From the origin story of their businesses to the ways they allowed themselves to grow as entrepreneurs, our Female Founders series gives a view into the lives of successful women from a variety of industries. Join us for today’s feature, Chelsea Meagher, offering a behind the scenes look at some of what she has done to succeed so far, advice for those starting off, and plans for the future.
What’s your business and how did you get started?
I founded The Sole Circle, a brand identity studio working primarily with sustainable businesses in industries across health and wellness, food and beverage, and beauty products. I’m adamant about working with good people who do good business and want The Sole Circle to be known for its honesty, authenticity, and goal-getting nature.
I knew exactly what I wanted to do from the very beginning, but I spent a year digging deep into who The Sole Circle is and how that translates visually and tonally. I believe in identity, both personally and professionally, and now I’m able to help other business owners determine what their business’s identity looks and sounds like to their audience.
What is one thing you’re really proud of that you’ve created or accomplished?
I’m extremely proud of the network I’ve built over the last decade. Before I started The Sole Circle, I had no concept of networking or its importance, but now I realize I’ve been unintentionally building my network all along!
I’ve earned new clients from past client referrals—each one being because of the work I delivered in the end. I pride myself on being a great communicator and I’ve found that combined with my design work, my communication skills have allowed me to naturally build long-term relationships that have been invaluable when starting The Sole Circle.
Now, I network somewhat intentionally, but ultimately, it only works for me when it feels like a natural connection. I’m terrible at forcing anything, so it makes me happy knowing I’m able to genuinely connect with people and build my clientele through that.
What is the boldest thing you’ve ever done in business?
When I first started my business, I let go of the only client I was working with. Yes, you read that right—my only client! To put it simply, they weren’t fostering the environment I desired for The Sole Circle. I’m serious about the culture I’ve built and am unwilling to take on a client that may hinder it.
I ended up refusing their final payment because the relationship felt toxic towards my creativity, even though I knew I would receive $0/month until I built my clientele back up. It was scary, but I was also the happiest I’d been in my life, realizing I have the power to control the energy I work with daily.
What’s one thing you’re currently excited about for the future of your business?
Growing my team has been so rewarding and beautiful all at once. Being able to cultivate a good energy and foster ethical business practices with good-hearted colleagues is unreal. It feels like a dream! We offer each other so much insight because we have this melting pot of different mindsets and experiences. It feels incredibly gratifying knowing you have curated the positive vibes you originally intended for your business. I look forward to hiring more people over the next few months in a way that meets the quality and effort I put in myself.
What’s your best business advice you would give to other women?
Just start it. Do it! It’s scary as hell but it’s worth it beyond words. If you can sacrifice the time to start your business, do it. You’ll realize how much ambition you have within you when you need it to eat.
One more thing—focus on your identity. If you aren’t sure what you stand for, how can you preach what you offer?
What’s your favorite thing about being a business owner?
I love deciding exactly how the business is run. I can say no to clients who aren’t the right fit, I have the power to determine the culture of the business, and I look out for my team the same way I wanted to be looked out for when I was a young designer.
I’ve experienced a range of workplace cultures throughout my years—some good, some bad, some that made me want to cry in the bathroom—and each one of those experiences has helped me curate a space and a culture that works for my business and my team. I make sure everyone is well taken care of, heard, and knows what is expected.
