Emma McGoldrick
Learn how Emma McGoldrick turned a passion for design into a successful venture. Join us for a candid chat about creativity, client connections, and entrepreneurial insights! Check out her website at emmamcgoldrick.com and on Instagram at @esm.creative.
Can you share the story of how you launched your business?
I started ESM Creative Studio back in college. I was an engineering major feeling stuck and lacking a creative outlet. I started doing freelance design work and fell in love with creating logos, illustrating, and building client relationships. Fun fact, I originally called the business ESM2 because my mom and I have the same initials and growing up we would sign art that way.
How do you attract and engage with your customers? What strategies do you use for marketing?
Customer relationships are the main reason I love what I do, I love getting to be part of someone's brand and business journey. Good branding can be really empowering and I love helping my clients with that. For marketing, I have a newsletter and blog on my website. I also utilize social channels including Instagram, Pinterest, and Linkedin for leads.
What's one initiative or approach that significantly contributed to the growth of your business?
Creating work that I love and following my passions. Most clients come to me for my style, illustrations, and/or use of color. I have created several passion projects that have attracted real clients.
Reflecting on your business journey, what's one risk you made that paid off?
Creating Golden Hour Guild, when I was in need of community, this was one of the best things for the growth of my brand. GHG is an online community and in-person retreats for creative entrepreneurs. We are hosting our 3rd annual retreat this September in upstate NY.
What's the biggest challenge or concern in running your business?
Finances! I started my business young and Google was my best friend when trying to find the right financial partners. Choosing Novo and hiring an accountant were honestly the best decisions I made for my business.
What's the best advice you've been given that you'd like to pass along to the Novo community?
The hardest part of starting is starting!! A lot of times we wait for everything to be perfect -- the perfect logo, the right amount of savings, the right team -- but most of the time getting to market and proving a viable product can be invaluable! So start that thing you have been wanting to!