Amy Pierquet, Waterfront Graphic Design
IB’s Professional of the Week is the premier way to meet Dane County’s professionals. This week features Amy Pierquet, owner, Waterfront Graphic Design.
What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
I don’t view any part of my business as a challenge. Challenges are just opportunities for growth — to look within and improve yourself. Without challenges, there is no growth.
The rewarding aspects are numerous. What makes me most fulfilled is when a new client comes to me having problems with their website they were told could not be fixed. They are frustrated and at their wits’ end. When I fix the problem and I see their anxiety or stress level drop.
Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
I admire Amber Swenor. I have known Amber for years. I watched her go from an insecure young entrepreneur to the authentic powerhouse that she is today. Watching her go through that transformation and seeing her help others find their own authentic power has inspired me in more ways than you can imagine.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
I have always been about connections and connecting people to each other. A few years ago, I started networking nationwide and have met so many amazing business owners. I guess that the high point of my career was when I connected a West Coast business owner with an East Coast business owner. I felt so great to have helped these two people connect and fulfill the need they had.
Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Trust in yourself and trust your gut. You are more powerful than think. Heal your traumas and the world will open up to you in amazing ways that you won’t expect.
What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
I would say that the Madison area offers the best of everything — community, culture, nature, lakes, and academics.
Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
People always love to hear more about this — I love to study martial arts, and weapons mostly. I train with knives, swords, and sticks.
One day I was training in my karate class with two sticks, and while swinging them around during a defense movement I hit myself so hard in the back of the head I almost knocked myself out. A hazard of training, LOL.
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