Owner/President: Pat Pierson Company: Imaginative Designs Address: 1019 Romany Road Kansas City, MO 64113 Phone: (816) 820-2014 E-mail:
Web Site: www.imaginativedesigns.us Type of Business: Web Design
Pat Pierson found that growing up on a farm provided a wonderful forum for learning the basics of running a business.
“Many of the same issues that farmers face with the weather, equipment costs, and the prices they get for their products are very similar to those facing a small business,” Pierson said. “I was exposed to the risks and rewards of running your own business at a very young age.”
Since then, Pierson has spent much time in corporate America—from information technology to management positions—which helped round out her business experience. After 30 years, Pierson decided to strike out on her own and put her early “business” experience to work. She created Imaginative Designs, a custom Web site and Web application business, because she wanted to do something she really enjoyed, and she wanted flexibility.
“We develop creative sites that provide a great look and feel combined with affordable back-end database applications,” Pierson said. Imaginative Designs uses its database back-ends to take static, informational sites to a new level.
“With this technology, we can develop interactive questionnaires, display dynamic, changing information and allow you to maintain information on your site,” she said.
Pierson uses freelance Web designers, who also work out of their homes. She provides them the same flexibility that she has, and this “virtual office” works well for her business.
One of the greatest enjoyments of working from a home-based business is the flexibility, Pierson said. She can control the number of hours that she works at one time, as well as when she works those hours. Still, she says that it’s easy to get so wrapped up in her work that if she didn’t watch herself, she would end up working 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Pierson said she is fortunate that her friends encourage her hobbies of tennis and golf. She also has a pair of dogs, Geronimo and Miss Chief, that make sure she fits exercise into her schedule, as well.
A large part of building a business is networking, and Pierson has found many opportunities through the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. As a Chamber Champion, she represents the Chamber at events, including ribbon cuttings and Business After Hours. She also has joined the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Women Business Owners and the Independent Computer Consultants Association.
Pierson has had several mentors who have helped her along the way, including her Kansas State University college roommate who also has a home-based business, and another friend who owned a successful produce company in Kansas City. Recognizing the amount of help that she has received from her peers, Pierson helps others as well. She is currently mentoring the owner of a dog listener business, which helps families better communicate with their pets. Pierson’s advice to others who are thinking about starting their own home-based business is to take one day at a time and to be resourceful.
“You can accomplish great things if you have a passion for your business,” she said. “It is enjoyable to be around individuals who are excited about what they are doing.”
And Pierson is truly excited about what she does. Even though she has always loved the IT industry, Pierson was still surprised at how fun her business is.
“This is my favorite job,” Pierson said, “And I am my favorite boss!”
Corey Jackson is an intern for Kansas City Small Business Monthly magazine.
