We had the good fortune of connecting with Alisha Miles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alisha, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
All businesses face challenges when they start, usually from not properly planning, but also from not taking advantage of bridging their services with a unique brand. Most small, new businesses are created off of mere passion and drive, and never discover what it means to market and understand their audience. I knew from my own bad judgement of not taking the time to build my aesthetic, my brand, and my visual presence that I had to help others start off the right way. Hence, my desire to help businesses explore creative ways to display their visual style through various types of media forms. I was on a completely different path when I landed on this way of doing business. I knew that I had a creative capacity to help all types of businesses build their visual communication and corporate presence. I see beyond the wall that most owners hit when trying to promote themselves and their services. As a result, I began Artful Media offering graphic design, website design, and branding services. It was time to help entrepreneurs and established businesses find their look.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Since 2006, I have worked with a wide range of businesses and individuals, whether they were starting their business from scratch or looking for a new look. The vision grew with the creation of my own wedding invitations and the experiences in that area simply continued to grow. By 2010, I was creating more items for non-profit, faith-based, small and corporate businesses that I felt like I was finally in the groove of where the passion of design truly lies. It offers the opportunity to be creative, colorful and forward-thinking. I earned a Master of Business Administration in 2006 and a Masters in Public Administration in 2010 so that I would understand all facets of private and public entities. I pride myself in understanding all the phases of business to thoroughly assist all types of business with their visual communication and corporate presence. However, I have to say that this road was not easy. I fought with myself and voiced rather it was even worth it. Long days and nights just felt overwhelming. I had to learn how to streamline and work on what made sense. Even now, I am continously growing and shaping my own business. I’ve learned to be patient with myself and to continue perfecting my craft.

What sets me apart from others is that I can read between the words, fashion, activities and experiences of my clients and determine immediately how their brand should look. I can also hear what they don’t say. Sometimes body language and silence speaks volumes. Just listening to them talk during a consultation and I can get a feel for how they should appear to their target audience and their competition. It’s about helping them set themselves apart as well. I want the world to know that taking a walk with me to discover their business brand, buidling their website, or creating their social media presence is a space for creativity and special attention. Taking the time to discover what your business looks like is what creates sustainability in a market that can be saturated. My abilitiy to “listen and convert” is where they will get an experience unlike any other.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve had the privilege of living in this same area for the majority of my life and to watch it flourish has been great. There are a few exciting places we would visit, such as the 14th Street Pedestrian Bridge, the National Infantry Museum, the Riverwalk to watch the rafting and ziplining activities, or walking the Uptown Columbus scene. There are also some special eateries such as Banks Food Hall, Trevioli Italian Kitchen or Mabella’s. We would also have to hit up my favorite neighborhood spots, such as Ed’s Southern Cooking and CJs Wings & Things. Heading into the nightlife, we would explore Hideaway Lounge, Martini’s or the Suite Bar and Grill.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Aside from all of my clients pushing me to be greater, learning from my mistakes, and driving that creative bug, my mother, Anne McLester, was the one who never let me waver. She continued to push me past my own perfectionism and procrastination (a terrible combination by the way). She gave me the opportunity to grow into my creativity, unapologetically. My husband, Demetrius Miles, offers tough supportive love that provides the stability needed for me to succeed. He has seen the struggles and understands me well enough to let me have my space, but to also correct behavior that speaks against my success. Lastly, my coach, Brian Fitzpatrick. He is the one that crushes the small thinking and pushes the strategies to not only help me, but also my clients. I would highly recommend “You are a BadAss: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life” by Jen Sincero (2013) It was life changing. It encouraged me to begin examining that “sweet spot” where passion and purpose meets the practical.

Website: www.artfulmediabrand.com

Instagram: @artfulmediabrand

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artfulmediabrand

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