TC Creatives

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

After retiring from my thirty-four police career I started a small firearms training company which serves the civilian and law enforcement communities.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire TC Creatives?

Initially I had a friend help me to set up a basic website but I quickly realized that it was grossly inadequate and unhelpful for many aspects of the business.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

I learned about Tiffiney (TC Creatives) from a client--in the film industry--who had utilized her company's services with very positive results.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

I met with Tiffiney several times for the purpose of website development. She thoroughly debriefed me on what my goals and expectations were for the new site and made valuable suggestions on site layout and functionality. While brainstorming together, she created a content list that she needed me to provide for the project. She quoted a ninety-day development period at an extremely reasonable cost. We remained in regular contact during development and beyond.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Tiffiney was and remains my primary point of contact with her team, although I know that others have been involved.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Our website has evolved over time with several upgrades which have greatly improved functionality. Tiffiney suggested a new plugin system that has significantly streamlined our student registration process. She also devised a system where clients can sign up for private training sessions. I had previously handled these on an individual basis over the phone which was very time intensive.

This has allowed me to spend more time in the classroom and on the range with my students and to develop new training programs and courses. As a result, my company has grown from two to seven instructors and our client/student base has expanded exponentially.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

After the initial website construction was completed I selected a monthly maintenance plan. Tiffiney has always been very responsive to my needs. I am not a very tech savvy end user so some of my questions are probably elementary. Tiffiney is always patient with my tech issues and always finds a quick solution. She has created a series of short training videos for specific tasks that I handle on my end.

Whenever we are contemplating a new program I'll typically have a FaceTime meeting with Tiffiney and explain my requirements in layman's terms. She always articulates her ideas in a language that I can comprehend.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

TC Creatives is extremely knowledgeable and proficient in the technical aspects of web design and business services. She has many high-end clients so I have been very fortunate to have had such a long and successful association with TC Creatives.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I led operations for a biotech startup with a consumer product in the beauty space.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire TC Creatives, and what were your goals?

We were a startup that did not have the marketing & branding competency to adequately launch our R&D/product development. So we reached out to TCC at the recommendation of an industry leader/consultant who had used them for multiple beauty brand development companies in the past. We needed expertise and guidance for everything from branding to looking into packaging work.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

After looking at multiple agencies, we took inventory of which teams would not only provide us with adequate guidance but that we trusted with helping us create a culturally appropriate brand and style for our target audience: diverse women who were conscious shoppers. Their portfolio, timeline, and project-based approach for each step met our needs and budget the most.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

The scope of work included Naming and Brand Identity — which included work from them on trademark and domain research, focus group research, development of brand style scapes, typefaces, media templates, and color palettes, and social media templates. We also received our custom Brand Identity Guide and some work on packaging.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We worked mostly with the Lead (Tiffiney), but we also worked with other associates who were copywriters and design professionals.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

TCC nailed the branding, image, and name for us. They worked with us on revisions and nuanced detail tweaks in the graphics they designed for us. Our team loved the looks and the vision of the brand they were able to align with our product and target market.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

TCC held us accountable for the timeline we set out, which we really appreciated. They used effective project management platforms to keep us up-to-date about their own progress and to also give us a heads up about meeting decision deadlines which could impact our target timelines. This kept us on track and was appreciated because of the aggressive timeline we required.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I appreciated the specific cultural and industry knowledge that Tiffiney and the team brought to our conversations. They had the specific experience in our market that was like a cherry on top, and our conversations around why/why not something would work for our messaging were addressed through that experience and institutional knowledge from them having done it before.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

It was our first time working with an agency, so the long team branding workshop they conducted was hard to get through, but we understood there was no way around it. So this is the only thing that I think we wished we could break up. They did have mercy on us though, and allowed us to do the last part in a separate session, so they were flexible.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of OOLI Beauty, a natural hair care brand for African-American and African textured hair that is specifically worn in locks.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with TC Creatives?

I first hired them to develop my website, but then brought them on for marketing and advertising. We have six products and my sales were stagnant.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They previously developed a Shopify website for me, which I was really happy with, so I reached back out to them for marketing and advertising. We decided to do a marketing campaign called Black History Month. It included a 30-second video for Facebook and Instagram Ads. 

They put together everything for this campaign including casting, makeup, hair, and a script. I received videos of all of these processes and got to be a part of it as if I were there. The ad ran through the month of February and we’re using some of the footage of the shoot to cut another ad that will be running in March. In addition to that, they’re doing email marketing to pick up abandoned carts and sales of that nature.

What is the team composition?

I work directly with Tiffiney (Founder & Designer) and she manages her team.

How did you come to work with TC Creatives?

