Women.
They have empowered us. They have nurtured us. They have supported us.
Something very important to us at PaisleyandPaige is recognizing and shouting-out incredible women in our lives.
This first blog post is all about Shayne Lawrence our web designer/graphic artist/do-er of anything we ask of her. She is a beauty and we have so much fun with her, hope you enjoy getting to know her.
If you are looking for a creative, original and dedicated website designer Shayne can be reached at www.catchthis.ca
How did you get your idea or concept for the business?
I’ve been asked this question several times over the past 20+ years, and my answer is generally a rather cheeky “Oh, I’m an accidental entrepreneur!” My business wasn’t born out of some “Ah ha!” moment but rather it developed due to my natural creativity and curiosity, combined with the starting of my family. While on maternity leave with my second child I had this sense within that prodded me to use the time away from work for some additional schooling - though I really didn’t know where it would lead, it obviously worked out as here I am 20 years later, self-employed and loving it.
What is unique about your business?
I would say the most unique thing about my business is me, and the relationships that I build with my clients. I really don’t advertise, and never have - the strength of connection I have with the business owners I work with has resulted in my business being almost entirely referral based.
To what do you attribute your success?
Patience and the willingness to change and grow to meet the ever-evolving needs of my clients.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Building business takes time! Persevere, and build it to fit your dream, whatever that may be. To me, the joy in building a business is that it is yours and so it should be something that makes you feel happy. I have always insisted that I do what I am good at, and let others do what they are good at - I don’t need to be everything to everyone.
How can we be a support system to the female business owners in our lives?
I believe that we can support other women in business by being kind and honest, and by understanding that together we can do amazing things!
What do you see as the biggest challenge for women entrepreneurs?
Once upon a time, I would have said the biggest challenge would have been being taken seriously in the business world however, over time I have seen that change significantly. In my own experience, one of the biggest challenges I see for women in business is the need to juggle business matters, as well as take care of things on the home front. It can sometimes be difficult to get simple work tasks done in the day when we still have dinner, laundry and a multitude of other things to think about - this is particularly challenging when working from home where these distractions are just an arm’s length away. Having said that, what a joy to have built a business where I have been able to be present in my children’s lives as they have grown up. My greatest daily challenge as a female entrepreneur is everything having to do with dinner time!!!
What are the daily changes you face as a female entrepreneur?
Due to the nature of my work, the majority of daily changes I deal with are of a technological nature.
What do you typically tell people when they ask you what you do?
I’m a website designer and graphic artist. I design all things from business cards to billboards. Of course there is so much more to it than that, as I also strategize with my clients on techniques for increasing visibility, both online and off.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I most enjoy unveiling new designs, and hearing my clients delight when they see what we have discussed become a reality. I have been known to refer to that moment as the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
What has life taught you recently?
Oh my - that’s actually a big one. Life has taught me to slow down and listen to my body when it has something to tell me. Life has taught me that there will always be challenges, but that I have the tools to face them, and when I don’t I have an amazing and widespread group of supporters who are fans of me, simply for me. That I am loved, and that I am more than enough. Life has also taught me that I am one strong mother!!!
What small act of kindness were you once shown that you will never forget?
Kindness is a wonderful thing - it multiplies! I have 3 things that I value and always strive to nurture: Community, Service, and last but not least Kindness. As a result of this I find myself surrounded by all manner of acts of kindness. Of these many acts, the ones that truly touch me the most deeply are those directed toward my precious children. Growing to adulthood isn’t easy, and there are a lot of bumps along the way. I am so blessed to have had the help of so many who continue to contribute to the ongoing growth and well-being of my family unit, and for that I am most grateful. Connectedness is so important, and for me that starts close to home and radiates outward.