We had the good fortune of connecting with Ray Stiles, Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ray, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business stemmed from my desire to pursue my passion for graphic design and creativity. After spending 25 years working in corporate America and gaining valuable insight into business operations, I felt it was time to take the leap and start my own business. I wanted to have the freedom to explore my creative abilities and offer clients a personalized, one-on-one approach to design services.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a graphic designer, I specialize in creating unique and personalized designs for my clients. What sets me apart from others is my approach to collaboration with my clients. I believe that communication is key, and I strive to create a one-on-one relationship with each client to ensure that their needs and desires are fully understood.
One of the things I am most proud of is my ability to adapt to new technologies and design trends. As the industry changes rapidly, it’s important to stay up-to-date and keep learning new skills. I constantly strive to improve my craft and offer my clients the latest design solutions.
Getting to where I am today professionally was not easy. There were many challenges along the way, such as balancing the demands of corporate America while also building my own business. But I overcame these challenges by remaining focused on my goals and continuously educating myself on the latest design trends and techniques.
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that communication is key to a successful collaboration with clients. It’s crucial to take the time to understand their needs, listen to their ideas, and offer creative solutions that exceed their expectations.
What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that I am passionate about creating beautiful designs that bring value to my client’s businesses. My dedication to my craft and commitment to excellence is reflected in every project I take on, and I am excited to continue building my brand and reputation as a top-tier graphic designer.
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?
As a native of the hills of Northeast Georgia, I would be thrilled to show my friends the beautiful mountains and all the wonderful experiences that come with it. We would start by exploring the numerous hiking trails and scenic overlooks in the area, taking in the breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. We would then head to some of the local wineries and vineyards, such as Yonah Mountain Vineyards or Wolf Mountain Vineyards, where we could enjoy some of the best wines in the region while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
For food, we would visit some of the local farm-to-table restaurants that specialize in Southern cuisines, such as The Farmhouse at Serenbe or The National in Athens. We would also visit some of the local farmers’ markets to sample fresh produce and artisanal goods. For entertainment, we could attend a concert or event at The Georgia Theatre or The Fox Theatre, both of which are historic venues that showcase a variety of performers and shows throughout the year.
Overall, the Northeast Georgia region is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, culinary delights, and cultural experiences. I am proud to call this area my home and would love to share its many treasures.
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?
As a small business, I have been fortunate enough to have a supportive network of family and friends who have encouraged and believed in me throughout my journey. Their unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental in helping me navigate the ups and downs of starting a business. I am grateful for their continued support and would like to dedicate this magazine article to all those who have helped me along the way.
Website: https://www.thestilesco.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stilesandcompany/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stilesandco