We had the good fortune of connecting with Sam Fagan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In 2013, when I found out I was being laid off from my job at a small marketing agency in Austin, the overwhelming emotion wasn’t panic or fear—it was relief. I was burned out, tired of the lack of autonomy and being micromanaged by those who didn’t necessarily understand the projects they oversaw. More than anything, I was tired of working in an environment that didn’t resonate with my aspirations or values. I was eager to step out of the shadow of young male leadership and show that I, too, could build something successful.

Transitioning from the constraints of a computer job to the tangible, bustling environment of a coffee shop was my first step into a new world. This job wasn’t just a stopgap; it was a reset button for my life. Physically engaging work, learning the art and science behind a perfect cup of coffee, and the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life offered a refreshing contrast to my previous 9-to-5 life. There’s something to be said for the therapeutic effects of physical movement, not just for the body but for the mind and spirit as well. In this unexpected setting, I found myself healing and growing in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

Ironically, it was here, amidst the steady rhythm of espresso machines, that I stumbled upon my first freelance design client. A man with dreams of starting a kombucha business and in need of social media assistance walked into the shop one day. The project was exciting; for the first time in a long while, I felt genuinely eager to dive into strategic thinking and design. It was a sign—I was ready to rekindle my design career, but on my own terms.

The decision to seek out a coworking space came from a desire to surround myself with creatives and entrepreneurs—to be part of a community that shared my newfound enthusiasm for building something from the ground up. It was here that I encountered a Freelancing 101 course that would cement my idea to start my own business. Led by a woman who had navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship herself, the course covered everything from bookkeeping to branding. Seeing someone who looked like me, who had faced similar challenges and emerged successful, was profoundly inspiring. For the first time, the idea of running my own business felt attainable.

The journey from being laid off to starting my own business was not just a career transition; it was a personal transformation. Each step of the way, from the coffee shop to my first freelance gig, and through the empowering Freelancing 101 course, was a lesson in resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community. I learned that sometimes, you have to step completely out of your comfort zone to find your true calling.

To those thinking about a leap into entrepreneurship, lean into change, seek community, and find mentorship. Recognize the moments of opportunity that life presents, even in the most unlikely places. Starting a business is as much about understanding your strengths and passions as it is about strategic planning and execution.

As I look to the future, I’m excited to expand my business, explore new markets, and continue to learn and grow both personally and professionally. The path of an entrepreneur is never linear, but with resilience and a willingness to adapt, it’s a journey that promises endless possibilities.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At the heart of Design It Please is a blend of charisma, creativity, and precision that sets us apart in a crowded marketplace. Engaging with our brand isn’t just a transaction. Our approach is grounded in the belief that business should be both personal and professional, making every client feel as though they’re engaging with a trusted friend who possesses expert knowledge.

What truly differentiates us is our balanced mix of right-brain creativity and left-brain analytical strategy. This duality is woven into the fabric of our offerings, ensuring that solutions are strategically sound, not just pretty. Our team’s passion and intelligence shine through in the care we take with each project, reflecting a commitment to excellence that’s both approachable and refreshingly humble. We believe in laughter and positivity while working hard, making the journey towards achieving a client’s goals an enjoyable one.

We’re firm believers in the power of being genuine—what you see is what you get. Our communication is intentionally direct and focused, valuing your time and cutting through the fluff to deliver clear, concise messages. This straightforwardness, combined with a constant curiosity and desire to understand the unique needs of each client, allows us to provide tailored solutions that truly make a difference.

We want the world to know that our brand stands for more than just the services we offer; it represents a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of our clients and in the community. Our story is one of passion, resilience, and the unwavering belief that business can be both meaningful and enjoyable. We’re not just a company; we’re a collection of individuals dedicated to making a difference, offering a unique blend of expertise, empathy, and enthusiasm to all who engage with us.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you’re visiting me in Morgantown, WV, we’re going to spend most of our time outdoors. The area is overflowing with beautiful forests, streams, mountains, and hidden treasures. If you visit in the winter, we’ll go skiing or tubing down a snow-covered mountain. If it’s spring, we’ll fly fish for trout and go to one of the many ramp festivals. Summer is the best time for camping and swimming, because the weather is perfect. In the fall, we can hike or bike for miles.

I’ll feed you Thai, Peruvian, Middle Eastern, Jamaican, African, Italian, and good old fashioned bar food. For a small city, there’s a surprising diversity of cuisine.

When we start itching for a big city, we’ll drive to Pittsburgh and go to the Warhol museum and eat at Apteka.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Book – Design is a Job by Mike Monteiro Best coworking space leader – Shelley Delayne
Freelancing 101 creator – Emily Leach

Website: https://designitplease.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthafagan/

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