We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jennifer Strumbel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jennifer below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jennifer with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Working hard is hard work.
Both of my parents worked full-time jobs and my mother took on an additional side job to help give me opportunities I may not have had otherwise. Their dedication to making sure we were happy and comfortable in all aspects of life really left its mark on me.
As I set out on my own career, I knew I wanted to follow their example and put forth an all or nothing type of work ethic. I can’t just “phone it in” – I dedicate my hours of time to getting the work done the way it should.
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?
I started out studying Software Engineering at Florida Atlantic University. Then in 1996, after moving from Florida to Minnesota, I attended Bethel University and the University of Phoenix online where over time my focus shifted from Software Engineering to Graphic and Web Design.
River Street Designs, a small, independent home-based design business, opened for business in 2003, catering to small businesses and work at home mom’s (WAHM’s). My simple and affordable designs provided an opportunity for small businesses to present themselves on the web with a professional “big company” appearance at a much lower cost. My commitment and success of being a WAHM myself was acknowledged in November 2004 by Parenting Magazine.
In 2007, after selling a successful online gourmet business, and moving away from “River Street”, I decided on a new business name with a look and feel that better reflected my creative design focus. Flying Orange was born with an emphasis on creating custom and unique designs that catered to all businesses, organizations and individuals. I continue to advance my skills in Graphic and Web Design studying new techniques through self-education and monitoring industry trends. At the same time I works to educate others about the graphic and web design industry through social media and various blogs.
Being a rabid basketball fan and “sports mom” I have been highly involved in local youth organizations, as well as the local Middle School and High School. I provides my design skills, volunteer time and facility management skills free of charge.
I recently began the process to get certified as a Woman-Owned business through WBE and WOSB (Small business administration). I am also currently waiting for finalization of a trademark for use on future projects. The ultimate goal is to provide additional services and opportunities to businesses beyond the scope of what we presently offer.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When I was a young girl, my father purchased an IBM computer for our home which at that time was still incredibly new. Having the opportunity to type reports and play games that had prior only been in school made me want to know and learn more about computers. Having that foundation prepared for me to use my creativity in a different way than just through art.
From that perspective, these three items stood out for me:
Creativity
Computer knowledge
Open to change
The biggest takeaway I have is that being a business owner, you wear many hats. Being open to change and continually allowing you and your business to evolve will broaden your opportunities. Don’t focus on just one aspect and not willing to evolve.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Learning to take better care of myself. For many years, I focuses on my business, clients and family without spending any time or consideration on myself.
After some health issues cropped up the beginning of 2023, I realized that if I’m not taken care of, then how I can properly take care of my business, clients and family. Learning to take time off, eat healthier, say “no” when I don’t have time, etc. were really instrumental in my personal growth which has only lead to being a better business owner and designer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.flyingorangewebdesign.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/flyingorangedesign
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flyingorange/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flying-orange
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlyingOrange
- Other: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferstrumbel/
