Spot-light on: Design By Esi

Who is Design By Esi? Where are you located?
Design by Esi is a web design studio located in North East Pennsylvania. We specialize in Custom web design, flash intros, logos and banner design.


How did you come up with your business name?
Esi is my middle name and it's the name that I'm most commonly called by close friends. I wanted a name that allowed my clients to know me by name and at the same time give a brief description of what the business is about.


When and why did you decide to start your own business?
After having my children, I wanted something that I could do that enabled me to be at home with them and also have a career at the same time.


How did you get started?
Well about 5 years ago, I sold various products online through an auction site. At times it was really challenging because I wasn't getting the exposure needed to make a great sale. I started looking into getting a website to showcase my products but found that a basic ecommerce site started from a thousand dollars or more. Being a stay at home mom trying to start a business with not much of an income, it was important to save every penny. I started putting money away and started researching as I wanted the best site for my thousand dollars. While researching, I found myself learning and going through tutorials. The more I read, the more intrigued I became and just started doing practice sites, which at the time, I felt were great but looking back now, they were very basic. I wanted to improve and eventually enrolled in a program where I studied web design.


What motivates you to keep your business going?
The challenges that my clients bring me and knowing that they are happy with their site, keeps me motivated. My family keeps me motivated.


Do you have a particular product that's unique or an offer that you are promoting on your site?
All of our websites are unique and are built based upon clients' ideas and visions.

I'm a strong advocate for work at home mothers, and know what its like to just start out from humble beginning, so we have great deals for Moms starting new businesses or moms with existing business that want to redo their web site.


How do you advertise your business? Which methods proved successful/effective?
Most of my advertising has been through word-of-mouth and I'm thankful that this interview opportunity has come along to enable me to get myself out there.


How do you juggle family and work at home?
Through serious organization. I create a schedule during the week which allows me to organize work around the children's activities and family events.

I have a very caring husband, who has supported all my endeavors. He watches the children after he gets back from work allowing me to focus more on the business.


What advice would you give to moms seeking to become a WAHM?
I definitely say 'go for it'. It does require a lot of time and patience. There are going to be many obstacles in the way, but having that sense of independence and knowing that you are going to be a positive role model to your child makes it all worth the while. Having a supportive family really help too.


Current promotions/specials at Design By Esi:
For the month of October, we are offering a special ecommerce package for new businesses. For 25% off, it includes web design, banner design and installation of a shopping cart.


Visit Design By Esi at: www.designbyesi.com




(Note: Logo, product images and interview responses courtesy of Design By Esi. Please respect their work and do not copy and/or alter their images and words. Thank you! )