We had the good fortune of connecting with Casey Zaruba and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Casey, how do you think about risk?
I have always lived for a good risk, I moved out of my parent’s house the week before I turned 18 to take my first big risk. It only got better over time as I learned how to leverage risk and make calculated decisions, not ones that would hurt me. I have always seen more inherent risk with not taking the leap than sitting back and watching someone else take it instead of me. Every small risk I have taken on myself or an idea has grown me or taught me a lesson, but not one has been a mistake. I think deep down I have always known that risk meant putting blinders on to a lot of things around me. A dream or idea should be poured into fully and wholly.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been running a small business in one form or another for the last 10 years. I have never had $3-$5K to pour into branding or a logo. I have always grown on just learning my own way, googling, YouTubing, or learning a new skill. I have been creating and designing digital work for people and businesses unofficially for years. So toward the end of last year, I decided this was needed. A way to help small businesses with branding, logos, elements, and templates for social media that allowed them to keep most of their money within their business. But to go even a step further I wanted to offer every single aspect of what I created for them in a template form, so that way when they wanted to change things up a little they didn’t need to pay yet another designer, they were able to make those changes! I also have all the education videos (with more to come) on Instagram for free on how to use Canva for your business and branding! All the little tips and tricks people don’t know about.
The biggest challenge for me (and most I assume) is imposter syndrome. I’m not formally trained, I am self-taught and that would be easy to shake me a little. I have poured into a lot of mindset shifting over the last 2 years and it has drastically changed my life. I now show up and don’t question if I’m good enough to sit at the table. Also recognizing you won’t be for everyone, your style, the way you share or teach, or your vision and that’s ok. We can’t expect others to see the vision for a dream that they don’t have in their heart.
I want people to know that Paloma Press is unique in its small business focus. It’s a community to get you off the ground! It’s a wealth of education, inspiration, and resources to get you to the net level. We not only get a brand nailed down for you, create, hand it to you on a silver template platter…but also teach you the tools to keep it growing on your own!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
ohhh my best friend did just visit actually! We did the zoo with the kids, had dinner at Joey Uptown (cannot recommend this enough!), and took a Galleria stroll. If you can book a show/event happening at The Heights Theater, I highly recommend it. I recently saw “Penny and Sparrow” there and it was amazing. I also recently tried “The post” for lunch and loved the atmosphere and food! “Pour behavior” happy hour is amazing and can’t recommend it enough. Cafe Louie is a great place to grab a quick bite to eat in the morning!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Gosh, so many people have influenced me and poured into me without even knowing through their own courage. My husband of 11 years this year is honestly my biggest cheerleader. We have 6 kids under the age of 9 so having a true partner is crucial! As far as higher wisdom and entrepreneurs I am loving and learning so much from this season: Brendon Burchard’s book “High performing habits for highly successful people” is a must. I also love the psychological aspect of things because I want to have multiple streams of income but also be happy and present so “The Happiness Advantage “by Shawn Achor is fascinating to me. Katherine Zenkina on manifestation is a gem as well. Jedidah Jenkin’s books are always inspiring me to live authentically and true to myself while always being a good human. Brianna Wiest’s writing is amazing. “101 essays that will change the way you think” is fabulous.
Mostly though, seeing just regular people throw off the “what if’s” and just totally go for it is the most encouraging for me.
Website: www.palomapressteam.com
Instagram: @paloma.press @zarubalife @simplefolkcommunity
Image Credits
pictures via Pexels.com and Pinterest, some taken by me Family shot via @mistymclendonphoto
