Tabitha DeSeranno on Discovering Her Passion and Launching a Branding Company
April 3, 2024
Hi, Tabitha! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:
Hi, I'm Tabitha, the creative force behind Vivid Pixel Studio, where I blend strategy, design, and storytelling to craft impactful online presences for passionate service providers. I specialize in creating bespoke websites, impactful brands, and tailored marketing strategies to help service-based businesses not just exist online but truly thrive. My mission is to transform your online presence into a compelling and strategic platform that not only reflects your unique vision but also drives tangible results.
What excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?
Being part of the Entreprenista League is exciting because it's a vibrant community of like-minded, driven women. The opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside fellow female entrepreneurs is invaluable. I'm excited to contribute my insights on web and brand design and equally eager to absorb the collective wisdom of this empowering group.
There's so much value in collaboration and sharing insight! What made you take the leap to start your own business?
My leap into entrepreneurship started with a desire to work from home and be more present for my family. I started as a Virtual Assistant on oDesk (now UpWork) which was a great learning experience. However, I wanted to eliminate the "middleman" so I branched out and started my own Virtual Assistant business. Being a VA eventually led me to discover my passion and talent for web design, setting the stage for Vivid Pixel Studio.
Work-life balance is essential! And how great for you that it led to discovering your passion. What was your background prior to starting your own business?
Before starting a business, I was a waitress. I went to college for years but constantly changed my major, so I never got anywhere with it. Transitioning from waitressing to being a Virtual Assistant was my first step into the entrepreneurial world.
Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
Becoming an entrepreneur never really my dream but rather a path that unfolded as I wanted more flexibility and control over my career. The journey was a blend of necessity, opportunity, and a desire to create something meaningful on my own terms.
Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?
My strategy was leveraging the power of Facebook groups. It was about connecting directly with potential clients, understanding their needs, and offering solutions that resonated with their business goals. This approach was not just about finding clients; it was about building relationships and establishing trust. It has worked fairly well as Facebook groups are still the #1 way I find clients.
What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way and what did you learn from it?
The biggest challenge was overcoming the imposter syndrome and fully embracing my role as a business owner. This journey taught me the power of self-belief and the importance of mental health.
Imposter syndrome is real - and self-care is such a great way to combat it! What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?
Creating a successful business. I never really thought it was possible or even that it was something I could do. I just jumped in feet first and I'm still here!
Do you believe in work-life balance? What are some of your best tips?
Absolutely, I believe in work-life balance. It's crucial for sustainability and creativity. My top tips are setting clear boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring you carve out time for self-care and family. It's about quality, not just quantity, in both work and personal life.
What's a piece of advice you can share that you wish you'd known when you first started your Entreprenista journey?
The piece of advice I'd share is to embrace the journey with its ups and downs. Don't shy away from seeking help or investing in your growth. The path of entrepreneurship is as much about personal development as it is about business success.
What have you achieved recently that you'd like to celebrate with our community?
I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my podcast, The Elevate & Excel Show.
Congrats, Tabitha! What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?
Looking ahead, Vivid Pixel Studio is set to expand its services, incorporating more digital marketing solutions. Expect to see a suite of services designed to empower businesses to own their digital space confidently. I'm not just designing websites; I'm crafting digital experiences.