Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Williamson.
Hi Leah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
My “Why” has always been my son. As a single parent, I wanted to make sure that I was not only able to provide a stable home for my son but also be PRESENT in his life. That’s not always easy working a traditional 9-5. I learned early on that a traditional work setting was just not for me, for several reasons.
So the next step was to find something I’m not only good at, but passionate about and figure out how to get paid for it…. and that’s exactly what I did. With lots of mistakes, crying and past due bills, I was finally able to narrow my focus to graphic and web design.
Even then, I continued to work for other people, building their dreams, helping start their companies, and watching them grow, often at the expense of my own business. Years later, I decided to bet on myself. All that energy being poured into others, I needed to pour into myself.
Once I bet fully on Leah, I was able to make solid connections, grow my clientele, fine-tune my skills and grow my own business. All while being able to fulfill my initial goal…being present in my son’s life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing is ever smooth when you step out on your own! Struggles, mistakes and no’s are all part of the journey to becoming an entrepreneur. Now, what you do AFTER those hardships determine if you will be a successful one.
I’ve had the same bumps on the road as many people face, wondering where the next check is coming from, do I have the talent to pull this business off, clients not paying invoices, computers failing, people taking advantage of you… but mostly not believing in myself.
That was a tough one for me. Not only do you have to stay focused, and keep pushing through all the external hardships, but you really have to make sure your mental state is armed and ready for the road of entrepreneurship. YOU have to BELIEVE IN YOU. You have to visualize the end game and KNOW that you’re going to get there.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
WiLo & Co is a boutique design firm that helps businesses and individuals identify, create and maintain their brands through graphic and web design. We specialize in creative and affordable business-to-business design solutions.
Our company was built by creatives with journalism, public relations, marketing, entertainment, art, and tech backgrounds. That gives us an extremely unique perspective on design. We focus on eye-catching, yet functional design that reflects your brand seamlessly. We truly design WITH you and not FOR you.
Since we are a boutique firm, we get to really know our clients and their brand. Which directly translates into the design work we provide for them. I really enjoy helping businesses figure out who they are, what their brand story is, and how to convey that to potential customers/clients through design.
It’s something that I’m truly passionate about and makes sure that everyone on the team is passionate about it as well. WiLo & Co. is all about delivering superior customer service and professional design while remaining affordable and timely.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
It truly does take a village. I would have to say that I have been blessed with people in my life that have truly wanted to see me win. Honestly, if it wasn’t for Eric, my boyfriend of 16 years pushing me and being my constant cheerleader, I wouldn’t have my company.
He literally purchased my computer and software to get started. He fussed at me when I needed it and celebrated me when I accomplished goals along the way… and still does. It is very important to have that accountability partner in your entrepreneurial journey.
I’ve also had people that just took a leap of faith with me and decided to give me opportunities that have drastically changed the trajectory of my journey. My client, event guru, and friend, Cynthia Daniels of Cynthia Daniels & Co., and mentor and overall BOSS, Allison Fouche, Deputy Chief Communications Officer for the City of Memphis, have poured into me and my company beyond measure.
They are selfless and give women who never miss sending me opportunities and pulling me in on projects. I appreciate them and the opportunity to publicly give them their flowers!
Contact Info:
- Email: design@wiloandco.com
- Website: WiLoandCo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_wilo_co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WiLoAndCo/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/WiLoandCo
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/wiloandco/
