In case you missed it, I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by a Bay Area product designer, educator, author, and podcaster,
, about my journey to embracing a solopreneur lifestyle. We covered a lot of ground, but here are some of my highlights from our conversation:Navigating uncertainty that comes with independence
Finding inspiration for naming your business
Why I care so much about designing rituals in my business and life
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Navigating uncertainty that comes with independence
The freelance path is undoubtedly filled with uncertainty, but then again, isn’t that true of life in general? Embracing this reality is the first step in your journey toward solopreneurship.
Once you’ve accepted it, establishing support systems can keep you grounded and reduce anxiety as you sail the seas of the unknown. When I moved from the East Coast to San Francisco over a decade ago—completely on my own and without knowing a soul—my uncle offered me advice that has truly stuck with me. He said, “Life is just a series of decisions. You can always make another one.”
This wisdom became a powerful mantra for me, that “Everything is an experiment.” Tune in to hear my thoughts on how adopting an experimental mindset can empower you to face the challenges of building a business.
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Finding inspiration for naming your business
I’m often asked about the pros and cons of using your own name for your business versus creating a new one. As an independent, especially in the beginning, people are likely to recognize you for who you are, not necessarily your business name.
And yet, while starting a business can feel intensely personal, it’s important to remember that you are not your business—you are so much more! (For further reflection, check out Debbie Millman’s insightful article: The Personal Brand Paradox).
If you decide to create a separate name for your business, finding the perfect one can feel daunting. Here are a few tips to help guide you:
Choose words that hold personal significance
Consider what represents the work you’re passionate about
Think about how you want to be perceived in the world
Remember, a name is just one small piece of the larger brand experience
And rest assured, your business name alone won’t make or break you
Tune in to hear how I ended up naming my design business, Huzzah Studio.
Huzzah | (huh·zaa)
An exclamation of delight, celebration, or enthusiasm. A cheer that rises, sparkles, and sings when experiencing a creative breakthrough. A gesture to the magical, transformative, and revelatory. Our favorite word.
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Why I care so much about designing rituals in my business and life
Rituals are more than just routine behaviors. Routines focus on the what, rituals focus on the why. Mason Currey, who wrote 2 entire books on rituals, notes that “rituals create and mark a transition towards a different kind of mental or emotional state.” (Fun fact: I had the chance to meet Mason at an artist dinner in Los Angeles earlier this year! You can read about that experience here.)
For a few years now, I’ve been experimenting with ritual design in my daily, monthly, and seasonal work rhythms, as well as exploring how rituals can enhance our meetings and collaborations.
Tune in to hear how I believe creating intentional rituals and processes can bring structure and support to the solopreneur lifestyle, making it not only more manageable but also more fulfilling.
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Thanks for tuning in
I hope you enjoy listening in to the conversation as much as I enjoyed being a part of it. As always I would love to hear your thoughts on the episode and any questions you might have as you navigate your own path to independence.