Michaela Letendre creates gorgeous brands that tell stories of the hard work that was put into building them. After years in the industry, she can give any brand a brand new beginning – including logo design, website design, marketing materials, promotional materials, and social media management.
1) How did you get started working from home?
After my second child was born, I wanted to find something to do from home. I have always been an entrepreneur at heart (I started selling hair bows when I was 11 and sold my first company at the age of 21) so I knew I wanted to continue in that direction. I decided to launch my own boutique and joined a support group on Facebook for boutique owners. That group actually shut down as the owner stepped away, but I didn’t want to lose that resource – so I started my own group for boutique owners. That actually spiraled into an amazing group of fellow entrepreneurs and the Facebook group became a huge success overnight. My love for design pulled me into my career and I am now a branding consultant for the Facebook group.
2) How did you choose the work-at-home career you do?
I originally had wanted to own a boutique from home, but when the Facebook support group started growing I decided to transition my focus. Graphic design has always been a passion of mine, but I never thought I would be able to make a career out of it. So when I saw my dream to become the branding Specialist for the group, I jumped on it.
3) How did you get started (basic initial steps)?
I created the Facebook group for boutique owners as a place for support for owners to turn to. Once I decided to switch my focus, I began working on my own branding. I launched my website, and started offering my services wherever I could. Members of the group would often ask where they could get branding done, so I would respond with my pitch. I gained clients incredibly fast after that.
4) How did you get your first client or customer or job?
My first client is actually still with me. I remember she had posted in the Facebook group asking for a recommendation on where to get branding. I pitched myself to her, not thinking she would actually sign up with me. I was new in the field and didn’t think it would be easy to get clients. We spoke back and forth for a day or so as I wanted to get a feel for her brand. We instantly clicked and we have been a great team ever since. I love creating for her business.
5) How do you market your business?
I’ve been extremely fortunate that I have not had to worry about running ads anywhere. I still occasionally post about my services in the Facebook group, but now most of my clients are referrals from word of mouth.
6) What does your usual day look like?
With two kids at home, my day is pretty crazy. After breakfast, I sit down at my desk and go through my to-do list for the day. The first thing I tackle is marketing. That is typically just a blog post that I share to all of my social media channels. Then I focus on client work, and that usually takes me to the end of the day with breaks for lunch and time for the kids in between.
7) What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
I wish I knew back then to value my skill and time. When I first started, I was so concerned about how new I was to the field, that I practically gave my services away. Under-valuing yourself is a mistake you don’t want to make.
8) What advice would you give someone who wants to work from home?
Follow your passion and don’t let anyone tell you it’s not possible. It took me years to finally follow what I truly loved to do.
Find Michaela Online:
