Today we’d like to introduce you to Maiya Ali.
Hi Maiya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started Innovative Pages as a side business when I was in high school. It was originally a web design business and I mostly taught myself outside of my computer science classes. However, I decided to pursue a career as a Financial Advisor and kept Innovative Pages as my side business.
Over time, I started to realize that I liked Finance, BUT it wasn’t my passion. It didn’t drive me the way my creative business did. When COVID hit, I was released from my finance job and I decided to make the final push: I made Innovative Pages my full-time job! Today, I expanded the business to include social media management services, graphic design, and brand strategy.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have definitely been some struggles along the way. I’m the only one in my family that works as a full-time entrepreneur. I was not prepared for all the expenses, setting up the business in the backend, figuring out how to expand the business on my own, etc. I feel like I’m learning every day, but it’s honestly one of the best feelings in the world! It’s definitely hard owning a business, but I can’t see myself doing anything else for a living.
We’ve been impressed with Innovative Pages LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Innovative Pages originally started as a web design business, but we have slowly expanded our services to help others grow their business through a human-centered digital brand strategy approach. We offer Social Media Management, Graphic Design, and Web Design services to businesses. We work closely with small business owners to give them a brand makeover and teach them methods to market themselves better. Overall, we turn your digital daydreams into dazzling designs!
As far as how we set ourselves apart from others, we utilize a strategy that focuses on presenting the heart of the company/business. It’s all about the presentation and making sure your message comes across as authentic and natural as possible. All in all, strategy matters the most. It’s the framework needed for my clients to increase engagement and reach on their virtual platforms, as well as get a good return on investment. Sales matter to us too!
At Innovative Pages, we’re proud to say that our clientele is mostly black female entrepreneurs. I love assisting my community in any way that I can. Our goal is to support several start-up/small businesses run by black individuals or families because their voice deserves to be heard. We want to help them build their platform to the fullest potential.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve been fortunate to have so many great people in my life that continue to push me forward every day. My mother, for one, has supported me from the very beginning when I started web designing in high school. She was the one who saw my creative passion and told me to pursue it, even if I just kept it as a side business in college. I think she knew what I was destined for before I knew it.
My sister, Aasiya, was my first official client! She was one of my biggest supporters when I first started the business full time. My boyfriend Xavier, my father, and my older brother have also been my cheerleaders when I needed it the most. Lastly, my BNI/ networking group has always showed up and showed out for me. I actually owe much of my success to their constant, unyielding support in me and my business.
Having someone at your side that believes in you is not something everyone has, and I believe that having supportive people can be the step between a good attempt at something and true, everlasting success!
Contact Info:
- Email: maiya@ipagesdesign.com
- Website: www.ipagesdesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativepages/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innovativepages/
Image Credits
Last picture (with the three women) is credited to Aziz Ajaney.
