Regina Correa’s interior design business, Studio Riche Designs, has been successful since she first opened it in New Orleans in 2012. But, Correa knew there were ways she could help it grown even further, especially as she discovered that most new clients reach her through marketing rather than referrals.
So, when an acquaintance at the Louisiana Small Business Development Center told Correa about seminars sponsored by Hancock Whitney, she immediately jumped on board. With several topics to choose from, Correa opted for sessions that helped her learn about marketing strategies and the importance of consistent messaging.
“For me, marketing is one of the most important aspects of my business because that is the main way I bring clients in,” Correa said. “I felt like I needed to learn more about how to position my business and understand digital marketing and social media. I cleared my agenda and jumped right into the seminars because I knew they would benefit me.”
Those sessions inspired Correa to launch a monthly magazine that focuses on interior design trends and tips for people to improve their space. Since she started the magazine in May 2020, Correa has seen her business grow thanks in large part to a significant increase in search traffic.
“When someone types ‘interior design New Orleans’ into Google, my business is one of the first three to pop up,” Correa said. “I firmly believe the SEO (search engine optimization) from the magazine has helped me reach that point. It was the Hancock Whitney program that gave me the guidance and the inspiration.”
Marketing is just one topic addressed in the Hancock Whitney Small Business Matters program, which offers virtual and in-person seminars designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners and solopreneurs – people like Correa who run their entire business by themselves. Other sessions focus on financing, loans, human resources and more.
“In addition to providing good information on marketing, the seminars allowed me to be in the same room with other solopreneurs who face the same issues I do,” Correa said. “There really is this camaraderie. People were sharing their own stories that we could all relate to. We were learning from one another’s mistakes and experiences. It was enlightening in so many ways.”
As Studio Riche Designs continues to thrive, Correa has embraced the concept of being a lifelong learner and is always seeking other opportunities to grow. Thanks to her positive experience that got results, she encourages other small business owners to do the same.
“There are so many resources out there for entrepreneurs,” she said. “The Hancock Whitney program is great and the Louisiana Small Business Development Center is always willing to help. They can also meet with you one-on-one and help you come up with a plan for your business. I always tell people to take advantage of the assistance that is out there because you don’t have to do it alone.”
For more information, visit www.hancockwhitney.com/small-business-matters. For more on Studio Riche Designs, visit www.studiorichedesigns.com.
