Today we’d like to introduce you to Caye Blackwood.
Hi Caye, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After grad school, I worked as a software developer for a government contractor. We were coding the first electronic medical record for use by US Air Force. I loved this work because it had a mission beyond my keyboard. We were serve the people who kept us safe. Then, 9-11 happened and our work become crucial to the lives of our service memebers. Eventually the mission was picked up other departments and other companies. It was around this time I concentrated on starting a family and working as a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. Through that endeavor, I met a number of women in need of websites and newsletters. Since I knew how to do that, I pitched in and through word-of-mouth, started gaining a few clients. I decided to turn this hobby into a business and over the years, I found myself with a thriving business, supporting Mary Kay women. Through my business and these incredible women, I started branching outside of this niche and started creating websites and digital media for small businesses and non-profits. For 20 years, I worked with thousands of women and helped them reach their goals. A few years ago, I was offered a position with a tech startup and I “retired” from the Mary Kay world, continuing to support only a handful of clients. Back in October, I returned to working for myself and building my design business back up. This time, I’m not restricting myself to a niche market. I have a solid client base in the non-profit sector and some of the women from my Mary Kay days, have continued to use my services to support them in their post-MK endeavors. I LOVE what I do. I get so much joy out of taking what my clients give me (even from the vaguest of ideas) and delivering their vision as a website, brand guide, flyer, etc. Due to the nature of my work with women, I have picked a number of skills outside of graphic & web design. I’ve learned marketing strategies, event planning, sales strategies, and social media. My passion is found in helping others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has NOT been a smooth road. When you own your own business and it provides your only source of income, things will get bumpy. Losing a few clients can be catastrophic. Anytime there was a new competitor in our nice-market, we would lose several people who thought the grass would be greener elsewhere. They usually found their way back to me. When COVID happened, I expected to take a big hit, but it actually ended up being incredibly fruitful. Having worked as a virtual assistant to a global clientele, people came to me to learn how to be successful online.
About 10 years ago, I had some health struggles and couldn’t work for a large chunk of time and my income took a hit.
Then 4-ish years ago, my marriage ended and I found myself in a place where my kids and I had to start over. It was then, that I decided to “retire” from the MK world. While that may seem counterintuitive, it was important for me to provide stability for my family and have a better work-life balance.
Once again, I have found myself at a crossroads. My job with the tech startup came to an end back in October. While I have tried in vain to secure new employment, I decided to go back to working for myself and rebuild my business. While this has caused a number of financial issues and an eviction, the support of my incredible family has put a roof over our heads and given me the freedom to pursue my passion!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a graphic designer with a lot of nerdy know-how. I consider myself a professional unicorn because my skill set is incredibly diverse. I love being creative. My mother is also an artist, so I grew up learning color theory, art history, various artistic techniques, and ALWAYS crafting. She taught me how to draw, paint, sew, sculpt, and so much more. In college, I found myself drawn towards computers and physics and ended up getting a Masters in Applied Physics and Computer Science. Using my computer skills, I was able to teach myself design software and my inherent artistic skill has led to being very good at what I do. I’ve asked my clients what sets me apart and they all said the same thing, I excel at making the most amazing things from little to no direction. I “read their minds” and bring their vision to life. I specialize in both web and graphic design and because of my technical background, I can build websites as well. It makes me a one-stop shop for all things digital. I think what sets me apart, is that I listen. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. I want to learn my client’s vibe, their needs, and give them something that WOWs. What am I most proud of…this is a hard question to answer. The sum total of my work, despite the bumps in the road, I have worked with and still work with some really incredible women. I have covered a wide-array of markets from skin care to churches, doggy day-cares to doctor’s offices. I built my business with integrity and by taking pride in what I do. Is there any one design I’m proud of? There are a few that I would deem “perfect” and the gin-label I did for the Pink Boots Society is definitely one of them.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Be the most authentic version of YOU and don’t apologize for it. Embrace YOU. I am neurosparkly and I have learned to use it to my advantage. I get asked all the time, how am I so fast? I make my AudHD work for me. I’ve developed an elaborate system of post-it notes and checklists to track my projects. I gameify my tasks for quick hits of dopamine for a creative burst. I also recognize when I’m burned out and take the time to recharge.
When you are true to YOU, you become trustworthy and that trust is what builds loyalty and loyalty builds your network.
Pricing:
- Brand Packages $’745 and up
- Websites $5,495 and up
- Design Time $75/hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fireflygraphicarts.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fireflygraphicarts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FireflyGA
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caye-blackwood/
