Jesse and Josh didn’t set out to be entrepreneurs. They just had the desire to do things their own way. And that they did. After running their own successful freelance companies, they realized that by joining together they could create something great. They combined their skills, added a few other creative freelancers with complimentary services, and created AKA, a niche design studio concept that offers the full brand experience.
The Importance of Planning
Creating this business, however, was not a quick process.
Jesse and Josh took their time refining their strategy and concepts before seeking out financing from micro-lender VanCity. Part of this refining process was receiving Small Business BC’s Business Plan Review service from business advisor Rab Kooner. Rab helped the duo create a plan that proved their businesses viability and was attractive to the lender.
When talking about the business planning process, Jesse is quick to offer some words of wisdom: “Take your time and work through the details. Business plans aren’t the most fun to work through, but it’s a great exercise to highlight the areas you have not thought through enough, and discover a lot of things you didn’t know”.
Taking the Leap into Business
The definitive jumping point for the start-up was when their business micro-loan was approved by VanCity, giving the pair the green light to start building their studio space. A space that is at the very heart of the business, Jesse and Josh have created.
Their trendy studio, in the heart of Vancouver’s Gastown is now home to a group of talented designers and artists for branding, print design and web. When creating the space their concept was to build a one-of-a-kind workplace that encouraged creativity, collaboration and most importantly community. And the space has lived up to its intention, playing host to a number of gallery shows, helping the dynamic duo establish themselves in the community and connecting them with more designers, artists and businesses.
Two Big Lessons
Now a year into business, when asked about the biggest lessons learned in those key first few months, Jesse and Josh are quick to respond, ”Hire the right people for the tasks you cannot do.” Bringing on Studio Manager, Carolyn Phoenix was truly a saving grace for the duo. They even accredit her with the success of AKA, and call her the glue which binds the business together. Carolyn is responsible for organizing the sometimes haphazard minds of the creative team, and most importantly, keeping the boys in check.
The second key lesson they learned was not to get frustrated when things don’t go right the first time. The most important thing is to try; if it doesn’t go right, evaluate why, and adjust your methods for the next time. It is only by doing this that something good can turn into something inspiring.
To Infinity and Beyond
Looking to the future, Jesse and Josh’s plans are simply to grow their studio concept and “launch some amazing new brands with awesome clients”, which just so happens to include Small Business BC’s very own rebrand launch this month.
Meet the Boys
Josh has now joined our team of industry experts, offering their services as part of our Ask the Expert program.
Whether you have specific questions relating to your brands or would just like some tips and ideas of how to start building your brand; let Josh help you better connect with your customers.
