Learn how Emma McGoldrick turned a passion for design into a successful venture. Join us for a candid chat about creativity, client connections, and entrepreneurial insights! Check out her website at emmamcgoldrick.com and on Instagram at @esm.creative.

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Can you share the story of how you launched your business?

I started ESM Creative Studio back in college. I was an engineering major feeling stuck and lacking a creative outlet. I started doing freelance design work and fell in love with creating logos, illustrating, and building client relationships. Fun fact, I originally called the business ESM2 because my mom and I have the same initials and growing up we would sign art that way.

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How do you attract and engage with your customers? What strategies do you use for marketing?

Customer relationships are the main reason I love what I do, I love getting to be part of someone's brand and business journey. Good branding can be really empowering and I love helping my clients with that. For marketing, I have a newsletter and blog on my website. I also utilize social channels including Instagram, Pinterest, and Linkedin for leads.

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What's one initiative or approach that significantly contributed to the growth of your business?

Creating work that I love and following my passions. Most clients come to me for my style, illustrations, and/or use of color. I have created several passion projects that have attracted real clients.

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Reflecting on your business journey, what's one risk you made that paid off?

Creating Golden Hour Guild, when I was in need of community, this was one of the best things for the growth of my brand. GHG is an online community and in-person retreats for creative entrepreneurs. We are hosting our 3rd annual retreat this September in upstate NY.

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What's the biggest challenge or concern in running your business?

Finances! I started my business young and Google was my best friend when trying to find the right financial partners. Choosing Novo and hiring an accountant were honestly the best decisions I made for my business.

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What's the best advice you've been given that you'd like to pass along to the Novo community?

The hardest part of starting is starting!! A lot of times we wait for everything to be perfect -- the perfect logo, the right amount of savings, the right team -- but most of the time getting to market and proving a viable product can be invaluable! So start that thing you have been wanting to!

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emmamcgoldrick.com

@esm.creative

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