’s your business name and what’s your business all about?
My business name is simply Amber Phillips Design. I wanted to start a personal brand and eventually build a community around my business so it seemed right to use my own name!
I’m a website designer for creatives, crafters and solopreneurs. I also offer other design services like branding and print design, and can actually offer printing too.
What was your “Big Why” that drove you to start your business?
I hated my last job. It felt like groundhog day, driving an hour or more to work, sitting at my desk ALL DAY, driving an hour home, sleeping and doing it all over again. I was miserable and realised that the corporate world was just not for me. I was doing design in my job but not design I enjoyed.
One night, I confided in my family about how I felt there should be more to life than this. We had a long chat and I resigned the next day!
I didn’t start my business as a side hustle and then quit my full time job like most people do. I quit my full time job then started my business. Crazy! It worked out for me, because I have a super supportive family! Without them I’d be back in my rubbish job!
I love design and anything creative. In my old full-time job, I always knew I would do better on my own, working with other small creative businesses and building a brand I love, and I’ve proved myself right.
What lights you up about your business?
I love being able to really connect with my clients and create something amazing for them! The way I work is not formal or corporate, I connect with clients on a more personal level. We feel comfortable working together and I get to really understand what they need.
In previous jobs, creativity was always lacking. I had to be a certain person, not myself, and the work that I was doing was a lot more formal. I love being able to be myself, work with inspiring people, build relationships and go on one big adventure building my business!
What do you get to do in your business that was not possible in your 9-5?
I make my own rules! If I feel like I need time off to have a rest, then I can spontaneously have a day off. If I’d like to have a break in the middle of the day to visit friends and family, then I can.
The other day I went to a crochet class with my mum and then worked in the afternoon and evening. Doing things like that is great and being able to be flexible does wonders for my mental and physical health, as well as being able to learn new skills and have fun!
What daily habits do you without fail, that make a positive impact on your business day?
I make time for my health. Not always daily, but it should be really! I take time out from working to go for a walk, do yoga, make a healthy meal, go to the gym or read a book. On the days that I think I’m ‘too busy’ to do this, I end up doing just as much, if not less, than on the days I take decent breaks. Giving your mind a rest enables you to jump back in with extra energy!
Would you say you’re living the “freedom lifestyle” and how does it look and feel to you?
I definitely think I’m getting there. Ideally the freedom lifestyle for me would involve being able to work anywhere and also to have a consistent amount of income every month. I’d love to travel and work wherever I can get an internet connection! At the moment my income isn’t secure enough, but my business is improving every day and hopefully I’ll get to work towards my ideal freedom lifestyle.
Where do you see your business in two years’ time?
Being run from a beach somewhere! I hope two years from now, I’ll be able to travel and work before settling back in my lovely little home town. I’d like to be selling courses and products as well as doing website design. I’d also like to build more of a following around my blog and actually write more regularly.
What’s the one piece of advice you’d like to give to a woman who’s considering starting a business, or who’s finding the initial set up of her business longer or a little trickier than expected, what would it be?
Keep at it! There are far too many posts online about ‘overnight success’. It doesn’t exist! Sure, some people may be lucky but for the majority its a lot of hard work over a long time. You’ll make mistakes but you’ll learn from them and build a stronger business because of them.
Also, don’t be afraid to run your business on the side while working a full time job, or to get a part time job to help support you. After a few months of working solely for myself, I decided to get a small part time job at a fabric shop to help me get secure and regular income. My business has greatly benefitted from it. I find myself doing the work that NEEDS to be done rather than what I want to do because I’ve got limited time available, and also it’s a lot less stress because if I have a crappy month I have another income stream to rely on while I’m still building my business.
What’s your favourite motivational phrase/quote/mantra?
I have got tons of motivational quotes, but my favourite is “if you can dream it, you can do it” by Walt Disney.
Thank you for taking part in the Entrepreneur Spotlight, Amber. It was wonderful to hear all about you and your business. All the very best for the future, Sharon xox
If you want to grow your business, check out this blog post: How to get the mix right for your winning business recipe
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