How lockdowns spurred this bizowner to flip the switch from “running it on the side” to “100% committed”
When Covid lockdowns hit, Linda watched her favourite stores close around her - that spurred her to build a businesses that supports other businesses.
Her solution to elevate the branding of businesses has led her to create some amazing new projects and designs. Here, she tells us some of the lessons she has learnt on her business journey.
What’s your biz?
Linda // Fräulein Baehr – Branding & Design - I help businesses that have outgrown DIY branding and design build a brand that looks as professional as the work they deliver.
Who do you work with? What sets you apart?
My ideal clients are business owners who have outgrown DIY branding and design. They’re great at what they do, but their visuals don’t reflect their expertise. I listen, find the real problem and help them build a brand system that’s functional, consistent and able to grow with their business.
What sparked the idea behind your business?
The moment that flipped the switch from “running it on the side” to “100% committed” was in 2021–2022, when the second lockdown took out one business after another. My favourite café, the yoga studio I had been going to for many years, my favourite butcher shop, just to name a few. Life as we knew it in our little community had been turned upside down. I felt very strongly for the business owners and decided to use my skills and experience to support local, passionate businesses as they grow.
What does a typical day look like for you as a business owner?
A typical day is a balance of client work, work on my business, and family life. Not letting work take over every day is key to a successful business. That may sound counterintuitive, but you can’t pour from an empty cup.
What are some of the key milestones in your business journey so far?
One of my favourite projects was the rebrand of Gymnastics New Zealand. The team was very passionate and great to work with and I’m proud we were able to create a logo that was received really well by the community and got lots of positive feedback. Plus, I love seeing it worn by amazing athletes on an international stage.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced so far?
In March 2020, my fully booked schedule was cleared overnight and didn’t recover for quite some time. But you get up, dust yourself off, and keep going. The silver lining was that I threw myself into building my business as an independent designer, rather than continuing to freelance for others. I believe consistency and persistence are the qualities that helped me get through that time.
What are you most excited about in your business right now?
I’m working on providing branding and design support for businesses at any stage. My service has mostly been done-for-you, but I now offer support for non-designers DIY-ing branding and design. Currently, I offer a feedback / pick-my-brain session and a logo digitisation service (from your sketch/rendering to a full logo kit). But stay tuned for more!
What’s worked best for you to build brand awareness and get customers?
Building strong relationships with my clients is a priority for me, and referrals have been one of my biggest lead generator. My core value in business is connection, so showing up in person at networking and events is a main driver for brand awareness. On top of that, I do my best to show up on LinkedIn and Facebook consistently.
What is one of the important lessons you've learnt as a business owner? What advice would you share to someone starting out?
Don’t try to do it all alone! Connect with others in the same situation or who have been there, done that (She Owns It is great for this). Ask for help, there are no silly questions.
How does being a part of She Owns It help you in your business journey?
As above. Connecting with other in the same situation. Working by yourself from home can get lonely (the dogs can’t talk). Networking and communities have become my “team”.
⚡️ FAST 5:
1. One thing you’d tell your younger self starting out?
Follow your passion!
2. Your favourite biz or personal development books or podcasts?
Story Brand and the 12 Week Year (which I am currently doing for the first time!)
3. How many tabs do you have open right now?
13. I just had a tidy up.
4. What's your go-to power song?
Anything by R.E.M. My favourite band since I was a kid.
5. A quote you love and why?
I don't think it's a quote, but I love "Everyday is a chance to learn." which is on one of the affirmation cards I have from Awesome Inc. Never stop learning is one of my personal core values.
How can people connect with you and your business?
https://www.fraulein-baehr.com/
www.linkedin.com/in/frauleinbaehr
https://www.facebook.com/fraulein.baehr.branding.design
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