Today, we’re talking to Sam Laubach and Meghan Martin from Here & Now Creative Co. The two are actually cousins, so they run a family business. They didn’t start out as collaborators, though. And I love their origin story. Meghan texted Sam one day and said, “Why don’t we just start our own agency?” YES!!!!
They’re both designers, though each with a different approach to creative. Their firm specializes in brand development and brand design and does amazing work.
We explored their confidence in easing into ownership, the challenges they’ve faced and how they’ve carved out success, and of course, we addressed the challenges in addressing the gender gap in agency ownership.
Their story and energy is so exciting and energizing. You’re going to love this conversation. I know I did.
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Despite being an overthinker, Sam emphasized that there are moments in life where listening to one's gut feeling and just going for it, especially when young and with little to lose, can lead to significant opportunities. This was the driving force behind starting their agency. Meghan echoed this sentiment, highlighting that her text to Sam was a gut decision without a master plan.
Initially, the co-founders took on any and all freelance work, leading to a broad but unfocused approach. They learned that establishing a strong niche and clear vision, especially in branding and packaging for female-led CPG brands, brought greater clarity, strategy, and efficiency to their business operations, saving them time and money in the long run.
The presence of more female agency owners leads to better work and products, as women bring a unique and crucial perspective, particularly when marketing to a predominantly female consumer base. This increased representation fosters diverse viewpoints and decision-making processes, resulting in more relevant and impactful creative solutions.
Embarking on entrepreneurship, especially without a clear plan, necessitates a robust support system. Finding cheerleaders and individuals who understand the challenges of the journey is crucial. Additionally, securing good contracts with clients and partners is vital for self-protection and avoiding costly lessons.
