Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy M. Phillips.
Amy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
BA from Bradley University: Communication and Fine Arts – Concentration in Graphic Design/ Art History Minor.
I’m one of the lucky ones – I knew I had to be involved in a visually-fueled industry. As a visual communicator, advertising was a natural fit for me. Corporate world, however, was not. Large agency life did not appeal to me, and I knew that if I wanted to learn as much as possible, in as little time as possible, small agencies would be best.
Working in small agencies afforded me the opportunities to really dive in, and to work directly with incredibly talented people who helped me accelerate at a fast pace. I learned all aspects of the business, print, web, packaging, PR, account management, IT, the business side – anything anyone was willing to share with me – I soaked up. Experience working on companies from small to Fortune 500 boosted both my experience and confidence, then fueled my desire for more.
In 2005, I left the agency world to begin my own venture. Swayed Creative, LLC. was launched – a Chicagoland based, virtual consortium of the most talented and capable creative, digital and account people from across the US.
Currently, Swayed caters to clients locally in Chicago and from coast-to-coast from small to large, although, I prefer what I refer to as my “smalls.” “Smalls” or small and entrepreneurial businesses are my favorite. I love helping new ventures launch, grow and thrive. It’s so fulfilling to encourage and empower clients, then watch them realize dreams and surpass goals they didn’t know they were capable of accomplishing. The relationships that form from these experiences are amazing.
Business has taken me everywhere – both for travel and for work. A three-year stint traveling back and forth to California awarded me with a multitude of new relationships and experiences that keep me asking, “whose life is this?”
I’m grateful for every experience, even the tough ones. It’s through the toughest parts of my personal life that I grew and learned the most. It’s amazing what saying “yes” and having a positive attitude will do for a person. I am a lucky, lucky person.
Has it been a smooth road?
Just like everyone, I’ve had my share of personal struggle. I consider them learning experiences. It’s the difficult times that help us overcome obstacles and face challenges.
I get concerned with the women’s status in business and in the world generally. I left college doe-eyed, thinking that I’d never had to deal with the same challenges of my female predecessors. I have tremendous respect for the women who made it possible for me to accomplish what I have and can still, but I see it’s still not a 100% level playing field all the time.
Rather than be upset by this, I’ve tried to stay positive and to learn how to navigate the business world with finesse and class. I try to be a good example for younger women, to encourage empowerment instead of anger.
I have to stay that I’ve been extremely fortunate in business regardless. I think that’s because I like what I do.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
FOUNDED AND INSPIRED BY A VISION TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES & ENTREPRENEURS ACCOMPLISH GOALS EFFECTIVELY AND AFFORDABLY.
We believe in delivering clever, quality work within our clients’ means. Our costs are competitive because we eliminate overhead by working directly with a streamlined team of trusted, experienced professionals for fair rates. We’re Chicago-based, but our office is virtual, allowing us to attract and hire the best talent anywhere. That means you’ll only pay for great work – not overhead to cover our operating expenses. And, it’s all seamless. We can handle as much or as little of the process as you like, so you can focus on running your business.
With Swayed, you will find partnership, dedication, experience and a team that really cares about your business, and the work we deliver. We work hard, smart and efficiently to meet goals.
What sets me/Swayed apart?
I think it’s that we really care about our clients and their success. Our client relationships often progress to friendships. It’s fantastic to pitch-in and watch people you care about to do well.
What am I most proud of as a company?
That I get to empower people (most often women), to encourage them, to see them thrive. I also love that clients know they can trust us. I say something is going to be done, it’s gets done – a lot of times, more than promised. And finally, that we have fun working, and live flexible lives they way we want to – not boxed in a cube or beholden to a strict work day. That’s priceless!
I’m also proud that we’re virtual. I work with many super talented people in Chicagoland, and throughout the US. I love that the team can work remotely and live flexible lives to travel. I do enjoy meeting in-person with clients from time to time. Chicago is the best city for meeting space and gatherings for business.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely! I’m a Chicago diehard for a multitude of reasons, but for business, it’s for the people and work ethic. Having spent a good deal of time in LA and on the West Coast, I appreciate my hometown more and more. I love the West Coast too, for different reasons.
Chicago is a great place to launch a career and grow. I’ve had some of the most fantastic mentors and encouraging colleagues in this city. There’s a genuineness you won’t find many places. Any by genuine, I don’t necessarily mean “nice.” I mean people in Chicago will really give it to you straight in a caring and empathetic way.
It’s an easy city to live and be social in – and there are so many opportunities. I’ve lived in Lakeview, North Center, South Loop, all of them fabulous in their own ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: swayedcreative.com
- Phone: 6302022901
- Email: info@swayedcreative.com
- Instagram: @swayedcreative
- Facebook: @swayedcreative
- Twitter: @swayedcreative
Image Credit:
Genevieve Trousdale, Interior Designer of Circa Genevieve ID – Los Angeles , NoraFleming.com, Amy Phillips, Kipling & Clark, Cost Containment Solutions, Inc.
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