Sequoia Mulgrave
Circle: What were you doing before you started DailyMode Studio?
Sequoia: I started as an art director for publishing companies before moving to small business marketing. After experiencing both environments, I knew there was still a need to bring high-level media design and marketing to small businesses. Through my experience and the support Squarespace provides, I have been able to build a business that does just that.
C: What’s DailyMode all about?
S: DailyMode Studio helps entrepreneurs and small businesses build a profitable business through Squarespace web design and email marketing. Our mission is to help the “small fry” businesses build a sustainable brand through goal-driven and automated design. We believe even the smallest of companies can succeed and provide value.
C: How did your family and friends react when you started DailyMode Studio?
S: I come from a line of women that have, in one shape or another, started a business. Whether it’s was tutoring, teaching lessons, cleaning homes, and even babysitting. The entrepreneurial spirit shines bright in my family and has definitely played a part in my business growth.
C: How did you decide to offer Squarespace websites to your clients?
S: Squarespace is really the only platform that allows my clients to manage their website without overwhelming them. When I realized how easy it was to train a client to navigate their Squarespace site, I knew it would ultimately be the best solution for our audience. Most importantly, it provides small businesses with the same opportunity as any Fortune 500 company.
C: How did you first get involved with Squarespace Circle?
S: I actually joined Squarespace Circle as a growth task on my New Year's resolutions. I wanted to get out of my shell and really join a community to help me grow as a creative. Circle has provided so many resources—the guides have been so helpful, especially starting out. Circle’s also a great place to come when you have creative block and need a support group to help you work through it!
“My clients have grown their businesses through our services and using the Squarespace platform. Seeing that and understanding that my work has been able to bring them income, recognition, and ultimately change their lives has been the most rewarding opportunity. ”
C: How has Squarespace Circle helped you achieve your business goals?
S: I believe the collection of information provided by Circle members helps us all build better systems to grow our businesses. I’ve personally shared my own design process and seen other members see progress by using it. The more we help each other grow, the better individuals we become for ourself, our families, and our businesses.
C: What kind of growth have you seen since adding Squarespace to your toolkit and joining the Circle program?
S: I’ve seen tremendous growth in business professionalism and design operations. When I first joined Circle, I relied heavily on coding support from other Circle members. Now I can support other Circle members building their businesses. That transition has been so important to me and I can see it in other members as well.
C: How do you maintain work-life balance?
S: Balance is a word I don’t believe in. I think it’s always going to be hard to find a fair balance between life, family, and the work you’re passionate about. At DailyMode Studio, I try very hard to build a team culture that works for each individual—some people need mental health days or non-traditional hours. It’s important to find a flow that helps you do your best work. I’m a mom so making sure I have time to do the hard momming things in life is important and is built into my schedule. I’ve created a flow to my days that supports my family, my team, and my clients.
C: What work are you most proud of?
S: I’m so proud of my clients. My clients have grown their businesses through our services and using the Squarespace platform. Seeing that and understanding that my work has been able to bring them income, recognition, and ultimately change their lives has been the most rewarding opportunity.
C: What’s been the biggest change you’ve experienced since launching DailyMode Studio?
S: My biggest change has been a mindset shift. I used to always see myself and my team as small fries, but after years of work and growth, we now have so much value to offer. Recognizing that value has changed everything.
C: What advice would you give to someone just starting out with Squarespace?
S: Dive in with both feet! Squarespace Circle has so many resources that will put you years ahead, and if you just take advantage of it there's nothing stopping you from growing a profitable business! Also, interact with more members and seek out others. For a long time I didn’t make it a priority to engage in the Circle Forum because I thought “I’m not an expert yet,” but I wish I had stepped out of my comfort zone sooner. Everyone is very helpful and it’s a great opportunity to learn and collaborate.
Special thanks to Sequoia for sharing her story.
Find out more about Sequoia’s work on her website.
