Ep 01. My Six Figure Brand Story: Behind The Scenes of My Journey From Graphic Design Student to Online Agency Owner
How I Built My Six-Figure Brand Strategy & Web Design Business
When I first started freelancing, I never imagined that one day I’d be running a six-figure branding agency. Like many entrepreneurs, my journey was full of huge wins, big bummers, and plenty of imposter syndrome. But over the last 8+ years, I have transformed my passion for design into a profitable, sustainable business—and today, I’m sharing exactly how I did it.
Whether you’re just starting your online service-based business or established and looking to scale, I hope my story inspires you to take the next step in building a brand that gives you freedom and fulfillment. Let’s dive in!
Listen to this episode now 👇
Or listen on your favorite platform: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | YouTube
From Corporate Burnout to Freelancing
I started my career in corporate marketing and design, working for an marketing agency with multi billion dollar clients and while I loved the creative aspects and learned a ton, I quickly learned that corporate agency life wasn’t for me. The rigid structure and long hours left me feeling burned out and I knew deep down that I needed more flexibility, more creative control, and less stress in my life.
In 2017, I took my first leap into freelancing by offering web design services on Upwork. I had no real plan—I just knew I wanted to work for myself. I started with small projects, undercharging just to gain experience and build my portfolio. Little did I know, this was the start of something much bigger.
Taking My Business Seriously: The Turning Point
For a while, I treated freelancing like a hobby—something fun to earn a few bucks in my free time. I was making some money, but I wasn’t approaching it like a real business. That all changed when I landed a dream client who paid me significantly more than I had ever charged. That project showed me the value of my work and made me realize that I needed to get serious about my branding and business strategy.
I invested in a business coach, dove deep into learning about brand strategy, and refined my processes. Instead of just designing pretty “stuff”, I started focusing on creating strategic brand identities that helped my clients grow their businesses. This shift changed everything.
The Challenges of Growing an Online Business
Scaling my business wasn’t always easy. I made plenty of mistakes along the way, including:
Launching a DIY branding course that flopped because I didn’t have a solid marketing strategy.
Underpricing my services and overworking myself to the point of burnout.
Struggling to find the right clients who valued strategy as much as design.
Despite these setbacks, I kept going. I adjusted my pricing, refined my services, and started attracting clients who aligned with my vision.
Why Brand Strategy Was the Game-Changer
One of the biggest lessons I learned was that branding is more than just visuals. It’s about crafting a strategy that positions you as the go-to expert in your niche. When I started incorporating brand strategy into my business, I…
Attracted higher-paying, long-term clients
Stood out from the competition in a saturated market
Built a business that felt aligned with my strengths and passion
This approach ultimately helped me scale to six figures and build a business that supports my lifestyle and family. And now, this is exactly what I help my clients do both in my done-for-you projects and inside The Six Figure Brand Society.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
If you’re looking to grow your own online business, here’s my advice:
✅ Treat your business like a business—not a hobby
✅ Invest strategic branding to help you stand out from your competition
✅ Charge your worth and don’t be afraid to increase your prices.
✅ Be patient—building a successful business takes time
Ready to Build Your Own Six-Figure Brand?
If my journey resonates with you, I’d love to help you do the same. Whether you need a strategic brand identity, a conversion-focused website, or guidance inside The Six Figure Brand Society, I’ve got you covered.
🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned In The Episode:
➡️ Follow me on Instagram @spechtand.co
➡️ Learn More About The Six Figure Brand Society
🎧 Listen to episode 1 of The Six Figure Brand Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube
