Meet Paula Lorraine McDade from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She is Stellar Creative LLC’s founder and Chief Creative Officer and has been in business for 5 years. Paula uses innovation to uplift the brands of creative entrepreneurs, ministry professionals, and nonprofit organizations.
What does your dream life look like? Are you currently living your dream or still working on it?
My dream life is a colorful tapestry woven with threads of success, adventure, and connection. It’s a life where I have built a global business/brand, where my creativity and innovation resonate with people worldwide, positively impacting their lives.
I envision thriving relationships with my loved ones, cherishing deep connections that nurture my soul and bring joy to everyday moments. I dream of finding a partner with whom I can build a life filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.
Traveling the world is also a part of my dream life, as I have never ventured overseas. I want to explore new cultures, immerse myself in unfamiliar landscapes, and embrace the world’s beauty and diversity. I want to experience the wonders firsthand, creating memories that will stay with me forever.
While I may not be living this dream life in its fullness, I am wholeheartedly working towards it. Each day is an opportunity for growth, learning, and taking steps closer to my goals. I believe in the power of dedication, perseverance, and continuous self-improvement. I am committed to making my dream life a reality.
Life is a journey, and I embrace the process of shaping my dream life with passion and determination. I am excited about the possibilities and remain steadfast in pursuing a life filled with purpose, success, and extraordinary experiences.
Tell me about your business and the work you do.
As the Chief Creative Officer of Stellar Creative LLC, my role revolves around unleashing the power of imagination and innovation to uplift creative entrepreneurs, ministry professionals, and nonprofit organizations.
I work closely with busy entrepreneurs through our boutique brand, offering them tailored solutions that amplify their brand identity and captivate their target audience. From designing stunning visuals to crafting compelling content, we are dedicated to empowering these visionaries with the tools they need to leave a lasting impression in their respective industries.
Additionally, I extend support to ministry professionals, assisting them in creating impactful materials that convey their message of faith, hope, and inspiration. My collaborative approach ensures their unique voice shines through, resonating with their followers and amplifying their ministry’s reach.
Nonprofit organizations hold a special place in my heart. I am honored to partner with them in their mission to make a positive difference. By providing them with top-notch design, web development, and publishing services, I help elevate their initiatives, enhance their visibility, and attract the support necessary to promote their worthy causes.
What inspired you to start this business?
Starting Stellar Creative LLC as the Chief Creative Officer has been an incredible journey, inspired by my deep passion for creativity, entrepreneurship, and making a meaningful impact.
It all began with a heartfelt realization – nonprofits, ministries and creatives often face daunting challenges when it comes to navigating the world of branding, design, and publishing. They needed access to top-notch creative services from someone who understands their needs. That’s why I founded Stellar Creative, a place where entrepreneurs can find the comprehensive support they need to bring their visions to life.
What’s a challenge you’ve faced along your entrepreneurial journey so far?
Along my entrepreneurial journey, one of the most fundamental challenges I encountered was navigating the difficulties of running a business. I initially struggled with entrepreneurship’s practical details as a creative soul driven by passion and ideas.
Initially, I faced a steep learning curve in financial management, marketing strategies, and operational planning. It was overwhelming to juggle the creative aspects I loved with the essential business functions required to sustain and grow my business. Balancing creativity with managing a business’s demands proved quite a hurdle.
How has being an introvert affected your business?
Being an introvert (leaning more toward ambivert) has presented challenges in certain aspects of my business. Networking, for example, may not come as naturally to me as it does to some extroverted entrepreneurs.
But I have learned to adapt and leverage my strengths in this area. Rather than trying to be the life of the party, I focus on building deeper, more meaningful connections with a select group of individuals who share similar values and goals. This quality-over-quantity approach has proven fruitful in building authentic partnerships and a strong support network.
Also, I have had to push myself outside my comfort zone when it comes to public speaking and promoting my work. However, by embracing growth opportunities and developing my communication skills, I have discovered my unique voice and found ways to effectively convey my ideas and connect with my target audience.
