Building Creative Businesses: Insights from Michelle Zak of Four Tabs Design

In the Founders Society Podcast interview, Michelle Zak, founder of Four Tabs Design, shares her inspiring journey from Army officer to successful web designer. She discusses her transition into civil affairs and marketing before discovering a passion for building Shopify websites for creative entrepreneurs. Michelle highlights the importance of knowing when to transition from selling on social media to having a dedicated website, offering insights on Shopify's benefits. She also shares her experience of moving to Germany and how it has impacted her business.

Michelle's Background and Transition

Michelle's career began in the Army, where she honed skills that would later serve her in entrepreneurship. After her service, she found herself working in civil affairs and marketing before pivoting to web design. Her entry into Shopify design came unexpectedly, after helping a friend with a website, which opened doors to more opportunities.

Moving From Social Media to a Website

Michelle advises business owners to consider a dedicated website when their sales volume grows or they want more control over their branding. Shopify is her recommended platform due to its scalability and integration options, which makes it suitable for growing businesses.

Design Process

When working with clients, Michelle emphasizes collaboration. She begins by understanding a business's goals and brand identity before designing a site that balances both aesthetics and functionality. She also ensures clients feel empowered to manage their sites by providing training and ongoing support.

Transitioning to Germany

In a recent move, Michelle relocated to Germany, presenting her with new legal and administrative challenges for her business. Nevertheless, she embraces the changes and uses them to refine her processes, showing resilience and adaptability.

Conclusion

Michelle Zak's journey highlights the power of risk-taking and adaptation. Her dedication to supporting creative entrepreneurs through Shopify design shines through, making her an invaluable resource for business owners looking to elevate their online presence.

For more insights, listen to this inspiring Founders Society Podcast episode!