Are you scared to start your own business? Maybe you’re worried that it won’t work out, or maybe you’ll change your mind later and want to do something else – that’s okay. You can do that! That’s exactly what Orana Velarde did. She didn’t stay in a failing business or one that didn’t work for her family. Here’s how Orana has lived an ever-evolving entrepreneurial life.
Good morning! Please tell us about your business: what you do, when did you start, and why?
My current business – Orana Creative: Design solutions for non-designers – is actually my third business. The first was a pie shop / coffee shop / bar that flopped after a crazy two-year ride. The second was my freelance make-up artistry and hairdressing business that lasted 10 years, until our family needed a change.After four years of not working at all and trying my hand at homeschooling and blog writing, the graphic design business started falling into place and I pushed it into reality.
What has been your biggest struggle in launching your business/career?
Convincing people that I knew what I was doing, and getting clients.
How did you overcome it?
By being honest about why I call myself a designer, even if I don’t have a design degree.
What’s surprised you the most about working for yourself?
My ability to learn new skills fast!
What’s your favorite part of this kind of work?
That I can organize my time around it and get things done in batches. Also, the working in coffee shops part is pretty sweet.
Is there any one event/moment that helped you move from starting your own business to making a living with your own business?
I still don’t make a living with it. It is more like a supplement to what my husband makes.
If you could give a new freelance workers/entrepreneurs one piece of advice, what would it be?
To believe that you can do it and give it your best shot!
If you could do one thing differently in your career, what would it be?
I would take even more online design courses to learn even more skills, but that can still be done!
What’s your favorite kind of work?
Creating logos and websites!
What does your work space/office look like?
It’s either my bed, the dining room, or a coffee shop.
What does your work day look like?
It’s me trying to squeeze as much work as possible in the school hours.
What’s your go-to snack when you need one?
A chicken and mushroom pie with coffee.
Thank you for your time, and for giving us a glimpse into your work life!
You can connect with Orana online at these places:
Orana Creative Website
Rock Your Visuals Facebook Group – Bloggers & business owners who want to include better visuals in their work
Pinterest
Twitter
Instagram
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