From Corporate To Creative: A Digital Transformation Success Story

Easy, fun, and rewarding. 
 
If Leanne of Leanne Grammenz Graphic Design in Toronto, Ontario had to choose three words to describe her experience in the ShopHERE powered by Google program, these would be her top picks. Before taking advantage of this free eCommerce tool, however, making a digital footprint as a small business in the professional services industry hadn’t always been smooth sailing.  

“I [had] been meaning to design a website forever… but didn't have the know-how or the funds to hire someone” 

Like many small business owners, Leanne felt that she was always too busy wearing the many hats needed to run her company to get started with building a website. And yet, the economic opportunities available from reaching even a small fraction of the billions of active online buyers worldwide remained too good to pass up. 

“As a small business, you are juggling so many balls at once. ShopHERE stepped in and said, “Let me help” and that is what they really did… They helped me get started, took away the stress, and broke things down into manageable chunks.” 

The ShopHERE powered by Google program provides free one-on-one support to small business owners with building an eCommerce website. Digital Main Street delivers this program in Ontario, and Leanne jumped at the opportunity to participate when she first learned of it during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

From the start, Leanne knew she needed a multi-functional website to best showcase her business’ three core areas of expertise: graphic design, creative services, and a marketplace for lovingly handmade and upcycled creations. “You might call me a handy woman,” Leanne continues, and “I love solving problems using my design and sewing skills. Friends have always encouraged me to offer my services as a full-fledged business.” Among Leanne’s most popular home decor products is her custom hockey jersey home décor pillows. Behind each and every custom graphic design and skillfully completed repair, alteration, or upcycle project are years of experience, a refined eye for design, and a creative streak with childhood beginnings. 

Starkly different from the office buildings of the corporate graphic design career she left behind in 2009, Leanne looks forward to heading into her “She-Shed” every day for work. Leanne is also appreciative of the freedom her leap of faith afforded her as she was more available to take care of her kids as they grew up over the years. And, even though the recent pandemic was isolating in many ways, Leanne’s experience working remotely with her ShopHERE Coordinator was anything but. 

“Alexa's warm and friendly personality quickly put me at ease, she listened carefully to my wishes, asked intelligent and thoughtful questions, and also gave me enough guidance to get me started. She outlined design options, answered all my questions without judgement (I had a lot to learn about web design) [and] was available to “virtually hold my hand” throughout the process, giving me confidence to work on the website with her [while] allowing me to learn along the way.”  

Upon completing her time in the ShopHERE powered by Google program, Leanne not only walked away with a brand new eCommerce website but also the skills and empowerment needed to continue to manage and update her site in the future. 

“With the help of my coordinator, I was able to achieve a multi-functional website perfectly suited to my needs.  I have always wanted an online space to showcase my work, and now I have one, thanks to the Digital Main Street's ShopHERE powered by Google program!” 

Leanne also shared that she always looked forward to hopping on video calls with her Coordinator as she worked through the process of building her website. The ease of participating in this program, as well as the sense of excitement and fulfilment that came along with it, continue to leave a lasting impression on Leanne.  
 
Similarly, Leanne states that every single small business owner has a unique set of valuable skills, and even if that skill set doesn’t include web design, she encourages those without a website for their small business to not let that prevent them from taking the first step in their digital transformation. 

“My confidence has been boosted, and my sense of pride in my business has grown! I am proud to share my URL and showcase my work via my website. If any small business needs help to get going on e-commerce, this is the best way to do it! No experience with website development? No problem, with ShopHERE on board, guiding and supporting small businesses through the daunting task of getting started.” 

If you’re interested in learning more about Leanne Grammenz Graphic Design, click here. If you are a small business looking to begin your own journey into the eCommerce space or are interested in the ShopHERE powered by Google Program, you can find more information here.