We had the good fortune of connecting with Dana Doss and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dana, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always loved the internet since a young age. It’s fascinating the amount of information you can learn. I loved viewing so many different sites that had been created. When I was a teacher I would even help my students create their own websites to house their work and personalize it to reflect them. I have dabbled in blogging myself, even had a podcast, and built several websites over the last decade. One of my favorite parts was making the site look and work like I wanted it to. So a couple of years ago, when my husband’s aunt asked if I would make her a site to share her refurbished antiques I was honored! When sharing her newly created site with her, she encouraged me to really go for it and make a business helping others who needed their own website. I put the word out that I was available to design websites and have been overwhelmed with the amazing people I get to work with on a daily basis. They are trusting me to give them a home on the web; somewhere that reflects their personality or business. I love it!
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I haven’t always owned my own web design company. I taught elementary school for 7 years and worked as an Instructional Technology Specialist. I always incorporated technology into my lessons and earned a Masters degree in technology. Starting out I had a lot of hands-on experience and have taken several courses to hone my craft since then! I love handing over the sites I create and getting responses of pure joy that this is now their home of the web!
So many of my clients are just not sure where to start and want to keep it simple and that’s why Doss Design + Co. was created. I genuinely want them to have a place they love, are proud to share, and give a solution to any needs they have for their site. I create websites, digital designs, social media management, and printables.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many great places around the area where I live! I’d have to start out in the mountains of North Georgia for a weekend trip. I love visiting the restaurants and shops in downtown Clayton and you have to visit Julep Farms to take in the grounds, enjoy some delicious food, and shop around. You can find some really beautiful airbnbs in that area as well.
Then, for some fun and adventure in Athens, GA you can go rafting on the Broad River and have dinner at a great spot in downtown Athens. My husband and I love to visit Trapeze, Last Resort, The Place, and Academia. There are so many it’s certainly hard to choose! Check out the Georgia Theatre if there’s a band in town and go see a show. And you can always head up to Hybar in Athens for a perfect sunset and view of the downtown. If it’s football season, the best place to be on a Saturday is Sanford Stadium to cheer on the Dawgs and walk around campus.
And we’d end it all back at one of the best places…Athens Church! From the band on Sunday morning, to the message, and the incredible people who want to learn more about Jesus, we are glad we live close!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have learned that owning and running your own business is not for the faint of heart! During the busy moments I could not make it without my husband. He encourages me almost daily, making me feel unstoppable. He’s also an entrepreneur and CPA so we could talk business all of the time if we allowed ourselves. I love sharing our dreams for the future and celebrating how much we’ve grown!
My CLIENTS! Starting out I literally doubted that anyone would need a site, let alone hire me to design it. I am blown away daily by the incredible business owners I work with. Their heart and passion keeps me going and each one is a different journey that makes my job so exciting!
My mom is an avid reader and so intelligent. I often send her the sites and she will proofread them before I share with my client! She’s a gift!
I have an awesome friend, Kristen, who works with me on some sites. She is highly organized and helps with some of the backend of the shops. I am so grateful for her!
AND all of my sweet friends who encourage me, support me, and trust me with their digital designs! It takes a village!
Website: www.dossdesignandco.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dossdesignandco/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DossDesignANDCo
Image Credits
Anna Beth Doss photography