Earlier this month I celebrated four years in business at Hoffman Creative Co. Truthfully I almost missed the day because my family and I just moved to Canada (read about that here).

But I wanted to write a blog post about these past four years and how this business has changed.

Why I Went into Business

Truthfully I never saw myself owning a business. This one fell into my lap at the right time.

Back in 2020 just before the pandemic hit I was let go from my 9-5 job at a nonprofit. They were downsizing and my department got cut. I was lost, heartbroken, and overwhelmed.

Zach and I talked a lot about what to do next. Then the pandemic hit. And I saw everyone scrambling to get their business online.

Companies that needed help in marketing and communication struggled with DIY projects to build websites and marketing campaigns.

I heard a gentle whisper from God saying to start a business and I laughed out loud.

While businesses were closing I felt God telling me to open one.

So I listened and Zach and I started to talk about what it could look like. Consulting online was an affordable startup cost, and we agreed to give it a shot.

Four years later, here I am. My business has evolved from a marketing consultation company to a branding and website designer.

Things I Outgrew in Business

I’ve the four years, I’ve outgrown several things. Not just the initial marketing consulting but also taking on any client or any project.

I’ve become more selective on clients and projects. Not in a rude “I won’t work with you” way but if I’m scrolling a Facebook group and someone posts looking for a logo for $100 I can confidently scroll past.

Younger me, starting out would have jumped at that chance. But that is what most new business owners do.

However, where I am now, I am confident in my abilities and stand behind the prices I charge.

I also don’t take on many small projects. Not that I’m against them. But some of them do not fill my cup. Am I happy to add a business card design to your project, or a flyer, YES! But will that be the only thing I pitch, no.

I’d like to think that I’ve matured in selecting projects that align with where I want my business to go.

Things I Want to Invest More In

After having my daughter I want to invest in more things to help me work smarter. I’m not opposed to using AI where it makes sense (helping me with email campaigns, social posts, and website copy). If it can free up time for me to spend with family. Then sign me up!

I want to invest in my community more. I’ve loved teaching other businesswomen about ways to improve their websites through audits. It’s fun sharing knowledge and helping them stand out more.

I want to find more things where I can build community too since I’ve moved to a new city. So a networking group or accountability group would be great.

Where I See My Business Going

I see my business growing with the addition of a template shop—coming soon!!

One day, maybe I add mentorship to my services as I love to teach and share helpful things with others.

I want to continue to build show-stopping brands and websites and would love to work with a florist, a health and wellness clinic, a doctor, and an event company. Just a few ideas for new projects.

I see my business helping my family as we save up for a house again, and also not taking away time to be with my family.

I love the flexibility I have and I hope to continue that.

Hoffman Creative Co. Project Reflections

I’ve worked with so many talented and amazing people. I’ve had a lot of fun designing brands and websites for women who span so many industries. I don’t know if I can even pick any of my favourites because I’ve loved working with all my clients and polishing up their business’ visual identity. 

But some memorable projects that have helped me grow, and instilled confidence in my skills and business are: 

• The Rolling Pin by Rachel Parks, I followed her on the ‘gram and then made my pitch in her DMs
• An Instagram friend referred me to her cousin whose husband owned a construction business in Florida, and I signed them on as my first brand and website package (with new pricing) at Bennett’s Custom Designs
• Jaime Ta Creative reaching out and booking me instantly to redo her website
• Another friend’s referral for the brand and website design for Fortitude Public Affairs—a former secretary of State!
• A custom brand and website for book editor in Toronto, Jenn at Fresh Look Editorial
• A friend booked me to design her website for her marketing and copyrighting business at Copybean
• A friend booked me instantly to build a custom brand for Kitchen Sink Collaborative

But there are so many I hold dearly, so to Farah, John, Jasmine, Emily, Maddie, Whitney, Anna, Ashley, Karen, the Bennetts, Brianna, Britt, Caireen, Deva, Jen, Kristin, Marshall, Taya, Heather M., Sarah, Jaime, Jenni, Jess, Jordan, Megan C., Taylor, Rachel, Rachel P., Pearl, Isaac, Anna B., Cat, Cherlyn, Jocelyn, Heather C., Christina, Nicole, Jordan, Karli, Laura, Lindsey, McLain, Sandy, Mandy, Ashley, Kelly, Holli, Jenn, Jane, Megan S., Natalie, Pamela, Rebekah, Veronica, Leanne, Brittni, Catherine, Kenzie, Kelley, Zarya, and SO many more, THANK YOU!

You all have given me hope, given me grace, given me my dream. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with you on your business. I can’t wait to see where Hoffman Creative Co. goes, but I wouldn’t be here without you.

Tips for Young Maggie

I think I would give myself a lot of tips honestly. These past four years have been nothing short of easy. I’ve fallen forward and learned the hard way in most things. But I am SO grateful.

1. Increase your prices right away
2. Maintain your integrity at all cost
3. Give generously
4. Be curious
5. Be humble
6. Don’t be afraid to walk away
7. Stand up for your work, process, and self
8. Don’t go into rooms you don’t want to
9. Be proud of the work you do
10. Invite others in to help you
11. Find community fast
12. It’s okay to stand up for your work
13. Keep putting your heart into your work
14. It’s okay to cry
15. Go outside more

Some of these are silly, but looking back over the past four years, I think younger Maggie would be proud of who I am sitting at the computer now. I’ve grown a business, grown and birthed a child, bought a house, sold the house, moved internationally, and had clients in every stage of business. It’s been a blessing to serve each one and I love that I get to do this for my job.

Cheers to four!

M