Soloist Spotlight: Donna Bouma, Design Capital

Our Soloist Spotlights showcase the services our amazing Flying Solo Business Class members offer to customers in Australia, and take a peek behind the curtain of their day-to-day lives. This week, meet Donna Bouma, experienced graphic designer and founder of Design Capital.

What do you do? Who for? And how does it benefit them?

I’m a graphic designer; I specialise in logos and branding for small businesses because I LOVE creating brands from the ground up and seeing them come to life.

I’m passionate and super proud of all the brands I have created over the years. Having this genuine caring attitude toward my clients’ business benefits them by having me as an extension of their business and someone that really cares that they succeed.

Being in business can be lonely and I hold their hand and nurture them the whole way through.

You’ve got a free half hour during your workday. What do you do?

My business is very sporadic and I’ve always worked around my family, so I don’t really have a ‘free’ hour, but if I did it would be cleaning the house or doing boring washing … with three kids, the washing can get out of control really quickly!

When did you know you wanted to start your own business?

My husband had been saying to me for years to go out on my own, but I never felt ‘ready’. It was only after I had been working from home when my second baby was born that I started to consider it, and then when I found out I was pregnant again, I knew now was the time.

What’s your proudest moment?

I feel proud of what I’ve created every day. It’s been 12 years now and I’m still going strong. Like everyone, the last few years have been tough, but I feel super proud to still be in business after all these years. I must be doing something right.

What’s your number one way to wind down?

Honestly, a glass of wine, my noise-cancelling AirPods and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills! (I wish it was something deeper, but it’s not.) 😊

What’s the best thing about being a soloist? And the worst thing?

The best thing for me is knowing I can be there for all the kids’ school assemblies and school performances, see them get all the awards, and be there for them when they get home from school.

The worst thing was probably in the beginning, before they were at school. I had to work very long hours after they had gone to bed – it was exhausting. But now I feel like I have a really good balance of both Mum and business owner.

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?

To be my authentic self and to show up consistently.

Where and when do you have your best ideas?

Usually right before a deadline, in the shower, or in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep.

What would be your advice to aspiring soloists?

You will never know unless you try, so just do it! But make sure you do all the business name checks with ASIC and make sure it’s not already trademarked.

What would your parents say is your greatest strength? And weakness?

I think my parents would say my greatest strength is my bubbly personality; I put people at ease and make them feel comfortable.

They would say my weakness is that I’m very easily distracted … What’s that shiny thing??

And finally, what do you wear to work?

I work from home, so usually something comfortable.

Find out more about Design Capital!

Want your turn in the spotlight?

Soloist Spotlight profiles are exclusively for selected Flying Solo Business Class members.

Already a Business Class member? Simply email us on info@flyingsolo.com.au with a link to your Flying Solo directory listing and let us know you’re keen to take part in a Soloist Spotlight – we’ll be in touch!

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