I’m in a Facebook group that is centered around African-American women who want to be entrepreneurs. There was a hair brand that I liked and they said TC Creatives did their website, so I reached out to Tiffiney.

How much have you invested with them?

We began working together in January 2019 and the work is currently ongoing.

What is the status of this engagement?

I spent about $6,300 for the website and ad marketing, and then I pay about $1,300 a month for email marketing and the continuation of creating my ads.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

From January–February 2020, our sales increased by about 2,100%. From February–March 2020, our sales increased by about 700%. Our online store sessions form January–February 2020 increased by about 900% and from February–March 2020 by about 30%.

How did TC Creatives perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re really good. They’re great with using project management tools, like Asana, in order to keep me informed or make comments on things, which is really helpful for email marketing. We use Dropbox for marketing and videos, but I think moving forward we will just use Asana because it’s a lot of moving parts. We are also in contact over the phone to discuss ads. Everything is delivered on time.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m headed in the right direction because of their direction. Tiffany is really good at using her knowledge and expertise to get a product I really want. She listens and isn’t afraid to say no if she doesn’t think something is a good idea and will explain why.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there is nothing.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Come to them at the beginning of the project and have them work out whatever it is you’re doing. That’s one of my only regrets because I lost about four months when I didn’t start with them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of Shana Bryant Consulting, a company that does event planning for small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs. I also run programs and trainings to empower and educate women.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with TC Creatives?

I offer various services for numerous demographics, and I needed help combining it all together under one brand. I wanted people to understand who I was, so I began looking for rebranding help.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Tiffany Cornish (Founder, TC Creative) ran a four-hour branding session and workshop where we went through my mission, vision, and target market. We reviewed different emotions that I wanted associated with my brand and what advantages I have over my competitors. She helped me find the right logo, colors, and font for my brand as well as create a one-page business statement and branding summary that guides my future pitches and services.

She created my new website and helped me acquire professional headshots that embodied my and my brand’s personality. Currently, she manages four of my social media accounts as well as my email marketing.

What is the team composition?

I only work with Tiffany.

How did you come to work with TC Creatives?

I found her through a friend. Tiffany and I had a conversation, and I felt she understood what I wanted to accomplish, so I hired her.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent around $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We partnered in April 2019, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Tiffany developed a branding model that not only captures who I am but that also speaks to the work I’ve been doing for over a decade. I’ve received amazing feedback from peers on the new branding and website.

How did TC Creatives perform from a project management standpoint?

She outlines exactly what she’s working on and consistently meets expectations. At first, we just used email to communicate, which quickly became overwhelming. But now we use Asana for marketing management, which is much smoother.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Her customer service is great. She reassures me when I’m worried and is helping me build a beautiful brand for my business.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of any ways she could improve.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Be transparent, clearly communicate your expectations, and trust her. She’s the expert and will accomplish what you want.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Kiwi’s Boutique; we’re a women’s clothing store.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with TC Creatives?

We needed a partner to automize our e-mail marketing efforts.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

TC Creatives built an automatic e-mail marketing system, which they currently manage. Using the photos we provide, they direct marketing campaigns and web design. Their team has created banners for our e-commerce website and performs upkeep.

What is the team composition?

We work with one TC Creative teammate.

How did you come to work with TC Creatives?

I posted my listing for an e-mail marketing partner in an entrepreneur group on Facebook. TC Creative responded and sent their credentials. We looked at other vendors, but they stood out the most.

How much have you invested with them?

In total, we’ve spent between $5,000–$10,000 with TC Creatives.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began collaborating in May 2019, and it’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Since I’ve been working with TC Creatives, our e-mail open rate has increased by about 25%.

How did TC Creatives perform from a project management standpoint?

Their team has managed the project very well. We communicate by e-mail mostly, but also correspond through an app, which is how TC Creatives sends marketing content for approval.

What did you find most impressive about them?

TC Creatives has sought ways to improve my business apart from their formal requirements.

Are there any areas they could improve?

As of now, there isn’t anything they could do differently.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Before starting a project, understand your business flow.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

My name is Natalie and I am the owner of Yanci Na at www.YanciNa.com. I am just one person that, before becoming disabled, was a hospital applications analyst. When I found myself unable to work the high-stress field of healthcare informatics, I turned to business ownership.

With no funds, support or help, I was able to launch SEVERAL businesses; importing parts from all over the world and, because I couldn't afford any employees, able to sell my products at a fraction of the price of everyone else. I am all about being self taught and using very little to make the most of any opportunity.

This mindset started me on the path of metaphysical jewelry, charm bracelets, necklaces - and much more. Once I got a small following, I wanted to increase my online presence by doing an official website. That's where TC Creatives came in.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire TC Creatives?

