With 10 years of experience under her belt, Fabiana Paolini has done everything from working as an art director for Leo Burnett, to designing and branding for bands, to starting her own business and now branding herself to attract and develop even more brands! Read out interview with the lovely Fabiana below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I have always wanted to have my own business. Family has always been very important to me, and I wanted to be able to have a career, but be in control of my time as well in order to be there for my family. I also wanted to have complete freedom to go and grow wherever I wanted to be.
Tell us about your business.
I’m a branding specialist + designer. Basically, I help entrepreneurs understand what makes them different. With that, I design a logo that reflects their essence and build and design a website that shows exactly who they are.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
I have a free branding guide called The Brand Experience which helps you to build an irresistible brand! You can download it here.
Where is your business based?
I’m based in Miami, Florida. But I work with people all over the world. I have clients all over the US, South America and Europe!
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I started working as an Art Director doing award-winning campaigns in Leo Burnett, one of the biggest ad agencies in the world. My husband (then boyfriend) is a famous Venezuelan singer, so I started working with him in building his brand. Over time, I started getting more and more requests from other artists as well. After that I started branching out and working with all sorts of companies, entrepreneurs and businesses.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
I would have to say that being visible has made a very big change for me. For years I worked through referrals, but once I decided to put myself out there, showing who I am, being active and delivering content, the change has been massive.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
I have been working in Venezuela mainly through referrals. I moved to the US about a year ago and had to start building my business almost from scratch because I needed to find new clients. It wasn’t easy finding space and competing with so many different designers.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I realized that the reason why people were hiring me, wasn’t only because of my skills, but also because of me, my unique personality and style. Once I understood this, it made a huge difference for me and the way I did business. I started being more visible and not being afraid of showing who I am.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
By keeping in action now. When I feel that I’m going through a hard time, I stay active as much as I can. I generate content and focus on creating ideas. I also like to think of different ways in which I can be of service to others.
How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
Because of my story and style. I’m quite different from a lot of designers out there. My life story isn’t common. I have lived all around the world in places like the US, Spain, Brazil, India and Venezuela. I’m married to a famous singer and understand first hand the power of personal branding. I have an MBA and over 10 years of experience. I have studied branding and read soooooo many books. I’m constantly growing! Also, I have a particular style that defines me.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
To not be afraid to put myself out there. I’m not serving anyone if I am shrinking. The world needs what I know.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
To focus always on the solutions that you are capable of bringing others. It’s not really about the service you provide, but what you can do for others that matters.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
I love using the X Theme for building WordPress sites! I’ve become an expert on it over the years!
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @fabipaolini
Facebook www.facebook.com/fabipaolini
Group www.facebook.com/groups/brandingtokaching
Website www.fabipaolini.com
Hashtags #fabipaolini #TheBrandExperience
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“The Science of Getting Rich” by Wallace D. Wattles.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
How to delegate more and how to let go of control! Looking for ease as my business grows.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
I’m planning on doing a conference soon! So, that’s one of the main things I’m focused on right now! I’m also on my way to scaling my business and looking to hiring out different things. My business is growing thanks to a variety of things: Facebook and Google Ads, an automated Webinar, content creation every week and doing incredible work for my clients!
Elaine Rau
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