When I started my business, I didn’t have all the answers, but I knew one thing: I never wanted to be the only person doing all the work. Even in the early days, I envisioned building something bigger than myself. I wasn’t just aiming to create a one-person operation; I wanted to build an agency—a business with multiple team members, each contributing to the success of the brand.

Starting an agency can feel daunting, especially if you’re used to being a solopreneur. It’s a big leap, and if you’re thinking about making that jump or investing in an agency, I hope my experience can help shed some light on the process and why it’s so valuable. Today, I’m going to break down the journey of growing my agency, how we operate, and why investing in an agency model might be the right move for you.

Why I Chose the Agency Model Early On

When I first started, I had no idea what an agency really entailed. I just knew I didn’t want to be the sole person responsible for every aspect of the business. I wasn’t about to wait until I made “enough money” to hire help—I wanted to build something sustainable from the beginning.

The first hire I made, like many, was a virtual assistant. From there, the way I approached it was by bringing in team members on a project-by-project basis. This allowed me to be flexible financially and build the team without the pressure of full-time salaries.

Looking back, that decision set the stage for our agency’s growth. Even now, while I’m still the face of the brand, the business is about more than just me. It’s about the framework and processes we’ve put in place that allow every team member to contribute and thrive.

Defining What It Means to Be an Agency

An agency, in my view, isn’t just having a virtual assistant or a small team. It’s about having a structure where multiple people are involved in client delivery. For us, the key to being successful as an agency has always been clarity and consistency in how we work.

From day one, I established values for the company—creativity being a big one—and that’s carried us through even the most challenging times. Every new team member goes through training not just in their skillset but in how we, as a company, approach projects. It’s not enough for them to be creative—they need to understand the Powerhouse way of delivering client work, which ensures a cohesive, high-quality experience for everyone we work with.

Building Systems and Processes In An Agency Model

The design industry is constantly evolving, but the one thing that has kept us grounded is our commitment to clear systems and processes. From client communication to project execution, we have frameworks in place that allow us to adapt and maintain consistency, even as trends shift. Having these systems is what makes us reliable and why our clients trust us.

When you work with an agency, you’re not just buying into one person’s skillset—you’re investing in a system. Our team operates with a shared understanding of the company’s values, and because of that, no matter who is working on a project, the quality remains the same.

You might wonder, “Okay, so how do you make sure your team is so aligned with your vision? How do you keep the standard so high?” Honestly, I don’t make my team do anything. It’s not about force—it’s about transparency from the get-go. From our application process to onboarding and throughout our SOPs, we emphasize the need for self-sufficient, creative thinkers who meet the high standards we’ve set. I’m upfront with my team about what kind of leader I am, and what I expect, and they understand that.

How Every Team Member Aligns With The Companies Values

This is where branding plays a huge role. Whether it’s someone applying to work with us or a client partnering with us, they know exactly what we stand for. It’s like applying to a brand like Apple or Google—you know they have high expectations, so you come prepared, aware of what’s at stake. Similarly, people come to us knowing we’re going to expect top-tier work. And that’s not for everyone, but for those who thrive in a high-standard environment, it’s exciting.

I think about companies like Vogue. If you’re applying for a creative director position at Vogue, you know you’re stepping into a high-pressure, high-expectation environment. You apply because that excites you—you want to be part of something that demands the best from you. That’s the kind of energy we foster in our agency. The people who are part of it love being there because they’re part of something that’s built on quality and standards.

To be honest, if someone on my team isn’t meeting those standards, we have a conversation about whether this is the right place for them. Not because I’m upset, but because it’s important that everyone is fully invested. I shouldn’t need to micromanage anyone. If it’s clear they’re not fully aligned with what we’re building, I encourage them to find something that suits them better.

Maintaining our standards isn’t just about me—it’s about protecting our brand’s reputation. When an agency doesn’t uphold its own standards, it doesn’t just lose clients—it risks tarnishing its name. That’s how you end up with clients requesting one team member over another because they only trust certain people. But in our agency, everyone is held to the same high standards, so it doesn’t matter who’s doing what. You know you’re going to get results because that’s the expectation across the board.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how much responsibility we take on the backend to ensure our agency maintains those standards. I meet with my team weekly, constantly thinking about how we can improve client results, keep our team at the top of their game, and provide more value. This is why clients stay with us for years, why they come back after taking breaks, and why they refer us to others. We become their go-to creative resource, and that’s not something I take lightly.

Transitioning From Solopreneur to an Agency

I’ve noticed that some people hesitate to work with agencies because they’re worried about losing that personal touch. They want to work with me, not just the team. But the truth is, when you invest in my agency, you’re getting the benefit of my oversight as a creative director and the expertise of a team trained to my standards.

It’s not about me doing every single task; it’s about me guiding the overall vision while allowing my team to execute with precision. I’ve spent years honing our processes so that every team member delivers work that reflects my standards, and our clients get the best results.

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that working with an agency is complicated—that you’ll have to deal with too many people and too many moving parts. But a well-run agency should make things easier, not harder.

So, if you’re considering working with or investing in an agency, remember: the right agency will feel like an extension of your team. They’ll be there to support you, not add extra work to your plate. And when it’s done well, an agency can bring structure, creativity, and growth to your business in ways that a single person simply can’t.

If you have any questions about making the transition from solopreneur to agency owner, or if you’re wondering what it’s like to invest in an agency, let me know! I’d love to share more about our journey and how we continue to evolve while staying true to our values.