We had the good fortune of connecting with Onyia Ali and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Onyia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was raised in a family full of entrepreneurs and grew up seeing firsthand what business ownership was really about – the good and the ugly.
Thinking about starting my own company was intimidating at first. I knew it was going to be a lot of work, but I also knew that entrepreneurship could provide me with the freedom and stability I deserved in my life.
I was hungry to be my own boss, but I had no idea how to make my dreams a reality. I knew I needed to crack the code, so I used every minute of free time I had and hustled my ass off to learn everything I could about building businesses the right way.
I tested, stumbled, and failed my way through two launches, but what I learned through my experience helped me create a freedom-filled, financially stable lifestyle and the blueprint I still use with my clients today.
Anyone can start a business, but it takes the right knowledge and tools to succeed. Through my own wins and losses, I was able to develop a step-by-step method to build and launch successful brands so the freedom I’ve found through entrepreneurship can be attainable for everyone.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Well, I’m a brand strategist and web designer, but I like to call myself “The Business Designer” because what I do is so much deeper than aesthetics.
For me, design isn’t just making cute logos and websites. It’s something that can transform a vision into reality and a dream into a legacy.
My background in fine arts, wellness, and marketing allows me to see design from a holistic perspective to help my clients create successful and sustainable businesses of their own.
When I started designing in the digital space, I quickly noticed a gap in the industry. There were a lot of designers who created stunning work but left their clients confused and unprepared with their business behind the scenes.
I realized that having a good website was important, but without a solid foundation and automated process, it was pretty pointless (literally). I’ve seen too many amazing brands fail because they lacked organization and strategy so I vowed to empower people with the right knowledge and resources to handle the success they deserve.
With the addition of a little brand coaching, a few online tools, and some 1:1 training, I’m able to take my clients from an idea to a fully functioning, easy-to-run, professional business in just 6 weeks.
Through design, I was able to build a business that gives me the freedom I need and a life I’m proud of. We all have the power to design the lives we want and it’s my mission to help as many people as I can do the same.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Okay best friend, you only have a few days here in Atlanta so we’re going to make the most of it! First, we’re going to go to the Ponce City Market Roof so you can see the city skyline in all its glory. They have the best frozen margs, games, and food up there so we can have some fun and eat too. Next, we can go to a Braves or Atlanta United game. Even if we don’t win you’ll have a blast! Atlanta has some of the best soul food so you know we have to hit up a few of my favorite spots. Roc South has a great brunch vibe and the food is amazing! I know you like to party so we’ll hit the town one night and visit a few of my favorite places to drink and dance. No matter where we go, though, we’ll have fun. Atlanta has the best nightlife in the country – from the people to the music, and of course the hookah! Before you go, though, we have to have a picnic in Piedmont Park and check out the beautiful botanical gardens. It’s the perfect place to get some fresh air, ground yourself, and escape the city life for a minute.
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?
Briana Myrie – One of my best friends and copywriter! She has kept a spirit of enthusiasm, positivity, and professionalism at all times and her contributions to my business and life are absolutely priceless! On top of being an amazing and supportive friend, she has been a reliable and talented copywriter for every project I’ve hired her for. I wouldn’t be where I am without her!
Website: www.aligndigitaldesign.com
Instagram: @aligndigitaldesign
Facebook: @aligndigitaldesign
Image Credits
Barbara Grimes