This week on Own It we’re talking to Ari Krzyzek from Chykalophia. Her firm is a web conversion focused firm. They bring brand ideas to life to transform their websites for growth. Speaking of growth, the agency was born from Ari’s simple website design consulting work she began in 2009. So she has seen ownership from that seed of consulting int a large and successful agency.
Ari is originally from Bali, but now based in Chicago. We talked about that journey, how she started and built her agency, and her interesting perspective on closing the gender gap in agency ownership.
We so admire Ari’s drive and determination to own it. You will learn so much from her.
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Ari's journey began with her bold decision to decline a scholarship in tourism to pursue her true passion for graphic design. This pivotal moment set her on a path that felt authentic and inspiring, demonstrating the importance of listening to your inner calling, even if it diverges from conventional expectations.
When Ari moved to Chicago and started her business, she was initially scared and intimidated. However, she found that building a network and receiving guidance from mentors who "opened doors" for her was crucial. This highlights the significance of seeking out and leveraging mentorship and community support, especially when navigating new territories or feeling like an outsider, to gain confidence and direction.
Ari and her husband initially struggled with defining their roles in their business, often telling each other how to do their respective jobs. They learned that setting clear boundaries and specializing in areas they were truly passionate about and skilled in was essential for their business's success and their relationship. This emphasizes the importance of clear role definition and systemization in any partnership, especially in a family business.
Ari stresses that imposter syndrome will always be present at every stage of entrepreneurship. Her advice is to acknowledge it but push forward regardless, "charging in anyway" and figuring things out along the way. This illustrates the necessity of self-belief and action over perfectionism to grow and lead effectively.
Ari observes that female owners often hesitate to "make noise" or occupy the space they deserve, partly due to societal norms. She advocates for women to be more visible and vocal to inspire other women, particularly those who don't see themselves represented in leadership roles. This underscores the power of representation and the responsibility of successful women to uplift and empower others.
