We’re looking forward to introducing you to Megan Larkins. Check out our conversation below.
Megan, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think what is most misunderstood about my business comes from the point of view on my services and the customers concept on them. I realize that a lot of business owners do not realize how powerful and important a website truly is for their business. Not only does the website provide a space for your customers to get to know your brand and purchase your products, but it provides a very powerful backend and “hub” for your brand.
Once I go through the process of setting my clients up with a website and teach them their dashboard with the intention behind everything they typically walk away feeling a lot more confident and excel in their business. They’re happier, more organized, and a lot more streamlined after working together.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
The Branding District is a branding and web design company that focuses on strategy and SEO. I provide my clients with a powerful platform that stops traffic and turns browsers into buyers.
I started this business almost 7 years ago. I initially opened an online boutique and built my own website. From there I had other business owners reaching out to ask for my help with their website, even though it wasn’t what “I did”… eventually I had enough of a client roster with the websites I decided to start my own marketing business.
Since then I have been recognized as the top branding and web agency in Charlotte, have earned several certifications, and have become recognized as an industry partner with several of the leading tech platforms such as Wix, Shopify, Squarespace, and more.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My father was has always been my biggest inspiration when it comes to business and how he conducted himself. Even though he passed away when I was 12 he left a legacy behind that will never be forgotten. My dad was a hard working man and made a successful career for himself in the Roofing/Construction industry. He was respected, powerful, yet polite and admirable. He was the person you define as “the type of man who could sell you the shirt off your own back.” He just had that charisma and posture about himself.
I have always kept him in the forefront of my mind when building my own brand and conducting myself as a human in this world. I remind myself of what he would be proud of, what his expectations would be, and what he would accept from me as a grown adult.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been a few times throughout the duration of my business when I question should I keep going. I have considered how much easier it would be to get a corporate job, only clock in from 8-5, and then go home to my family and take care of them. Instead I spend nights, weekends, and countless hours on my computer constantly working and learning. My family comes first, but they know my work is always near by.
Another factor I’ve considered is how much easier it would be to get benefits with a corporate career and not have to fend for myself and look into resources to make things easier.
I have had times where I haven’t been putting the proper work in and my sales start to slow and it makes me question my work.
But time and time again, I continue to power through, remind myself to do the work, and the I always reap the fruits of my labor. I love what I do and I wake up every day with the freedom to do what I choose, and that is what keeps me going.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
In the marketing industry, it’s easy to get caught up in the constant wave of trends and fads. Things change so fast that what’s hot today might be gone tomorrow.
For me, I have to stay rooted in strategy and remember the mission, and I tell my clients the same thing. It’s fine to join in on small, fun trends, but when major shifts happen and you feel like you need to completely pivot your business to keep up, you probably don’t.
If a shift truly makes sense, if it serves a purpose, supports your goals, and aligns with your overall strategy to scale — then it’s not just a trend; it’s a meaningful move forward.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
I’m very self-aware and in tune with my skills. Taking on a project and helping another small business owner is about more than profit to me, it’s about guiding them through a process that I know firsthand can feel scary, confusing, and expensive. They’re trusting me to deliver a brand and website that’s strong, functional, and rooted in purpose.
When I receive project requests that fall outside my comfort zone, I’m always upfront. If I haven’t worked with a particular tool or platform before, I’ll either let the client know I’m not the best fit, or I’ll offer to take on the project at a discounted rate as a learning opportunity.
At the end of the day, I have no problem turning something down if it means my clients get the results they deserve — and the expert support they need.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebrandingdistrict.com
- Instagram: www.instragram.com/bythebrandingdistrict
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atthebrandingdistrict
