For many entrepreneurs and small businesses, social media can be an absolute game-changer! All it takes is one viral post and a business can suddenly take off.
At Like A Voss Social Media, we’re highlighting local businesses and entrepreneurs who are killing the online game. This week’s spotlight is on Laurie Dubé, owner of Laurie Dubé Design!
Laurie Dubé Design is a small business based in Montreal and specialized in cute, positive illustrations and stationery products.
Our girl Betina interviewed Laurie about her secret to success in business and in life. We also got some awesome insights into what they think makes social media such an effective tool in business.
A Little Bit About Being an Entrepreneur
1: How long have you been in business?
I opened my first Etsy shop selling digital downloads back in 2017. I was still in school and wanted to earn some passive income doing what I loved! Last November, in the midst of the pandemic, I decided to quit my retail job and open a new shop selling physical stationery products and rebrand into Laurie Dubé Design.
2: What made you decide to break away from the 9-5 and start Laurie Dubé Design?
I have always been in love with cute stationery and have been doodling and hand lettering my whole life. I couldn’t really see myself working a 9-5 in a big corporation and thought it would make more sense to work for myself doing what I love, while designing products that bring a smile to people’s faces!
3: What do you love most about being an illustrator?
I just love creating cute illustrations that make people happy. I love posting uplifting quotes or illustrations on Instagram and seeing the positive impact that they can have on other people’s mood.
4: What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome as an entrepreneur? Something you did not foresee when you decided to start Laurie Dubé Design?
As an illustrator who spends a lot of time online and on social media, it’s very hard not to compare my work to others and feel less talented or less qualified. I always have to remind myself that everyone is on their own journey, learning at their own pace, and that comparing my style to other artists will only make me anxious and unhappy.
5: What is one thing about working in the design industry that people would be surprised to learn?
It’s a lot of work! Working for yourself especially means that you’re never really “off”. My brain is always looking for inspiration for new Instagram posts and coming up with new product ideas. It’s very difficult to take real time off especially when you’re doing what you’re passionate about, but it’s so important to make time for you to just relax, go out in nature, see your friends, and not think about work.
6: Where do you find inspiration?
Social media platforms are a big source of inspiration for me. I often find inspiration by browsing Pinterest and Instagram, and scrolling through TikTok and seeing other creators doing what they love. I’ve also been reading a lot of books and going out in nature recently and it’s another big source of inspiration, along with my friends, family and of course my cat!
And Now Onto The Social Media Questions!
7: Do you have a favorite social media platform? Why?
I really enjoy using Instagram and TikTok. Instagram would have to be my favourite because I’ve been using it for so long, so it’s become very familiar and I’ve developed amazing friendships with other artists and business owners by engaging with them on this platform. However, I started using TikTok at the beginning of the year, and I love how easy it is to reach other artists and customers! Anyone can go viral on TikTok, and sometimes the simplest video will reach thousands of people, so it has really helped my business grow over the last few months.
8: What made you decide to start using social media as a way to promote your company?
I used Instagram in the past to share my art and bullet-journal journey, so I knew that I was capable of building a following by posting consistently and interacting with my community. I also knew that my target market uses Instagram and TikTok, so it was the perfect marketing tool.
9: How has social media impacted your business? Would you say that it’s an effective marketing tool?
Social media has definitely impacted my business for the better. It has allowed me to share my art with an amazing community on Instagram, create new friendships, and land amazing opportunities (almost all of my freelance clients found me through Instagram). It’s like a public portfolio that also allows me to connect with fellow artists and potential customers.
10: What advice would you give to other businesses and entrepreneurs who want to use social media as a way to connect with customers?
Be consistent, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. You definitely don’t have to post everyday (or you’ll most likely burn out), and you’re allowed to take time off once in a while.
I’d recommend showing the “behind the scenes” of your business, as customers love to see that they’re encouraging a real human being by buying from your business. Another tip is to engage with your followers and with other artists who inspire you! Instagram can be an amazing source of inspiration.
A Little More About Laurie
I’m 22 years old, I studied business at Concordia University (Montreal) and will start a graphic design degree in the fall to continue developing my skills. I love hand-lettering, bullet-journaling, hiking, and cats!
Connect with Laurie
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