One of the questions I get asked most often is whether I wish I had started Danielle Salley Creative sooner.
The honest answer is no.
For a long time, I thought success meant climbing the career ladder. Like many creatives, I worked hard, chased new opportunities, and looked ahead to the next promotion. But as I got closer to 40, I realized I wasn’t looking for a bigger title anymore. I was looking for a different kind of challenge.
I knew it was time for something new because climbing the career ladder didn’t feel as fulfilling anymore. If you know me, you know I can be a little impulsive, but I’ve also learned when to trust my gut. Starting Danielle Salley Creative was one of those moments, and looking back, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
The funny thing is, I don’t think I could have made that decision any earlier.
Every role leading up to that point prepared me to run my own business. More than 15 years of experience in the creative industry taught me how to manage projects, build client relationships, present ideas with confidence, solve problems, and collaborate with incredibly talented people. Every job gave me something I still use today.
The American Advertising Federation also played a huge role in my career. Through AAF, I built friendships and professional relationships with creatives from across the country. Those connections became one of the strongest foundations for Danielle Salley Creative, and many of them are still people I collaborate with today. When I launched my business, I already had a network of people who believed in me, encouraged me, and trusted me with their work. I’ll always be grateful for that.
My business today looks different than I imagined three years ago. And honestly, so does my definition of success.
When I launched Danielle Salley Creative, I thought I’d primarily focus on website design. While I still love building websites, I quickly realized there was another need I was uniquely equipped to fill.
Agencies and companies don’t always need another full-time employee. Sometimes they just need an experienced creative who can jump into existing workflows, keep projects moving, and adapt quickly. Because of my agency background, that’s become one of my favorite parts of what I do. I love being the extra set of hands that helps clients keep moving forward, and it’s a role I never expected to become such an important part of my business.
I’ve also learned that it’s okay for a business to evolve. In fact, I think that’s part of building something that lasts. If I had stuck too closely to the original plan, I might never have discovered the work I enjoy most.
Success used to mean climbing the ladder.
Today, success looks a little different.
It means building relationships with clients I genuinely enjoy working with. It means having the freedom to shape a business around my strengths instead of trying to fit someone else’s definition of success. It means waking up excited about the work I’m doing.
Most importantly, it means creating a life that gives me the flexibility to be present for the moments that matter most.
Being a solopreneur has allowed me to build a career I’m proud of while also being the kind of mom I want to be. I can volunteer as my daughter’s Girl Scout troop leader, be there for school events, and still do meaningful work that challenges and inspires me.
I also love knowing she’s growing up watching her mom build something from the ground up. I hope she sees that hard work, kindness, and perseverance can create opportunities she hasn’t even imagined yet.
So, do I wish I had started sooner?
Not at all.
Every job, every mentor, every challenge, and every relationship helped shape the business I have today. I wasn’t behind. I was building the experience and confidence I needed to create something that truly reflects who I am.
Looking back, I didn’t need more time.
I needed the right time.
— Danielle 💛
