We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Heidi Yarger. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Heidi below.
Heidi, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Having a business named “Spitfiregirl” definitely embodies confidence and self-esteem, but it wasn’t always that way. I grew up in a small Vermont town where being assertive wasn’t exactly encouraged, and conformity was the norm. I’ve been an artist since age 2, and being recognized for my talent, along with the support of my family and mentors, helped foster my sense of self.
When I started my design career, there was a lot of self-doubt. Lacking a formal design degree, I missed out on the confidence that comes with academic rigor—this was pre-internet, so you couldn’t just google it. Facing doubt from others gave me something to prove. Never underestimate the power of rejection—use it as fuel. I poured into my craft and, over time, my confidence grew.
After a nightmarish full-time design position, I vowed I would never work for someone again. Going solo requires chutzpah, even if you have to fake it at first. I read a lot of books on mindset, positive affirmations, business tips, and memoirs. Learning from those who have forged the path before always helps. It’s also crucial to surround yourself with people who see you and support your journey. And remember to return the favor – be a cheerleader for others as well.
Now that I’m a business owner, I strive to create a team environment that is positive, creative, and promotes autonomy. Lastly, I encourage everyone to occasionally challenge themselves to suck at something new. For instance, last year I started tennis and was terrible at it! But my excitement to learn quickly overcame my ego, and now I’m hooked and improving every day. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone often yields unexpected results.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Our clients range from luxury event planners, the hottest boutique hotel, sustainable fashion to innovative lifestyle brands. Most of our clients have been in business for quite awhile, so when they come to us they are looking to elevate their brand – maybe their growth has stagnated, or they have new ideas and need clarity to execute on them.
One of the most exciting aspects of our work is collaborating with individual clients, particularly authors and professionals looking to establish or enhance their personal brands. Many of these clients are experts in their fields but may not be fully confident in sharing their expertise online. We love this work because we pour into our clients, knowing they have amazing things to offer, and we can’t wait to share their stories with the world. Whether it’s through a new book launch, a product release, or refining their digital strategy, we are passionate about helping them find their voice, build their online presence, and connect with their audience in meaningful ways.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Persistence:
Persistence might as well be my middle name. My journey has shown me that persistence is closely tied to self-confidence and self-esteem. There were times when doubts crept in, but pushing through those moments built my belief in my own capabilities. If you’re just starting out, know that every little step forward boosts your confidence. Embrace these challenges as chances to show yourself what you can really do.
Curiosity:
Curiosity is what keeps my passion for design alive and pushes me to explore new ideas. But it doesn’t always have to be design that sparks inspiration… it could be learning a tennis technique, exploring a new neighborhood or meeting someone new. Whether you’ve been in the game for decades or you’re just starting out – get curious. Ask lots of questions, dive into things you’re not familiar with, and stay open to surprises. You never know where your curiosity might take you.
Business Basics:
A few years into freelancing, I realized that my creative talent wasn’t enough; I needed a strong foundation in business basics. Learning how to budget, market, and manage projects effectively has been invaluable. For those starting out, take the time to build these skills. Whether it’s through workshops, mentorship, or online courses, understanding the nuts and bolts of business will help you to avoid costly mistakes.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Personal branding has become one of our specialties, particularly in the publishing world. We’ve established ourselves as a top go-to agency for authors looking to create or amplify their author platform. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our work recognized, and we’re frequently referred by publishers, PR agencies, and fellow authors based on the impact we’re making. It’s a really exciting time for us as we help authors share their unique voices and stories with the world!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spitfiregirldesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespitfiregirl/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiyarger/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/thespitfiregirl/
Image Credits
Brand Photos by Boheme Fox Photo
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.