I founded Purplelily Design in 2005. Twenty-one years later, I'm still doing what I set out to do – creating thoughtful, effective design for good people. 💜
This photograph takes me back to 2005/06, when I was sewing the seeds of my business. Can you find me?*
The newspaper caption reads: “Hammie (left) chats to potential businesswomen at Solent Business Centre.”
Back then, I had eight years of design agency experience, a shiny new Apple Mac and a clear ambition: to make a living creating good design for good people, on my own terms.
I wanted the freedom to choose the clients and projects I work with, so I could create a business that truly reflects what I am passionate about. While I didn’t have a five-year plan (I've never finished my business plan!), I was clear about my goals and ready to work hard to achieve them.
I’ve worked in a variety of fields like advertising, education, marketing, corporate communications, and the charity sector. Along the way, I’ve created so much, from brand identities and campaigns to publications, reports, and infographics.
I'm proud of what I've built. Not because every year has been easy (far from it!), but because I've stayed true to the principles that mattered when I started: independence, creativity and doing work that makes a positive difference.
That young businesswoman in the photograph had no idea what the next 21 years would bring. But she had made a start – and that's what counts.
21 years on, I'm still designing, learning every day, and still doing things differently.
Here's to taking the leap, backing yourself and building something you're proud of. 💜
*I'm in the back row, next to the lady wearing black.
#21YearsInBusiness #BusinessJourney #FreelanceDesigner
Tracy with other business owners at the start of Purplelily Design’s business journey.