Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Danielle Demers. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Danielle, so great to have you with us today. There are so many topics we want to ask you about, but perhaps the one we can start with is burnout. How have you overcome or avoided burnout?
Wanting to succeed as a small business owner had lead to long hours and a never-ending to-do list when I first started Create with Danielle. Here’s how I overcame burnout and found a healthier balance in my life.
Mornings to Myself: One of the first changes I made was dedicating my mornings to myself. Instead of diving straight into work, I start my day with anything that brings me joy. Walking my dog and reading are my go-to morning rituals. These moments of peace help me set a positive tone for the rest of the work day and help me avoid the immediate stress of work.
Outsourcing: As my business grew, I realized I couldn’t do everything myself. It took me 5 years to finally start outsourcing, and it changed my life. Hiring the right people lightened my load, allowed me to spend more time doing things I love, and made me realize that just because I can do everything—doesn’t mean I have to.
Self-Care: This has become a non-negotiable for me. I make sure to carve out time for myself after every work day even if I have things left on my to-do list. Recharging my battery allows me to be much more productive and less prone to burnout.
Learning to Say No/Setting Boundaries: One of the hardest lessons I learned was the power of saying no. As a people-pleaser, I used to take on every project and meet every timeline, often at the expense of my well-being. I’ve learned that it’s okay to set boundaries with clients. Saying no doesn’t mean you’re letting them down, but it means you’re ensuring you can deliver your best work without compromising your mental health. Nowadays, I’m much more selective about the projects I take on, and I communicate clearly with clients about my availability and business hours.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Danielle, a passionate brand and website designer specializing in Showit and Webflow websites. With five years of experience in the design industry, I’ve collaborated with more than 400 businesses across a multitude of industries worldwide. My mission is to help businesses create brands and websites that stand out online, builds trust with their audience, and makes them feel confident in their online presence. For those who prefer a DIY approach, I also offer pre-made Showit website templates that come with a designer’s touch.
One of the most exciting aspects of my job is witnessing the transformation in my clients when they see their new brand or website for the first time. The confidence and excitement they gain is truly rewarding! It’s even more fulfilling when clients return a year later, sharing stories of achieved financial goals and business growth, due to their investment in my services.
As a skilled Showit designer, I’ve recently expanded my offerings to include Webflow design. This allows me to cater to more complex websites, e-commerce needs, and clients seeking advanced features.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
As I look back on my journey in the design industry, these three qualities stand out as the most impactful: user experience skills, honesty, and resilience. These qualities have helped me build a business that clients trust and value.
User Experience Skills: Understanding user experience (UX) is crucial in creating websites that not only look good but also convert visitors into customers. It’s about getting into the minds of users, understanding their needs, and designing with their journey in mind. This skill has been crucial in building better websites that meet client goals and enhance their conversions. I don’t just want to create pretty designs—I want my clients to grow a successful business!
Honesty: I’ve always been super transparent with my clients, even if it means disagreeing with their recommendations or letting them know what can be improved in their business, by recommending tools and processes that can enhance their business operations. If I believe something won’t work or will affect conversions, I communicate it clearly and provide alternatives. This has helped me build long-term relationships with clients and ensures that the final designs truly benefit their business.
Resilience: Not every project will go as planned. Sometimes, designs might not resonate with clients, or technical issues may arise. What’s important is to be able to bounce back from these challenges without letting them deter you, and embracing the challenge. Criticism is not a reflection of your worth but an opportunity to improve your skills!
For those early in their journey, I would focus on continuous learning and self-improvement. The online world is dynamic, and staying relevant requires some dedication. Network with other professionals, attend workshops, and participate in online communities. These connections can provide support and open doors to new opportunities! Also embrace the journey, learn from every experience, and keep pushing forward even when there’s setbacks.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
In the past year, the most significant area of growth for my brand and website design business has been embracing the power of outsourcing. I realized that to truly grow and enhance my business, I needed to focus on what I love and delegate the tasks that don’t align with my strengths or interests.
Initially, the thought of outsourcing was daunting. Like many business owners, I was hesitant to let go of control and invest in tasks that I knew I could do myself. But as my business grew, so did the demands on my time. I found myself with so many tasks that drained my energy and creativity. Hiring and outsourcing allowed me to reclaim my time and focus on what I do best, and I’ve been able to take on more clients because of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://createwithdanielle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createwithdanielle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createwdanielle/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/createwithdanielle/
Image Credits
Brand Photographer: Lili Creative Design
https://lilicreativedesign.com/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
