We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Roberts and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rachel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I had sat on my idea of launching my Website & Brand Design business for 3 years before taking the leap of faith.
After working for marketing agencies (small and large) and in-house at startups throughout my career, I was able to discover my passion within my niche that truly brought me joy: design. I dreamt about the ways I knew I could truly help people while feeling fulfilled and having fun along the way. I dreamt about being able to work on only the projects I’m truly passionate about, how I’d design my days, the company culture I’d foster, and how I’d create genuine relationships with people that went beyond a transaction.
The only thing that was missing was the belief in myself.
Imposter syndrome is a very real thing. I’m 27, I’ve spent 6 years in the field of digital marketing, and the people in my life were filled with doubt and questions. I’d have mental battles with myself, wondering who the heck I thought I was to launch a business and to position myself as an expert. But my dream and my passion never went away. It was a fantasy I loved playing in my mind, and I knew this meant that this is what I’m meant to be doing.
There is no corporate greed or negative intentions behind my company’s purpose. I’m here to support busy business owners grow & flourish with improved online branding. I truly love what I do every single day. No matter what gets thrown at me I know I’ll never give up. Now looking back, I realized how important it is for myself and for my community to live in my purpose. There’s no looking back, and I couldn’t be more grateful for being on the path that I am now.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Jade Digital is a digital design company with an organic, design-focused, law of attraction-based approach to brand growth. We offer modern, beautiful designs for rebranding, website designs, and social media content to help businesses attract (instead of chase) more of their desired clients.
A lot of other marketers would say that running paid ads, following trends, and following general best practices are crucial for business growth– but this is not necessarily true! In my years of experience working with different companies, the reality is that each business has its own unique path to success and it can even grow without spending a penny on ads. Before even thinking about running ads, you need a solid foundational organic growth strategy already in place for the best results (and to not waste your money).
Some business owners hesitate in investing in good design but often fail to consider the true cost of bad design. Bad branding can make a business look unprofessional, untrustworthy, and not credible. Looks aren’t everything, but they’re the first impression of your brand and your business deserves the very best.
When your brand/online presence is capitvating and something you’re proud of, your audience will feel that and connect with that too.
Jade Digital helps brands:
1) Make a killer first impression (you only have 3 seconds)
2) Share an authentic purpose/mission
3) Experience daily growth by interacting with your community
4) Create a customized plan for continued growth
I’m proud to say that my company will always put people first, is focused on the well-being of all, and helps motivate others to pursue their passion-driven businesses. No one can do it all by their self (trust me I tried), so my team and I are here to help support your growth!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to thank so many people who helped me get where I am today.
Firstly, shoutout to my parents that have always instilled the belief in me since I was a child that I’m capable of achieving anything my heart desires and that there’s nothing I cannot do. It took me a long time to believe them. I thought they were biased. But having that strong support and encouragement early on is something I’ll never forget and has given me the courage to dream really big.
I also have to shoutout the people who held me accountable for every negative experience and mistake I’ve made in my career. Feeling like I did something wrong was painful and hurt my ego, but I’ve grown the most from those moments. They’re unforgettable and pushed me to be better. In the past, it was too easy for me to take criticism personally, but now I recognize them as moments of growth that are going to make me better. From them, I’ve learned that I can’t succeed without making mistakes or failing. It’s an inevitable, vulnerable, and illuminating part of the journey. Having this thicker skin has allowed me to fearlessly grow and take risks in my business.
I’d like to shoutout my “chosen” family: my friends. Without them, I wouldn’t have had the push to believe in myself and take this on. There’s something about receiving encouragement from your friends (especially ones you haven’t known your whole life) that feels unbiased. They helped me get perspective on who I really am from an outside view.
Before I launched Jade Digital, my close friend I used to work with would always ask me, “When are you going to launch your business?” I’d respond with “Oh, I’m not sure. Maybe one day.” Then she lovingly (and bluntly) told me that “You’re absolutely capable of doing this, I’ve seen how you work and what you’ve accomplished, and deep down you know that too. That’s why this is your dream. You’re the only person holding yourself back. You need to start.” I’ll never forget that conversation to this day, it brings tears to my eyes thinking that that was the push I needed to actually start.
Lastly, shoutout to the amazing community of female business owners who I never expected to meet along the way. Hearing their stories, receiving their encouragement, and being inspired by their passions helps ignite mine. Being an entrepreneur doesn’t feel so lonely when you see others on the same path.
Website: https://jadedigital.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jade_digital/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jade-digital
Other: https://www.pinterest.com/jade_digital/_created/
Image Credits
Personal Branding Photography by Arielle Levy Photo at The Glow Loft.