Entrepreneur Spotlight focuses on amazing ladies who are rocking their online businesses.

This week we have the fabulous graphic and website designer, Lucie Ward, the founder of InkSpike Studio.

Hi Lucie, What’s your business name and what’s your business all about?

InkSpike Studio is a graphic and web design studio, specialising in helping women in passion-led, service-based business, discover their true, authentic to the core, brand identity.  

I adore working with women who have found their true calling, and are passionate about the services they provide, and the customers they serve. 

Together we go on a journey to uncover their business personality. After the research and development stages, my wonderful clients come away from the experience with a brand design they feel a deep connection with.

What was your “Big Why” that drove you to start your business?

I’ve always known I was meant to be doing something entrepreneurial, I just didn’t know what.  

There’s been this yearning, deep inside for as long as I can remember, that I was meant to be doing something.

I’ve been lucky enough to be able to stay at home and raise my two babies. During this time, I discovered Etsy. 

Being a creative (and very impulsive) type, I tried several different avenues for creating a little income so I could help contribute to the family. I opened Etsy shops selling handmade cards, jewellery design, cufflinks, and craft shows, but there was always something missing… the passion wasn’t there, and I hated the selling aspect.

I did love the brand design element though, coming up with names and logo designs was something I found really easy, and I loved the process.

But this little nugget of info somehow escaped me for quite some time!

I desperately wanted to find “my thing”, and followed every little idea I had.

A few years ago, a friend posted something on Facebook about needing a logo, so I raised my hand and offered my help. I loved every second of the process, and knew that it was something I could do. The fact that I was actually helping people made me so happy, and receiving great feedback truly lit me up!  

Not long after I set up my Facebook page, an old friend from school got in touch about needing a logo. Things seemed to just open up, I was in flow. It was like the universe had been waiting for me to find this, and opportunities seemed to appear at just the right moment.  

I was in complete alignment. 

It was, and it still is, the most magical thing. 

What lights you up about your business? 

I obviously love the creative side, but the thing that truly lights me up is knowing that I am helping people. It really is the best thing ever!

Receiving kind words and thank you cards from clients. It fills my heart with so much joy. 

What do you get to do in your business that was not possible in your 9-5? 

Freedom: I’m able to schedule my days exactly how I want or need to. I’m able to plan things around my children’s school holidays, or sick days. I can set the times I work, and work late into the night if I want to.  

Joy: As I mentioned above, my work brings pure happiness to my days. Not many people can say they love their jobs. Of course, there are things that I struggle with or I don’t enjoy quite so much within my biz, but overall, it’s a whole lot of happy!

What daily habits do you without fail, that make a positive impact on your business day?

To be completely honest with you, I don’t do this every day, I’m trying to but sometimes I don’t make time for it. When I do, meditation is one of the best ways to bring alignment and positive energy into my work day. In general, I’m pretty disorganised and chaotic in my day to day life, so when I carve out time for some quiet space, it helps me to focus, and also helps to bring new ideas to light.

Would you say you’re living the “freedom lifestyle” and how does it look and feel to you?

I think I’m getting there. I’m definitely on the right path.

My work days fit into the freedom lifestyle, as I have complete control over them, but I’m not yet able to leave my business on auto-pilot and have it generate income. So if I’m not working, my biz isn’t bringing in money. 

One of the most exciting parts of running your own business, is you can design it exactly how you want. I’m currently working on some on demand offerings that don’t require me to be involved quite so much.

Where do you see your business in two years’ time?

In two years, I will definitely still be working with awesome women in business, helping them create their dream brands, and I hope to also have a group workshop which takes people through the design process in a group setting, so a bit more DIY.  

I also have an idea for a female community and collaboration project, that I’m super excited about. I hope to have it up and running by then.

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?

OK, there are more than one here, I couldn’t pick just one!

If you’ve got the passion, stick with it. You will make it, but you have to be willing to stick through the tough times. 

If you know you’re meant for something but aren’t sure what, then just experiment, and keep trying. Your true path will show up. You just have to be willing to look for it, and not give up.

Also try and find some business friends. Not long after I started my business, I joined The FEA Members Club, and met a couple of local women who were also just starting out in their business. We meet up often, and are on Messenger throughout the day. Just having the support of people who understand the struggles of creating your own business is a complete game changer!

What’s your favourite motivational phrase/quote/mantra?

Ahh there are so many!!!! Embrace your weird is something I tend to live by though!

Where can we see more about you and your delightful offerings? 

It was wonderful hearing about you and your business on the Entrepreneur Spotlight, Lucie. Thank you for sharing with us, and my very best wishes to you for the future, Sharon xox

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