Meet Savannah Geisler, the small business owner of “Savannah Leigh Design” based in Mackay, Queensland.
Savannah has been running her own small business, “Savannah Leigh Design” for a year now. As a design studio, she specialises in branding and web design, while also offering a range of graphic design services, including print design and packaging. Additionally, she provides marketing services like email marketing and social media management. Savannah’s expertise in WordPress and Shopify allows her to handle the entire web development process from scratch, encompassing coding and SEO.
“The coaching and mentorship from Many Rivers have been incredibly valuable. Haley, my business coach has provided exceptional support, acting as my cheerleader and constantly encouraging me to learn new skills to grow my business. Her support has been truly amazing throughout my business journey.”
Read more about Savannah’s business journey so far:
Savannah’s Business
I have been running Savannah Leigh Design for a year now. As a design studio, I specialise in branding and web design, while also offering a range of graphic design services, including print design and packaging. Additionally, I provide marketing services like email marketing and social media management. My expertise in WordPress and Shopify allows me to handle the entire web development process from scratch, encompassing coding and SEO.
What were you doing before you made contact with Many Rivers?
My previous work experience includes studying graphic design and working at a marketing agency, where I performed tasks similar to what I do now. I had an excellent manager who taught me a great deal about website design, and I wouldn’t be where I am without her guidance. After having my baby, I decided to venture out on my own to leverage my skills and support small businesses.
Why did you want to go into business?
I wanted to go into business to help small businesses make a mark on the world, providing them with the tools and expertise they need to succeed. Additionally, I sought the flexibility to care for my baby, allowing me to balance my professional aspirations with my personal responsibilities. By utilizing my skills and pursuing my passion, I am able to fill my cup while making a meaningful impact in the business community.
Working with Many Rivers
My sister-in-law, Seini Willett, encouraged me to network and reach out to Tanya at the Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities, and The Arts in Mackay. Through this connection, I was referred to Haley Bollard, my business coach and she has been mentoring me since November 2023.
Initially, my business coach from Many Rivers, Haley, helped me with my business plan and setting future goals. She provided invaluable assistance with budgeting, cash flow, and overall guidance in all aspects of my business. Haley has been a tremendous support, referring clients to me and continuously supporting my business growth. She has become more than just a mentor now; she is a friend who has helped me become a part of the small business community.
Did you get a loan from MR? How did you use the loan?
I haven’t received a loan from Many Rivers yet, but I am planning to get one soon.
What did you find the most useful about the assistance from Many Rivers?
“The coaching and mentorship have been incredibly valuable. Haley has provided exceptional support, acting as my cheerleader and constantly encouraging me to learn new skills to grow my business. Her support has been truly amazing throughout my business journey.” – Savannah
Do you have any current employees? If so, how many employees? Are they full-time or part-time?
Currently, it’s just me. However, I have big goals to hire employees as my business grows.
Biggest Challenge
My biggest challenge in business so far has been managing the workload effectively. I initially accepted too many projects because I wanted to help everyone, but I soon realised this was doing an injustice to both my clients and myself. With everything due at once, I felt overwhelmed and struggled to maintain the quality of my work. This experience taught me the importance of setting boundaries and managing my capacity to ensure I can deliver the best results for my clients without compromising my well-being.
Biggest Success
My biggest success in business has been the remarkable growth I’ve experienced both professionally and personally. Overcoming significant personal challenges this past year, including single parenting and struggling with limited income and housing. I now have a happy and stable home and a part-time marketing job.
In my own business, I have serviced over 20 clients and launched 10 websites in my first year. Additionally, I have embarked on a journey of cultural rediscovery, learning about my Torres Strait Islander roots and ensuring my child is raised with a strong sense of our identity. I’ve been privileged to support and collaborate with many local Indigenous businesses, deepening my connection to my culture while contributing to the community’s growth.
Biggest Change
The biggest change for my family and me since starting my business has been gaining the flexibility to manage work-life balance while looking after my baby. This flexibility has allowed me to be present for my child while pursuing my professional goals. Additionally, my business has given me newfound confidence in myself and my skills, empowering me to take on new challenges and grow both personally and professionally.
Future Goals
In the short-term, I want to be able to set-up my own home office and my long-term goal is to grow my business and have employees working for me. I want to have a small office space once I grow my business to cater to more clients with the help of my employees.
Thank you, Savannah for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with future endeavours and business success.
If you would like to stay updated with Savannah and her small business, follow “Savannah Leigh Design” through the following links:
Website: https://www.savannahleighdesign.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/savannahleighdesign/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/savannahleighgeisler/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/savannahleighdesign/
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