As part of the Morning Lazziness series about empowering women who encourage and do incredible things with their ideas in society, I had the pleasure of interviewing June Escalada.
June Escalada is the founder and creative force behind IllustratorHow, where she leverages her 12 years of design experience to guide users in mastering Adobe Illustrator.
Here’s what we found out about June‘s daily routine, followed by an exclusive Q+A.
Can you share the story behind your journey as an entrepreneur? What inspired you to start your own business?
My journey as an entrepreneur began with a passion for design and a desire to share that with others. After working as a graphic designer and creative director, I noticed a gap in accessible, high-quality education for Adobe Illustrator, which is such a foundational tool in our industry. I’ve always had a knack for explaining complex concepts in a simple way, and this inspired me to start IllustratorHow. I wanted to create a space where learners could not only learn how to use the software but also develop a deep understanding of design principles and how to apply them creatively.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the business world, and how have you overcome them?
As a woman in the business world, especially in technology, I’ve encountered my share of biases and have had to work harder to prove my worth. I’ve overcome these challenges by staying true to my vision, building a strong brand reputation, and, most importantly, by producing results. I believe in letting my work speak for itself. Networking with like-minded individuals, advocating for other women, and constantly upskilling have also been crucial strategies in navigating these challenges.
How do you balance your professional and personal life as an entrepreneur?
Balancing professional and personal life is a continuous effort. I prioritize my tasks and set clear boundaries between work and personal time. I also believe in the power of delegation—trusting my team and outsourcing tasks when necessary. Additionally, I make sure to schedule downtime to recharge, which I find essential to maintaining my creativity and productivity.
What strategies have you found most effective for networking and building connections in your industry?
Building a genuine rapport has been my most effective strategy. Whether it’s through attending industry events, participating in design forums, or being active on social media, I always strive to engage meaningfully. Providing value to others rather than just seeking benefit has helped me establish strong and lasting connections.
How do you approach mentorship and seeking guidance in your entrepreneurial journey?
I actively seek out mentors who have strengths in areas where I’m looking to grow. I’m not shy about asking for advice and am always open to learning from others’ experiences. Reciprocally, I also mentor aspiring designers and entrepreneurs, which I find incredibly rewarding and enlightening.
Can you talk about a specific setback or failure you’ve experienced in your business, and how you bounced back from it?
Certainly, we once rolled out a new course feature that did not meet our community’s expectations. It was a humbling lesson in user research and UX design. We listened closely to the feedback, acted swiftly to make improvements, and communicated transparently with our users throughout the process. This setback reinforced the importance of community engagement and agile response to user needs.
In what ways do you prioritize diversity and inclusion within your company or startup?
Diversity and inclusion are threads that run throughout every aspect of my business, from hiring to the content we create. We aim to represent a myriad of voices and perspectives, ensuring that our team and learning materials are reflective of the diverse community we serve. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to contribute and grow.
How do you stay motivated and resilient during tough times in your business?
My motivation comes from my learners and the difference IllustratorHow can make in their lives. Knowing that we’re providing valuable knowledge keeps me driven. Resilience, for me, is about staying focused on the bigger picture and learning from each obstacle instead of letting it derail our mission.
What advice would you give to other aspiring women entrepreneurs who are just starting out?
My advice would be to believe in your vision, know your worth, and be prepared to work hard. Seek support systems, be it in the form of mentors, peers, or communities. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progression and learning along the way. Embrace your unique perspective because that’s what will set your business apart.
Can you share a memorable success or milestone that you’ve achieved in your entrepreneurial career?
The vision for IllustratorHow was born out of a recognition that there were many people who desired to learn Adobe Illustrator but found the learning curve to be intimidating. Throughout my previous work as a creative director and a freelance graphic designer, I encountered countless individuals who were looking for comprehensive and comprehensible resources to refine their skills in graphic design and Adobe Illustrator specifically.
Reaching out and connecting with my students has been profoundly rewarding. I’ve seen them grow and develop their skills, and that’s the true measure of success for an instructional platform. To this day, the heartfelt testimonials of users who’ve transformed their careers by leveraging the skills they’ve learned on IllustratorHow remind me why I started this journey.
