Name: Allison M. Fadden
Name of Business: ALLISONVILLE, graphic design studio
Length of time in business: 2 years
Number of kids and ages: 2 girls - Lila, 11 & Valerie, 8
Pets: a Tibetan Terrier named Sofia Quesadilla and we’re welcoming our first boy, a Holland Lop bunny this month
Before you had kids, what was your career? I had a career as a Graphic Designer in the fashion industry. I designed graphics for Calvin Klein Jeans, Tommy Hilfiger, Mariah Carey, and Gap.
Why did you start your business? I still wanted to be my kids main caregiver but get back to my work as a graphic designer.
What do you love most about what you do now? The flexibility of working on my own time schedule. I’ve always been a night owl and feel most creatively productive at night so it suits me. Also, I really love working on a variety of projects for different clients, rather than just the singular track of my corporate career.
What did you have to do to get started? I spent time researching online and reading books about running a successful freelance business. A particularly good one which pertains to a design business is Work For Money, Design For Love by David Airey. I registered a DBA for ALLISONVILLE through the county clerk and set up the proper bank accounts. Then I tackled creating my website and setting up an Instagram account. Finally, I spread the word to my friends to help get the word out.
What was the biggest challenge you've faced? I’ve always been strictly a creative so the business and financial aspects of becoming self-employed proved challenging to navigate. Also I am more on the introverted side so the marketing and social media aspects are areas I could always improve upon. Having an IT person on call would be nice too!
How did you overcome that? I googled a lot of stuff!
What is one thing that's surprised you most about your venture? I guess its not surprising but it has been truly great to make connections with so many organizations around Rye to reiterate why we moved here and appreciate all that the community has to offer. I’ve felt amazing support from these organizations hiring me to work on various projects together. And I’d say another pleasant surprise was discovering another niche clientele working with so many of the Ryemarkable Moms in need of a logo or brand identity for their own second act ventures.
What is your best tip for fellow entrepreneurs? Don’t go into analysis paralysis. The Virgo in me wants to overthink everything - sometimes the best thing is to just jump in and ride the wave~
What are some alternative careers you would have liked to have? An art curator, a gemologist, a musician, a parapsychologist, a florist, a person who names nail polishes
Your website? allisonvilledesign.com
Your Instagram? @_allisonville_