We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Arlina Roman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Arlina, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found my purpose at my last job. I was a junior graphic designer at a small marketing agency, learning and gaining experience in branding for small corporate businesses in Austin. When I saw that I had an eye for identity design, I started my side hustle of designing logos for my close friends and family who had started their businesses. From beauty to construction, I created the branding for almost every industry! Then one day, I got laid off unexpectedly and decided to take my side hustle to the next level and go full-time as a brand designer.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a brand designer devoted to helping creative businesses establish memorable customer experiences with confidence. I partner with them to set their brand stories apart from competitors using storytelling visuals and engaging content. I recently got certified as a digital marketer, so if any creative entrepreneurs in the beauty, wedding, fashion or coaching industries need help with social media, website design, or branding, get in touch!
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?
When I started my design business full-time, I didn’t know what to do. I had a moment of uncertainty and was terrified, but for me to start, I went for it! I had no entrepreneurial experience, so I started investing in masterclasses from other brand designers, which led me to grow my skills, processes, and services. My entrepreneur friends told me you learn as you go, and it’s so true. One primary key I learned is that you have to be on social media in today’s digital world. My dream clients are out there, so to find them, I use proper hashtags and visuals to capture their attention. Most of my clientele comes from Instagram, which means that what I’m doing is working.
Another key is hiring a mentor. I don’t know where I would be without my mentor because she helped me nail down my niche and messaging, which led me to gain more clarity and connect with my ideal client on a personal level.
The last key I learned is that competition only exists when you are doing the exact same thing as everyone else. Every designer has their own style, niche, and services. When someone comes to me for a specific service I don’t specialize in, I refer a fellow designer who I know would be fantastic at taking on that project.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
My biggest area of growth in the past 12 months is investing in a coach! After working with my mentor, I did love our time together and wished I could still get her help and expertise in the areas I get stuck on. Thankfully, she created a coaching program for brand designers like myself who need assistance running our businesses and growing as entrepreneurs to be the go-to experts in our field. With the help of her and her team, we’ve been able to gain even more confidence in showing up online, communicating with our clients, and much more! There would be moments when I ask myself, “where would I be without their help?” I’m so blessed to be in a small group of like-minded designers who support each other and are there for one another.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.arlina.design
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlinadesign.co/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlinandrea/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/arlinadesignco
Image Credits:
Headshot: Amanda Lynn Photography (@amandalynnphotography_) DJ jewelry photo: Stelleena Studio (@stelleenastudio)
