today we’d like to introduce you to Michaela Galvin.
Michaela, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
If I honestly try to pinpoint when exactly my creative career began, I would probably have to say that it began somewhere in my childhood. I have always considered myself to be a creative person, even from a young age. I’ve always enjoyed drawing, painting, crafting, collaging, you name it. Art class was always something I looked forward to over math or science.
I eventually went to college and decided to pursue my creative career and earn a degree in Graphic Design. After college, I worked in the luxury furniture industry doing both marketing and graphic design first in Boston and then in Sydney.
After my time in Sydney, I relocated to Denver in search of another in-house marketing and/or graphic design job. I was looking around at different jobs, yet nothing excited me. I felt I was at a turning point and wanted to figure out what I really wanted to do with the rest of my career.
As I was shopping around for employment, I started taking on some graphic design projects for friends and family. Soon, I was spending most of my time working on these ‘side projects’ and was loving it! I quickly realized how much I enjoyed and excelled in working for myself and decided to seriously pursue a freelance lifestyle.
Once I made the decision to go out on my own, I dove in hard. I spent the better part of a year setting up my business, JoieWorks Creative Cartel. I founded JoieWorks as a “Creative Cartel” also known as a “one-stop creative shop.” I provide a variety of creative services to my clients, including graphic design, illustration, branding, website design and content creation.
Not surprisingly, the first year consisted mostly of learning, studying, administrative tasks, mistakes, practice, hard work, networking and vulnerability. I asked a lot of (probably stupid) questions. I networked hard. I worked long hours (more than I ever had). I read and studied and taught myself a LOT. But most importantly, I put myself and my work out there and hoped for the best.
Now, I am in the second year of my business and I am proud and humbled to report that I am busier than I could have ever imagined. I’ve had the amazing opportunity to speak on a panel and in leadership settings alongside some truly amazing and inspiring women. I am on the board of an incredible organization designed to uplift women in their professional lives. And above all, I am loving what I do and am grateful to be working with some truly incredible and supportive people.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course, the road to self-employment has not always been smooth or devoid of stress. There have been plenty of hurdles and challenges along the way, but I believe each of these moments has made me stronger and smarter.
As I mentioned earlier, I spent a lot of time my first year in business educating myself. I muscled my way through taxes, marketing, sales, and many other things that I was not professionally trained in. There were many days when I felt rejected, alone or not good enough. However, it was through these trials and tribulations that I became stronger, smarter and better at my job.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about JoieWorks Creative Cartel – what should we know?
JoieWorks is a full-service Creative Cartel. In other words, it is a one-stop creative shop for all your graphic needs. We specialize in branding, graphic design and illustration, website design, and content creation. We bring brands to life (or back to life) through the use of intentional, impactful design and creative storytelling.
We are known for our uniquely intentional approach to brand design, which enables us to create graphics that tell the story of your unique brand. Unlike many others like us, we take the time to do the homework to create designs that are authentically you.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are so many people that have educated, supported and helped me on my journey to where I am now, and they continue to do so!
Of course, my friends and family have always supported my pursuit and have always given me encouragement and praise for my hard work. When I first started my business, I worked with a business coach who helped me work through a lot of the growing pains. I’ve always put a lot of time and effort into surrounding myself with inspiring and amazing women through the use of networking. At many of these events and meetings, I’ve met some incredible people who have inspired and uplifted me, who’ve actually became clients, and one who has even become someone I work closely with!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.joieworks.com
- Email: hello@joieworks.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/joieworks
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/joieworks
Image Credit:
Jonathan Kohlwey, Jonathan Kohlwey Photography
Timur Dmitriyev, Dalila’s
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