In today's Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur Spotlight, we're featuring Tricia Kazmar, the dynamic founder of Kazmar Creative. Tricia's journey from graphic designer to entrepreneur showcases the power of resilience and adaptability. Specializing in strategic design, Tricia has transformed a pandemic layoff into a thriving business opportunity. Her innovative approach combines cutting-edge tools like AI with client empowerment, redefining the role of a modern designer. Join us as we explore how Tricia is reshaping brand elevation through her unique blend of creativity, technology, and business acumen.
Hi, Tricia! Thanks for joining us today. Tell us about your business. Who do you serve, how do you serve them, and what's the impact that your business and work makes?
Kazmar Creative focuses on graphic design and UX/UI to elevate brands in the nonprofit, healthcare, education, and technology sectors. I specialize in creating visually impactful and strategic communications, ensuring that each design aligns with the core values and needs of the organization. My process involves active listening and data-driven decision-making to solve real challenges, resulting in enhanced engagement and trust with audiences. This work fosters lasting connections, leading to increased loyalty, profitability, and lifelong customers or donors for my clients.
Tell us about the moment you finally felt like you went from wantrepreneur to entrepreneur.
In 2020, after being laid off due to the pandemic, I found myself at a crossroads. While initially searching for full-time work, I made a LinkedIn post about being available for freelance opportunities. Within a week, I had two projects, and as my client workload grew, my job search dwindled. The turning point came when I realized I didn’t have time to apply for a job I had identified. That’s when it hit me – I could truly make this work as my business.
Describe the moment or period in your life/career that motivated you to make the entrepreneurial leap.
Growing up in the '90s, I watched my dad run his own business and employ freelancers, which planted the seed for my entrepreneurial journey. I knew early on that I wanted a career that allowed me to be present for my future family. When I went to college, I chose graphic design, believing I could make a meaningful impact while working from home. With the evolution of technology, this has become a reality. Now, with AI as my assistant, I can achieve even more as a solo entrepreneur.
Describe a tool, service, or software that has been a game-changer for your business. How does it contribute to your success?
While I rely on Adobe Creative Suite to do my job, Canva has been a game changer because it allows me to set up effective, on-brand templates that clients can easily edit. This means I can focus on strategic design work, while clients manage smaller edits or social posts. AI has become my virtual assistant, streamlining brainstorming and drafting processes to enhance efficiency. Lastly, a shout-out to Slack for organizing client communications; it helps me stay on top of all my clients' needs while working across various consultancies and organizations.
We know that success is very often a non-linear path. Tell us about a failure, pivot point, or lesson that changed your course or direction and helped to get you where you are today.
The biggest pivot point was being laid off in 2020, as I mentioned earlier. I had freelanced on and off but loved my job and would have stayed there forever if given the chance. Being laid off was the push I needed to prove I could make a full-time career out of working for myself. Early in this journey, a mentor advised me to view myself not as a freelancer, but as a company. I needed to hold firm to my prices, timelines, and guidelines, just like any larger organization. That advice has been invaluable, reminding me to maintain my worth and not undercut myself. For instance, when asked for discounts, I now confidently say, "My CFO won't allow it."
What unconventional strategy did you employ that significantly impacted your business?
One unconventional strategy that significantly impacted my business was embracing tools like Canva and AI to empower clients to make their own small edits and create content. While some in the design industry dismiss these tools, I see them as a way to provide more value to clients. By setting up customizable templates, I focus on strategic, high-impact design work, while clients can handle everyday tasks themselves. This approach has built stronger client relationships and allowed me to concentrate on larger, more meaningful projects.
What’s something you wish you knew sooner that you’d give as advice for aspiring or newer entrepreneurs?
My advice to aspiring service-based entrepreneurs is to view yourself as a business, not just a freelancer. Establish clear pricing, timelines, and guidelines, and stick to them. Don’t be afraid to say no to discounts or compromises that undervalue your expertise. This mindset shift is crucial for maintaining professional integrity and building a sustainable, respected business. It helps set the tone for how clients perceive and value your services, ensuring you’re compensated fairly for the work you provide.
Want to dive deeper into Tricia's work? Check it out on the links below!
- Visit Kazmar Creative's Website kazmarcreative.com
- Follow Kazmar Creative on LinkedIn
- Connect with Tricia on LinkedIn: Tricia Kazmar
