Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 21

Guest: Kira Hyde

Business Name: The KH Studio

Website: https://www.thekhstudio.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirahyde/

Topics Covered

/ The Journey of The KH Studio

Kira Hyde shares how she founded The KH Studio, a boutique brand design and marketing agency based in Bendigo. She explains how the business has evolved from a solo operation focused on branding and website design into a full-service marketing agency that now offers SEO, Google Ads, social media management, and marketing strategy.

/ A Strategy-Driven Approach to Branding and Marketing

Kira discusses how The KH Studio differentiates itself in the competitive marketing industry by offering strategy-first, integrated digital solutions. She highlights the importance of blending branding, creativity, and technology to deliver bold, high-impact results for businesses across various industries.

/ Scaling a Business to Meet Client Needs

The KH Studio has grown by carefully listening to client needs and expanding its service offerings accordingly. Kira explains the journey from a freelancer to a business leader, the challenges of scaling a boutique agency, and how her team has developed long-term client partnerships.

/ Business Growth and Lessons in Leadership

Kira shares key insights from her entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges of hiring employees vs. contractors, maintaining company culture, and creating a sustainable business model. She also talks about the importance of business mentorship, the impact of working with a board of advisors, and the personal growth required to lead a creative business.

/ Award-Winning Excellence

The KH Studio was recently recognised at the 2024 Bendigo Excellence Awards, winning the Professional Services Firm of the Year. Kira reflects on what this award means for her business and the importance of elevating creative professionals in the regional business landscape.

/ The Role of Processes and Systems in Business Success

Kira explains how implementing structured processes and automation has allowed The KH Studio to deliver high-quality results while remaining boutique. She shares insights on how they use client portals, time tracking, and streamlined workflows to enhance efficiency and improve the client experience.

/ Building a Team That Works for Your Business Model

Unlike traditional agencies, The KH Studio operates with a hybrid team structure, consisting of core team members and specialised contractors. Kira explains why this model provides flexibility, scalability, and top-tier expertise, allowing them to compete with larger agencies while maintaining a personalised, boutique approach.

/ The Entrepreneurial Journey & Work-Life Balance

Starting her business at just 20 years old, Kira has had a unique entrepreneurial journey—including traveling through Europe while running her business remotely. She shares lessons on balancing work and life, staying motivated as a business owner, and the importance of trusting your own instincts when making business decisions.

References

The KH Studio - https://www.thekhstudio.co/

Bendigo Excellence Awards - https://bbea.com.au/award-categories/

Tools & Systems Mentioned: CRM software, Slack, Google Ads, SEO tools, client portals