Meredith Cancilla is the founder of Quixotic Design Co., a remote design agency focused on helping women become industry leaders. Since launching in 2017, Meredith has helped hundreds of women-owned businesses become the go-to in their field with Quixotic Design Co.’s signature, results-driven branding process.
A process that’s helped her clients get their products into Nordstrom, Goop, and Anthropologie, increase new inquiries by over 300% and double their Instagram engagement rate.
For more details, visit their website here.
Here we sit down with Meredith to learn more about her journey as an entrepreneur.
Q. Tell us a little more about your journey as an entrepreneur – how did you get started? What inspired you?
Meredith: I left my last agency position to have some time to process after losing someone very close to me. During that time, I toyed with the idea of never going back to an office. Taking a break from the repetition of everyday agency life allowed me to take my business from an idea to a real-life studio. I picked a name (which was honestly the hardest part), designed my brand and website, and started posting my work to Instagram. Within a few months, I had enough clients to keep me afloat.
Q. What are your long-term goals in business? Paint a vision for the future
Meredith: I want to help other entrepreneurs take the leap, and feel empowered to start their own businesses. The joy that my clients and students have experienced in leaving their corporate jobs to start their own gigs is what keeps me excited to go to work every day. Giving new entrepreneurs the tools, community, and support they need to succeed is my top priority. Watching them step into their role as CEO and thrive is the icing on the cake.
Q. What motivates you?
Meredith: There are 114% more women entrepreneurs than there were 20 years ago, and a whopping 12.3 million in the US alone. Our client list is made up of 99% women and we prioritize female applicants in all new positions. As a female-founded and female-led team, you’ll feel right at home.
Q. What business-related book has inspired you the most, or, what is your favorite book?
Meredith: Building a Story Brand.
Q. What is the most memorable thing you’ve done since you started your business?
Meredith: One of my greatest accomplishments so far is building a client process that gets my clients incredible results. After a decade in this industry, I’ve compiled all of my years of design experience into a process that allows my clients to feel at ease (my clients actually enjoy the design experience), keep my team on track and in the know, and best use my time.
Q. What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
Meredith: My team. Enlisting the help of other experts has allowed me to focus on my specific zone of genius and has brought SO. MUCH. VALUE. to my business.
Q. Where do you see the future in your niche/industry 3-5 years from now?
Meredith: There’s no doubt that user-friendly design apps and DIY logos are on the rise, but what I think will differentiate mediocre brands from industry leaders (now and in the future) is brand strategy. These DIY Canva logos have a high turnover, and with high turnover comes decreased brand recognition. Without an understanding of the brand’s overarching strategy (position in the market, ideal audience, marketing plan, etc.), it’s difficult to create a brand that lasts the test of time. Investing in your brand strategy is the surefire way to build a brand that feels true to you and your business – even decades down the road.
Remote Startup Advisor Weighs In On How to Thrive in Online Work Era(Opens in a new browser tab)
Q. What is your ‘one-sentence’ piece of advice you’d like to give to someone who wants to become an entrepreneur, coach, or business owner?
Meredith: Take risks, measure results, and be ready to adjust your sails.
To keep up to date with Meredith and her journey, connect with her on Instagram.