In essence, being an introvert in the business world has been a journey of self-discovery, adaptation, and embracing the strengths which come naturally with my personality. By leaning into my introspective nature, active listening skills, and keen observation, I have been able to bring a distinct and valuable perspective to my business.
While it may require occasional stepping outside my comfort zone, I believe the balance of introversion and extroversion has ultimately enriched my entrepreneurial endeavors and contributed to my overall success.
How can a woman who is an introvert elevate her brand in the business arena?
Being an introverted woman can be a decisive advantage when navigating the business arena. As an introvert, you have unique qualities that can help you stand out and make a meaningful impact.
One way to innovate is by harnessing your natural ability to listen deeply and observe closely. Introverts tend to be great listeners, which means you can truly understand your ideal customers’ or clients’ needs and desires. This allows you to develop innovative solutions that address their pain points and offer something truly valuable and unique.
If interested, you can schedule a complimentary 30-minute quick consult with me, “The Idea Mogul” about how to make your business stand out: Calendly.com/stellarcreates
What methods do you use to bring in new clients?
Ultimately, my methods revolve around the power of authentic connections. Whether it’s through personal recommendations or engaging on social media platforms, I prioritize building relationships based on trust, value, and personal touch. I truly appreciate and take an interest in my clients.
Whether it is the birth of a new baby, a wedding, or graduation, I let them know I celebrate with them. By combining the organic growth of word-of-mouth referrals with the digital reach of social media, I have created a robust and dynamic customer acquisition strategy that continues to drive the growth of my business.
Is attending networking events a part of your marketing strategy?
While attending networking events initially played a role in my marketing strategy during my business’s early stages, I shifted my focus towards relationship building and community outreach as more impactful avenues for growth.
Networking events provided valuable opportunities to connect with professionals in my industry, exchange ideas, and expand my network. They allowed me to showcase my services, establish initial contacts, and gain insights into the needs in the marketplace. However, I found that the true power lies in fostering genuine, long-lasting relationships and making a meaningful impact within the community.
Instead of solely relying on networking events, I have embraced a more holistic approach by volunteering and actively participating in community initiatives. By aligning myself with causes and organizations that resonate with my values and interests, I am giving back and establishing a deep sense of connection and trust within the community.
How do you define success for yourself and your business?
First and foremost, my success lies in the relationships I forge along my journey.
Whether collaborating with clients, working alongside talented individuals, or engaging with my community, success is achieved when these relationships thrive and contribute to a sense of shared purpose and fulfillment. Building connections based on trust, respect, and mutual growth is essential.
Secondly, success is about making a positive impact. I strive to leave a lasting impression by using my skills, knowledge, and resources to effect positive change in the lives of those I encounter. Whether through my services, mentoring others, or engaging in community initiatives, success is measured by the difference I can make, no matter how small or significant.
Creating beautiful work is another piece of my definition of success. As a creative professional, I want to produce work that evokes emotion, captures attention, and leaves a lasting impression.
Success is achieved when I can translate ideas into tangible art expressions that inspire, inform, and delight others. Whether it’s a captivating design, a thought-provoking piece of writing, or a transformative experience, success is the intersection of creativity and craftsmanship that touches the hearts and minds of those who encounter it.
What advice would you give to other introverted women who are just starting their own businesses?
To introverted women starting their own businesses, my advice is this:
Embrace your introversion as a unique asset, allowing for deep listening and thoughtful answers to the needs of your clients & consumers.
Use your strengths to build genuine connections and make good decisions about the direction of your business.
Cultivate confidence by celebrating achievements and surrounding yourself with supportive networks.
Remember, being introverted doesn’t limit success but offers a distinct advantage in creating a business that aligns with your values and makes a meaningful impact.
Thank you for taking the time to share your story.
If you want to learn more about Paula Lorraine McDade, you can find her via these websites:
https://www.facebook.com/StellarCreates
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulalorraine/
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