Meet the Founder of Create with Danielle: Website Designer for Female Entrepreneurs
Danielle Demers is the Founder of Create with Danielle, an Ontario, Canada-based business that provides custom website design and pre-made website templates for female entrepreneurs and creative businesses. Since 2019, Create with Danielle has helped over 200 female entrepreneurs book their dream clientele, reach more sales & grow their business online through strategic website design.
For more details, visit their website here.
Here we sit down with Danielle, to know a bit more about her journey as a website designer.
Q. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Danielle: When I moved to Toronto for college, I worked as a hostess at one of the most prestigious restaurants where I was constantly greeting successful business owners & celebrities. I admired them because they all had so much freedom, didn’t care what anyone else thought about them, and worked hard to get there. After I met Kevin O’Leary one shift, I told myself that I would be like him one day! Five years later and watching endless episodes of Shark Tank, inspired me to start a business of my own. People who work hard & help others reach success in life were my biggest inspiration.
I was tired of being undervalued at my jobs, and I knew that the only way I could value my own time and worth, was by starting a business of my own.
Q. How did you get started?
Danielle: I had a passion for website design since I was a teenager, and spent most of my childhood designing Tumblr themes back when it was popular. I loved doing it for fun, but never thought it could actually become a career of mine. When I lost my job, I decided to believe in myself and try it out as a career, despite being pressured to stick with what I originally went to school for. I told myself, what’s the worst that can happen?
I launched Create with Danielle within weeks of being unemployed, and no portfolio or professional experience to back me up. On my launch day, I booked my first client through Instagram. It was surreal to me that strangers online were putting their trust in me, just to help me grow my business. Fast forward to three years later, I’ve had the opportunity to work with hundreds of amazing female entrepreneurs all over the world. If I hadn’t taken that leap of faith, I would’ve never realized my full potential.
Q. What was your biggest startup challenge? What steps did you take to overcome it? What did you learn?
Danielle: My biggest challenge when starting my business was being an introvert. Even though it’s known that introverts make great entrepreneurs due to our listening skills and creativity, it can be hard for us to break out of our shells in the first place. Being an introvert entrepreneur is something that many clients of mine & followers have resonated with, and some have even started a business after hearing my story. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to be a successful business owner.
I overcame this by taking risks & doing things that scare me. My first 100 phone/video calls were terrifying, but now I look forward to them. I learned that you have to break out of your comfort zone in order to grow, even if it scares you.
Q. What is the Most Memorable Thing You’ve Done Since you Started your Business?
Danielle: I’ve been able to work with award-winning businesses that have been featured in major publications, and have helped new business owners reach the first page of search engines for their desired keywords, within just months of launching. Receiving messages from clients on how happy they are with their website results & seeing their business grow over the years of working together, makes me the happiest.
Q. What is one book you recommend, and why?
Danielle: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz is a book I recommend to all new business owners. It teaches you how to always pay yourself out first and follows 4 simple principles to help you grow a profitable business, even as a small business.
Q. What are your top 3 favourite online apps, tools, or resources and what do you love about them?
Danielle: Showit is the website builder I use to design all of my client projects & website templates. It’s the best website platform I’ve ever used, and I’ve tried them all. Fully drag-and-drop with endless design flexibility, no coding or design experience required (great for beginners) & their support team is outstanding.
Dubsado, my Client Management System, is the main reason I get complimented by my clients on how easy my booking & design process is. I’m able to send out all my client proposals, contracts, invoices and all other needed documents for projects in a seamless automated workflow. It’s the best tool to streamline your online business!
Creative Market is my favorite design marketplace for creative projects. They offer a huge selection of design content such as fonts, graphics and social media templates designed by awesome independent creators around the world.
Q. In terms of legacy, what is the mark you’d like to leave on the world?
Danielle: To help other females build a successful business online, that provides them with happiness & freedom for the rest of their lives.
Q. In one sentence, what’s the best advice you’d give to someone just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey?
Danielle: Don’t fall victim to “imposter syndrome” and constantly compare yourself to other established entrepreneurs, as everyone grows at their own pace & that’s okay!
To keep up to date with Danielle and her journey, connect with her on Instagram and Pinterest.
