Danielle Noble, Owner of Developer Essentials
Spotlight Entrepreneurs are hardworking entrepreneurs who have taken advantage of SOURCE RW’s educational resources.
“I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur, but it’s taken a while for me to figure out the best business model for me.” – Danielle Noble
Website: https://www.developeressentials.space/
Tell us a little about your business.
Developer Essentials is a product supplier that specializes in upscale and unique building materials servicing the Construction and Design Industries. Our highly curated but well-priced product offering was handpicked by a team with over 20 years of design experience. We are committed to helping our clients create forward-thinking, innovative spaces.
Our Core Categories include:
Cabinetry
Lighting
Private Label Upholstery
Art
Casegoods
Decorative Hardware
Shower Enclosures & Bath Fixtures
I am also pleased to announce that Developer Essentials is now a certified WBE/MBE business!
What services have you utilized at SOURCE RW and how have you benefitted?
I’ve utilized SOURCE RW extensively. Most recently, I just graduated from the Kauffman FastTrac New Ventures business ownership course this past fall. I’ve also attended other weekly courses that have centered around topics such as Financing your Business and Identifying a Business Mentor. I’ve also attended a business coaching session at SOURCE RW.
The benefits have been monumental… For example, my Kauffman class gave me the tools to put together a Business Model Canvas. This business plan is crucial for the running of my business as it identifies my key partners, value propositions, customer segments, etc. It’s my roadmap to conducting business as it even details the expected revenue per business segment. The Kauffman class also introduced me to a money management tool that is instrumental in keeping my finances on track.
What made you interested in being a business owner?
I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur, but it’s taken a while for me to figure out the best business model for me.
What have you enjoyed most about being a business owner?
I love the flexibility to follow atypical projects. I also enjoy being able to control my own destiny.
What have you enjoyed least about being a business owner?
It can definitely be a grind… I’m a creative person, so I have to constantly remind myself that I must be mindful of the books and keep things up to date.
Was there ever a point when you wanted to quit?
Not quite, per se. But there are definitely times when I say to myself “Who do you think you are?” Luckily those thoughts tend to be quieted after hearing a bit of good news.
Was there ever a point where you realized you had “made it”?
Oh no… My company is in its infancy, I have yet to make it. Really, I don’t know if any entrepreneur ever feels as if they’ve ‘made it’.
If you could tell aspiring business owners just one thing before their journey – that you wish you had known prior to starting your journey – what would it be?
Be smart about branding your business from the outset. Factor it into your start-up costs. It seems frivolous but it’s amazing the credibility you’ll gain from a consistent branding strategy.