Exploring Life & Business with TaKenya Hampton of Studio117 Creative

Today we’d like to introduce you to TaKenya Hampton.

Hi TaKenya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving and finding smarter ways to accomplish things, especially when it comes to technology.

I started my first WordPress blog when I was finishing grad school as a passion project. It was a time when everyone was using Blogspot, but my husband, a programmer, recommended WordPress for its technical advantages. He set it up for me and encouraged me to learn how to navigate it, and I soon became hooked on experimenting with plugins and themes, even though I broke the site a couple of times in the process. It was through these mishaps that I learned best practices and troubleshooting.

As my interest in blogging grew, I began to focus on making my blog a source of income so I could stay at home with my family and work more on my own terms. I then went on to work for an ad agency that supported bloggers and then a company that created plugins for bloggers, gaining valuable knowledge and experience along the way.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, and my son needed to be homeschooled, I realized the need for flexibility and decided to start my own business. While I initially focused on life and business coaching, my passion for technology led me to shift my focus in late 2021. I still offer coaching services, but I have found my niche in helping with tech and systems.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think many entrepreneurs would agree that the journey is far from smooth; it’s definitely been an adventure for me.

I’m a doer, and I take care of all aspects of my business, but marketing has been a major challenge for me. Most of my clients come from referrals, and I’m incredibly thankful for that.

My biggest struggle is communicating what we do and why we’re the best choice for our customers.

I have a soft spot for other entrepreneurs because I understand the challenges of working with a limited budget. I’m always striving to strike a balance between affordability and delivering exceptional service, as providing outstanding service is crucial to my brand.

Being a solopreneur can be isolating. That’s why I joined Provident1898, a coworking space in Durham. It allows me to be around other small business owners and creatives and provides a change of scenery from my home office.

I recently brought on an intern, which has been a wonderful experience. It’s been amazing to teach and work with her on a daily basis, and I hope to continue doing so with others at some point as a form of giving back and growing among others.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Studio117 Creative, we’re all about helping small businesses, nonprofits, and bloggers thrive in the digital space. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, we specialize in WordPress design and support, providing comprehensive systems and tools to enhance our clients’ efficiency and growth.

What We Do
We offer a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients, including:
-WordPress Website Design: From single-page sites to complex WooCommerce stores and everything in between, we create visually appealing, functional, and user-friendly websites that clients can manage on their own or with our support.

-Maintenance & Support Plans: Our EmpowerTech Maintenance plans ensure your site is always secure, up-to-date, and running smoothly, with options for ongoing support and even content services.

-System Solutions: We help you navigate the systems and setups needed to run the backend of your business, including email marketing tools, training resources for employees, project management, and more.

What Sets Us Apart
Personalized Service: We take the time to understand your business goals and tailor our services to meet your specific needs.

Comprehensive Support: From the initial design to ongoing maintenance, we provide end-to-end support to ensure your website remains an asset to your business.

Experience & Expertise: With years of experience in digital marketing, web design, and business strategy, we bring a wealth of knowledge to every project. We don’t just do the work, we educate and empower.

Community Focus: We’re proud to support our local community and help other small businesses and nonprofits succeed.

What We’re Known For

Client-Centered Approach: We’re known for our dedication to our clients, providing personalized solutions and exceptional customer service.

Innovative Solutions: We stay ahead of industry trends to offer the latest tools and techniques for running your business.

Quality & Reliability: Our clients trust us for our attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to delivering high-quality work.

Brand Pride
We’re most proud of our commitment to empowering small businesses and nonprofits. Our goal is to help you not only establish a strong online presence but also thrive in the digital world. We take pride in our role as a trusted partner in our client’s growth and success.

What We Want You to Know
If you’re looking for a dedicated partner to help elevate your online presence, Studio117 Creative is here for you. Whether you need a brand-new website, ongoing maintenance and support, or strategic marketing solutions, we have the expertise and passion to help you succeed. Visit our website at studio117creative.com to learn more about our offerings and how we can support your business goals

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
There are two. Believe in yourself more than anyone else. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you and your goals. Find mentors to learn from and teach others what you know. It’s all about balance and mutual support.

Not everyone is your customer, and it’s important to identify who is the right fit for your business. It’s perfectly acceptable to be honest and tell someone when you don’t think it’s a good match – in fact, they will likely respect you for it. This allows you to make space for clients who are aligned with your business and goals.

Contact Info:

• Website:studio117creative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio117creative/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studio117creative/
• Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TgtKa1kNmqrq9jre6?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy 

Image Credits
Brand photos are the work of Denise Benson Photography and Ashley Payne Photography