New business owners are often ill-prepared, lack the proper verbiage to properly tell potential customers what they need and they execute their vast talents poorly. This is where TC Creatives SHINED. Not only was I given a hell of a telephonic consultation, but I was also given an official proposal (in the form of a PDF) containing a synopsis of the direction of the website, previews of TCC's picture editing abilities and detailed information that I would've never thought of.

Anything TC Creatives required of me (such as product names, definitions and pictures) was coached constantly. I learned things like how to properly use camera aperture and a slew of other little details that kept me from spending hundreds of dollars on a professional camera and, although she edited them, TCC also gave me tips on how to maximize Adobe Lightroom to do it for myself.

This mindset was applied throughout the entire process. TCC has shown me things that have NOTHING to do with web development, but thought I could use - and I am using - to this day. After the website was up and running, TCC began the social media marketing strategy. Automation was set up. Pictures were up and running. Requests were made before the last minute always.

What were your goals for this project?

I am a simple person. I don't want to be a billionaire. I want to be comfortable. I want to be able to set up my business(es) where they can work around my disabilities. No more clocking in for me! I want to be set up to make money irrespective of my physical presence. I had a simple small-scale format for this. TCC is helping me to go larger scale.

The website is just the beginning of a beautiful business relationship. From there, TCC lays the dream out for me; quite literally helping me to build upon my imagination of what my business COULD be! I literally came to TCC for a website. Instead, I was given an entire long-term businesses venture plan. TCC has exceeded my expectations and cause me to create new ones.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I went looking through several small business arenas using social media and other platforms on the internet. TCC stood out and gave me the best presentation.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Although it is not a part of the job description or agreement, TCC provides business management, organization, planning, hand holding, life coaching, debate coach - you name it. This project was much longer than what it needed to be, but that was because of me and my limitations.

TCC worked around those limitations effortlessly. Much patience was needed for a disabled client who has up and down moments, doctors appointments, etc. Again, all I wanted was a web site. I received so much more.

What was the team composition?

I only spoke with Tiff, but there are several people working behind the scenes to get the job done. I know this because of her background knowledge on everything from the best/cheapest/most effective products as well as any products that correspond with them.

There are things I'm signed up for that I am still wrapping my head around. I get confused by the mere thought of all the different interfaces that run behind the scenes of my websites. That's what I like though. I want my viewers to see a clean, professional site - whatever it takes to get there.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

TCC has been instrumental in collaborating with me to find ways to increase my brand presence. They have even been kind enough to lin me with their other clients in an effort to network my new products into her client's very own client base. I continue to reach out to Tiff with any questions I may have and never once was I told "The website's up ma'am. My business with you is done." I get answers as soon as she is available. I can ask any question about anything and if she knows it, she'll help.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

TCC does a lot of juggling. What I personally liked about her management skills is that she knows how to let me be (if I need to heal) and how to step in without sacrificing her other clients' needs. She does a great job of juggling it all together. I ever once felt as though I was on the back burner or left to the side.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

That's simple: - Professionalism - Efficiency - Reliability - Stern, but fair - Timely - Organized - all the makings of a business mogul.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There are none. However, what I will say is that when you are doing a website, you have the website side of things and you have the business that the website is detailing. When two people KNOW what they are talking about, lines will get blurred. I tried my best not to cross those lines and stick to what I do, but there are times that TCC may not understands the workings of my abilities, but, they are willing to listen and learn them.

I wanted a partridge and a pear tree on my website in the beginning. Now? I want what's there. Why? Because I had to be taught these things. I don't do websites. TCC does. Once it was explained what a massive undertaking this project was going to be, I damn near don't want to do another website again in life.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Owner of an up and coming jewelry brand.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire TC Creatives?

Bold Brand Workshop

What were your goals for this project?

To create a logo and branding scheme to align with the objective/look and feel of my company.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I found this particular company through Instagram and was able to see first hand the work done for past clients. I was impressed by the professional look of the logos and immediately reached out for a quote.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

The Bold Brand Workshop was a necessary first step to bringing my vision to life. This workshop truly helped me better define the foundation and "meat" of what my company is and who it's for.

It forces you to truly delve deep so that every word in your mission, purpose and overall strategy isn't just a filler or fluff but has actual meaning and importance. I would recommend this to all levels from a startup to a company in need of rebranding!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

I walked away with a comprehensive and put together packet that properly describes my company, its purpose and a proper logo.

A hard drive with all the materials I would need with those logos (i.e. letterhead, for trademarking, etc) were set up for my continued use. This has streamlined my process and I look forward with working with this company for the website set up in the near future.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The company preferred that there be one point of contact in order to properly streamline the workshop. Too many hands in one pot can cause confusion and that was

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was impressed by the wealth of knowledge and the clear next steps they offered. They were punctual, prepared, and great at providing guidance and clarity.