Join us for the latest episode of the She Means Business podcast, hosted by Ashley Mastowski with guest Stephani Ortiz, Owner of CAST Design Studio. Stephani discusses the critical role of design in business success and how her unique approach to branding helps clients stand out in crowded markets.

Episode Highlights:

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  Stephani mentions that she started her own business because she wanted the freedom and financial success she saw her hard-working single mother strive for. (2:17 )

  
  


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  Stephani emphasizes the importance of prioritizing design in business, and how focusing on design first leads to better-end products and improved functionality. (7:43 )

  
  


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  Stephani believes that starting a business requires more than just being good at what you do; it involves learning and managing various aspects such as bookkeeping and shifting your mindset from being a worker to being a business owner. (15:40 )

  
  


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  Stephani discusses the importance of understanding the client's needs and providing value beyond just the price. (20:59 )

  
  


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  Stephani mentions that she values flexibility and not being tied to an employer, as she had a negative experience of being let go by her previous employer and not wanting someone else to dictate their financial situation. (30:27 )

  
  


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  Stephani explains that CAST Design Studio helps businesses with branding, including messaging frameworks, persona development, logo design, website design, marketing, and product design. (35:16 )

  
  


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  Stephani believes that the future of hiring is shifting towards hiring for talent and specialization, empowering employees and freelancers to excel in their specific areas of expertise. (41:48 )

  
  

  
  

  
  

Key Quotes:

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  “As a business owner, you have so many opportunities, and so many ways that you can make money, that it doesn't always have to be one time at a time exchange.” - Stephani Ortiz

  
  


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  “They think we're more expensive than what we are, which is a good thing. But we're like no, we're still affordable. We're in between that freelancer and an actual, big agency that you would pay. We're right in the middle.” - Stephani Ortiz

  
  


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  “You have to work hard in order to be able to play but the working heart always comes first.” - Stephani Ortiz

  
  

  
  

  
  

Resources Mentioned:

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  Connect with Stephani Ortiz

  
  


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  CAST Design Studio

  
  


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  Connect with Ashley Mastowski

  
  


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  She Means Business Podcast

  
  


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  First Choice Insurance Group

  
  


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  Contact First Choice Insurance Group

  
  


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  Little Dog Social Media