This month marks a 5 year anniversary for BlackStone Studio . It was in March 2008 that my husband drove me to the courthouse to officially start my own business. I chose the name BlackStone Studio because “BlackStone” represents a connection to my childhood home in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico and “Studio” because I didn’t want to limit my work to just one field of design or artistry. And so with the support of family and friends, who ended up being my first clients, the journey began.
I started my business offering only graphic design and basic website design and development. As time went by, I added more specialized programming options, printing services, consultations and even digital photography. Today, BlackStone Studio has helped over 80 businesses establish, promote, grow or transform their brand.
BlackStone Studio is still a small company, but it has developed so much in the past 5 years that I am so proud and grateful to those who helped me start it, and to those who continue to keep it going by allowing me to be part of the creative and branding process of their own businesses. I am thankful for the trust and the value that my amazing clients put in me every day because in doing so I have not only been blessed to be a part of their business growth, but in helping them succeed they have helped me grow my business as well.
I’ve never claimed to be the best graphic or web designer, but I’ve always tried to do my best and provide quality, fair price, fast turnaround, and most of all professional and unique work. My business approach can be summarized in three practices:
I educate my clients not only on my services, but also the services others may provide. As much as I try to be knowledgeable of every new product, trend or tool out there, I cannot be an expert in every field. I always let clients know what I can and what I cannot do. I don’t see my limitations as a hindrance, but as an opportunity to show that I am honest. What I’ve learned, is that clients value honesty sometimes more than experience. In many cases, clients have been the ones to motivate and support me in learning new things so that they can continue to work with me.
I believe in commitment, integrity and customer service. For me, this means that every client is important, and no matter how big or small, they will receive from me the same quality of work and service. It also means that I won’t pressure anyone into spending money on services or products they don’t need. In fact, many of my web design clients can tell you first hand that one of my first recommendations to them is to let their websites grow with their business, which ties into my last practice…
As a small business, I understand the stress of a limited budget so I always try to find the most cost-effective options, even if they are not the most profitable for me at the time. By doing this, clients know that they can count on me to have their best interest in mind. This results in stronger and long-lasting client relationships, which in the long run are the most profitable for my business, because they keep coming back to work with me each time they have a new project, as well as promote and refer me to other potential clients.
So here is to another five years and even more! Thank you so much for supporting and for hiring BlackStone Studio! I look forward to keep working with you for many more years!!!
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