There’s so much to know when starting a business, and there are bound to be surprises along the way. We asked seven designers—Michelle Cortizo, Swati Goorha, Natalie Kraiem, Denise McGaha, Steve Pallrand, Ana Claudia Schultz and Cherline Shea—what they wish they’d known before striking out on their own.
“Finding the right person to complement your talents, to fill in the areas where you are not as strong, is essential. That may mean hiring a business manager, taking on a managing partner, or contracting with an outside consultant, payroll or HR company. Whatever it may look like, finding the right person allows you the freedom to concentrate on the areas of your work that energize and motivate you, that feed your artistic drive [and] your business—make that happen! You will not regret it.” —Steve Pallrand, Home Front Build, Los Angeles