Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurie Barron.
Hi Laurie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am originally from the Midwest, grew up in Ohio and attended Indiana University – studying Accounting and Computer Information Systems. I did the “expected” accounting route and worked with PriceWaterhouseCooper for the typical 2 year turnaround time. I next landed a job at the National Collegiate Athletic Association where I remained for 7 years in Indianapolis as an accountant and a liaison with the IT group building new systems. It was there I met my former husband, an Indycar Driver from California, and moved to CA in 2006. With a lot of transitions and finding a new professional balance – I took some time to hone in on a passion of mine- crafts. I started connecting and selling handmade products at farmer’s markets and realized there was a niche for curated, quality handmade products. Thus, I began my journey as an entrepreneur building 3 B Street – dubbed the “Nordstrom of Etsy”. While working on that for years I began my first WordPress website and was able to combine my creativity with my tech aptitude. I realized what came naturally to me- technology and building relationships, so I decided to begin another company, Simply Styled Sites, which builds websites and automations for small businesses still today. Simply Styled Sites then evolved into another agency of mine, and my largest entity yet, Pursu Agency with my business partner based out of Virginia. Together we have created a digital agency which thrives today building customized websites with an entire team of experts. Pursu makes the largest impact in a variety of industries – both small and medium, for those who value quality, bespoke design, and ongoing relationships.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Is it ever? Although I had an exciting life as a driver’s wife, my purpose is to help others and consistently challenge myself. I like building “things” – both physically and within technology. Because I’m not much of a planner and I’ve been given the superpower “The Activator” – which is also how I learn best, by “doing”, but it’s caused a lot of misdirections and re-doing along the way. Over time I’ve learned to manage it better and rely on a team of experts to guide and help strategize properly. But that also means I’m not afraid to click away and dive into the hard stuff. Most recently, I’ve spent 2 years at Pursu with my business partner, Betsy, building our online e-course and coaching program, Pursu Your Potential. The greatest challenge here has been building and launching fast enough to keep up with technology. We officially launched it last year and have watched it grow as we improve along the way.
Most of my business challenges have really been the typical entrepreneur mistakes- focusing on wrong things like perfection and taking too long to get to market, and trying to do it all. I realize we need a team of experts and to really focus on my “zone of genius” to be successful.
Of course personal challenges always present themselves as well, but we must keep moving forward, controlling what we can, and keeping our heads high. I always strive to live with integrity because I am who I have to be proud of looking in the mirror each day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My title is “Creative Developer” which is an oxymoron in the digital world. I have a keen eye and am always developing new ideas to build and launch. In fact, I often can’t contain myself. One of my projects included the serious gap in project management of building websites between constituents, from the client, dev team, designer, seo expert, and assistants. Communication and progress seemed everywhere. So, I used my tools and built an entirely automated system to make larger web projects flow seamlessly, where communication is centralized and clear. And of course I had to make it pretty. But project management is one of the many things I manage and enjoy the organization and relationship piece of handling projects.
Not only am I working on building my companies, but enjoy the creative research and design that I get to utilize when building websites for clients.
I also have a masters degree in Informatics – Human Computer Interaction which basically is the same as user experience, usability, and human psychology in how we interact with technology.
Combining my tech, relationship building, and creativity are really where I thrive.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Well, I’m quite vocal so probably nothing unknown, but I am quite crafty and am always working on some paint, sewing, or some other medium in a project I’ve never tried (I always like learning new skills). As a collegiate swimmer at Indiana University, I still maintain an active lifestyle in the pool and have coached master’s swimming for the last decade. It’s where my people are – and where I am most myself. I am lost without water.
Additionally, I am obsessed with my animals. Never having children myself and always had a love for fur (even on my clothes – it blends in) – I currently have a german shepherd, Kali, and two silly, vocal cats, Petey and Izzy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pursu.agency and https://simplystyledsites.com
- Instagram: @pursuagency and @simplystyledsites
- Facebook: @pursuagency and @simplystyledsites
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriekbarron/
