Alessya Baggetta is a powerful, thriving entrepreneur, the founder and creative designer of Alessya Baggetta Designs based in Toronto. Recently resigning from her 9-5 full-time job, Alessya has taken full power and control to run her successful business full time. Alessya is inspired to build brand experiences through authentic graphic design and creative content. Alessya is a natural-born visionary who combines creativity with strategy by piecing together all of the details to craft meaningful brands. Her innovative, and passion-driven mindset allows her skills and knowledge to shine through each unique client project she takes on.
Tell us about who you are and what you do.
My name is Alessya Baggetta. I am a 23-year-old entrepreneur based in Toronto, Ontario. I am a passionate, creative entrepreneur who enjoys working with small to medium size businesses helping them thrive while illustrating the core values of a brand that leaves a lasting impression. Essentially I like to refer to my business as a one-stop-shop. I began offering solely graphic design (which we will get to in the next question) and built on that. I wanted more and I wanted to offer more. I have always been known to be a helping hand to everyone that I’ve had the honor of working with. From when I worked at a Pharmacy when I was 15, to working with the City of Vaughan and teaching 3-5-year-olds the Italian and French language, as well as Seniors on how to learn the basics of technology, to retail, to full time corporate and here we are. I noticed there was a constant pattern in my job which was helping others. Whether it was to help others learn, strive, or grow, I have truly always had a passion for watching others succeed, which is essentially the purpose of my brand. Yes, we offer services such as branding, graphic design, web design & social media management, however, each project has 1 outcome, which is a success. Everything we offer to our clients is meaningful, purposeful, and carefully curated all within one step closer to success.
Tell us how you created this brand and what was the sole idea behind it.
Since I was a child, I have always had the vision to own my own business, be my boss and make something out of what I am most passionate about. My entrepreneurial mindset shined through at a very young age, which made it a little more reassuring when making the shift from working a 9-5 to owning a full-time business. Now back to the beginning. When I was in my last year of high school I created an Instagram account formerly known as “graphics Toronto” I began posting the work I created in my media classes. I did not have any intention to make anything much of it other than sharing my passion and journey with others. I then got accepted from all the Universities I applied for and accepted York University & Sheridan College’s offer. This prestige duo program is known to be one of the top programs in North America for Graphic design, in fact, they only accept 120 students each year based on thousands of interviews.
Throughout my studies, I began posting frequently on my social media account. I landed my first commissioned freelance project – an invitation. I continued getting freelance projects from friends & family. I did not have any business experience and was nearly charging for the work I was creating. Once I graduated from University and began applying for jobs I took the time to invest in my portfolio. This was such an exciting way of seeing myself as a brand and not just a student. I landed my first graphic design job in the retail industry and continued to pursue freelancing on the side. A coworker of mine constantly asked me why I wouldn’t pursue freelancing full time! At the time I was juggling 6 clients monthly and working full time. It honestly seemed outrageous, however as months progressed I was getting booked up quickly. It wasn’t until Covid hit and I was laid off. This was a HUGE eye-opener for me. Normally, people will get laid off and feel completely discouraged, and unmotivated, however, I did the complete opposite. I hustled, experienced sleepless nights, promoted myself and my services daily, made long-lasting relationships, and had my first 5 figure month. This was huge for me. The purpose of my business is to allow others to feel what I felt. Empowerment, growth, and determination. I want entrepreneurs to feel unstoppable, and that all begins with strategically setting up your business for success. From brand identity to web design to social media strategy – these are key components of structuring your business appropriately, and that is what I aim to do.
Go in detail and tell us about how your brand works. You may keep this from the audience’s perspective.
Alessya Baggetta Designs is a boutique design studio that offers a variety of services. Beginning with a consultation Alessya dives deep into the brand and strategizes how not only the look and feel of the brand will be, but also the voice and chore value. She provides multiple initial concepts for brand strategy and guides you along the way. She is very tech-savvy and can problem-solve anything that gets thrown her way. Her kind, open heart, and full transparency is what enables trustworthy relationships between her and her clients.
What is your giveaway idea through this interview? Highlight something that may interest the readers on a one to one basis.
Great things do not happen overnight, they happen over a series of smaller things and actions. Do something each day that brings you closer to your end goal. I truly believe the key to success is passion, determination, and consistency – the minute you understand how powerful these three concepts work hand in hand is the minute you have set yourself up for success.
Explain the challenges you went through while you were working on brand creation. What are the challenges you go through on an everyday basis?
It’s safe to say that every business will face challenges – and that is completely normal. Challenges make us stronger and allow us to push forward. For me, my biggest challenge was leaving my 9-5 job and pursuing my business full time. Managing both seemed impossible however it was doable. Another challenge I always battle with myself is pricing. Pricing can be one of the most daunting recurring issues in a business. Do not sell yourself short, know your worth and confidently show up with your prices. If a client refuses to pay then they are not your ideal client. As tough as it is, not everyone will be an ideal client to work with however you will find those who value your worth which makes the entire process more enjoyable for both parties.
How do you manage your finances through the services you offer. Any fundings etc received?
I have never received funding that has taught me the value of saving & investing back into your business. I believe if you want to truly excel in your business you need to invest. Whether it’s on courses, an accountant, a designer, or even software I believe your business will stay at a standstill if you do not invest back into it. I utilize Dubsado as my main CRM program and have implemented Quickbooks for all invoicing. Many software options can help manage your business on a day to day basis. With the right tools and software, your business will be operating seamlessly.
Tell us your future vision about the brand. How far do you want to take it? What is your dream about taking it to the next level?
Since I was a child I always dreamed of working in New York or Los Angeles – don’t we all? I love the big city vision. With that being said, the sky’s the limit. I am open to wherever life takes me and opportunities fall. I want to eventually open up my studio, hire and expand my team. I have always wanted to start a podcast, and also a coaching course to aid startups for business success. Besides, with my obsession with interior design and photography, I would love for my future studio to be multi-purposeful and utilized for photoshoots as well. Finally, I dream of working on larger brands in the future – specifically celebrity product base brands, I would love to work on beauty or fashion brand or even a cafe in a big city!
What message would you like to give to anybody who has a plan of creating something of their own and making a living through it?
Chase your passion and dreams. Everyone in life has a purpose, if you can fulfill yours through your business then do it!
Alessya Baggetta Designs
Email: info@alessyabaggettadesigns.com
Website: alessyabaggettadesigns.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/alessyabaggettadesigns