College Dropout to Website Designer: Meet Sequoia Craig
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Meet Sequoia Craig.
Sequoia Craig is the owner of Sequoia Craig Design. She helps female entrepreneurs eliminate tech overwhelm through website design, SEO, and nurturing. Based in Santa Cruz, California, Sequoia enjoys working outside and spending time with her partner. Together they have one dog and one cat, as well as a handful of foster cats at any given time.
Tell me a bit about how you got to where you are.
I'm a college dropout. After college I worked a few odd jobs and found myself managing a local business. I loved the business side of things, so I found a job helping two life coaches grow their business. I actually started to be trained to be a life coach but I realized I preferred to stay on the tech side of things. I built some websites here and there and then eventually left to pursue my own business. I'm mostly self taught.
What makes you stand out in your industry?
“my reputation is that I listen to my clients”
I'm really proud to say that my reputation is that I listen to my clients. My work is all client focused so I don't rely too heavily on my own style or what I want. I know that my experience comes into play so if I'm working with someone and I think something is or isn't a good idea, I always explain why. At the end of the day, I want my clients to feel like their vision came to life and my strategy just helped aid the design. I also operate with extreme integrity. I only take on projects that feel aligned and feel like a win-win.
What would you like fellow entrepreneurs to know about you?
If you are a business owner and you're not online, you're missing out on impacting the reputation people have about you. Websites are directly correlated to perceived value so if your website doesn't look high end (or you don't even have one), people are going to immediately associate low end with the products & services that you offer. That first impression is so important.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
Nothing has been a mirror to my inner dialogue like starting my own business. All of my limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome came up. There's something about being an entrepreneur that really exposes you to yourself. So the biggest lessons I've learned are that I am most likely the only person in my own way, and that investing in my mental health and well being will always be beneficial for my business.
What’s your biggest challenge in business right now?
My business is definitely growing, so I think the biggest challenge right now is managing that growth. I really don't want to work more than I want to work so I'm really focusing on only taking on projects that feel aligned. I think the next hurdle will be scaling.
Share a recent win!
About two weeks ago I sent out my biggest proposal to date. Lots of emotions!
How can readers find you?
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Read more on The Craig Chronicle…
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