Audio Interview
Interview Transcript
Lupe: What inspired you to start Chase Digital Solutions?
Esther: In the very beginning, I wanted to moonlight as a web designer while I was advancing in my nonprofit career. As I evolved professionally, I began to trace the common thread of marketing in everything I was doing, from web design to program promotions. At the nonprofits where I worked, I believed we could benefit from being more strategic with our marketing efforts; some people were great at promoting their own programs but others really struggled. Very few of the nonprofits had a formal marketing plan at the organizational level, and if they did, it wasn’t digital. On a personal level, I’m more motivated to take action on marketing messages when they explain why my involvement is important, and when they explain how it will impact their goals, mission, and vision. Today, we help our clients establish a confident, strategic, and purpose-driven online presence to position them for generating revenue.
Lupe: What was the biggest challenge for starting your own business?
Esther: The biggest challenge was figuring out how to make money doing what I enjoy, in a way that affirms my values and challenges me creatively. In some ways, I feel like I’m always starting again. With each prospective client, I renew my commitment to the practice of selectivity. I ask myself if I agree with their business purpose—either partially, or completely—and I aim for complete agreement. It’s also increasingly important that I work with clients who respect me beyond the surface level of politeness and courtesy. Sometimes they just want a website—but I want clients who value my perspective.
Lupe: What do you like most about working at CDS?
Esther: The thing I like most about our workplace culture is that it’s informal and malleable. At first, I like to work one-to-one with our people because I think it’s important to learn from them, to coach them, and for us to mentor each other in a low-pressure environment. I enjoy hiring people who have more education and a wider variety of experiences than I do because they see things differently. As we scale up our own marketing activities and online presence, I look forward to having our teammates develop collaborations with each other. I hope they begin to create with one another’s style and preferences in mind. It’s fun when we figure out how to respect ourselves and each other as artists at work. Every artist has a unique creative process.
Lupe: What advice would you give people who want to develop their brand or business?
Esther: I would say that it’s best to move at your own pace, no matter what kind of brand or business you want. Others will ask questions out of curiosity and concern, and they may even offer advice, but try not to let that affect the pace at which you do things. Some of them will think you should hurry up, and some of them will think you should slow down. I learned a lot about myself when I began to realize there are times to be fast and there are times to be slow. I had to develop the ability to be responsive to situations and opportunities, but also to stabilize and recommit after periods of growth, change, and stagnation. I think figuring out how to navigate this process is the key to long-term success. You win every time you refuse to give up, and this leads to significant breakthrough moments.
Lupe: It’s inspiring to see women entrepreneurs in your portfolio. Do you have some tips for women who are starting their own businesses?
Esther: Find some women to do business with—if that’s tough to accomplish in the beginning, then find women who understand the art of networking and referrals. I have been fortunate to have friends who fit all of these roles. Whenever you’re not doing the first two things, put a lot of effort into building your portfolio or improving your products or services. If you do all three activities with passion, you can’t lose. You will get noticed and you will get help in real life. This quote sums it up so well:
Your difference is present no matter what line of work you do. It is not based on size; it is based on quality. Quality permeates the network of which we are each a part.
—GurujiMa
Lupe: What is something people may not know about you?
Esther: That’s the hardest question of all! I shared so much of my personality and my life online before I moved to California that it’s challenging to think of something people wouldn’t know. New people may not know that meditation has improved my life. I’m still the same person I used to be, but I’m calmer and less judgmental now.
Lupe: So what’s next for CDS? Where do you see CDS going in the next 5 years?
Esther: It’s wide open. I feel receptive and optimistic about our direction. I know it will be a reflection of who we work with and what we aspire to do. We will definitely rebrand and develop a higher purpose. It makes sense to move in an ever-positive direction.
Lupe: We have a fun giveaway to celebrate 8 years of CDS. Esther, can you share what our giveaway is?
Esther: Yes! We are excited to offer a no-cost Marketing Analysis for your endeavor. This extensive review will highlight your marketing strengths and suggest areas for improvement. To request a fully customized 7-page analysis, visit our website and mention “Marketing Analysis” in the contact form.
Interview as Video
>> See what‘s sprouting behind the scenes. Get our news delivered right to your inbox.