On taking the leap into entrepreneurship
A year ago, after what felt like countless conversations and years of dreaming, I finally launched blas&co. Having spent years working in the consulting industry, I had the opportunity to dive deep into different markets, industries, and most importantly, learn from the people behind them. Along the way, I worked with some incredibly talented individuals who continue to inspire me today. But what drove me was this constant need to step outside my comfort zone. Every time I took a risk, whether it worked out or not, I learned something. And that’s how I’ve come to realize that when you stay true to your values and consistently give your best, success will eventually follow.
Realizing the traditional agency model is outdated
While working at consulting firms, I came to understand that the traditional agency model isn’t working anymore. The design industry has become oversaturated, and in some cases, design is treated as just another commodity. With AI tools making rapid advancements and the rise of "instant designers" after a quick "UX" or "Design Thinking" course, competition has reached new levels. It’s not enough to follow the old models for pricing and project management anymore—they don’t fit today’s pace of change. This became one of the driving forces behind starting blas&co. I didn’t want to create just another agency with the same old pain points. I wanted to redefine how we do things—from project structures to pricing. Most importantly, I wanted to build a company focused on creating meaningful impact.
On overcoming impostor syndrome
One of the biggest challenges in starting an agency, or any entrepreneurial journey for that matter, is dealing with impostor syndrome. You can be surrounded by incredibly talented people and still feel like you don’t belong or aren't good enough. The trick is to recognize those thoughts for what they are—just noise. Everyone, no matter how experienced or successful, deals with self-doubt. What helped me overcome it was realizing that the very fact I’m pushing myself into new, uncomfortable spaces means I’m growing. Instead of letting impostor syndrome paralyze me, I’ve learned to embrace it as part of the process.
Plant tulip seeds, not rose seeds (or the other way around)
Another lesson I’ve learned is the importance of focusing your energy in the right direction. It sounds obvious, but sometimes we get caught up doing work or saying yes to projects that don’t align with where we actually want to go. It’s like planting rose seeds when you really want tulips. If you want to grow tulips, you have to be intentional with your efforts, or you’ll end up nurturing the wrong things. At blas&co, we’ve been very mindful of this. We focus on impact-driven projects because that’s the kind of work we want to grow. Saying no to the wrong things is just as important as saying yes to the right opportunities.
But, why another small agency, when bigger ones are acquiring them?
You might wonder why start another small agency when it seems like all the innovative ones are being acquired by larger firms? In recent years, consulting giants like Accenture, Deloitte, and PwC have been rapidly buying up creative agencies—big names like Fjord and Frog have all been scooped up. But here’s the thing: at blas&co, we wanted to build a model that doesn’t need acquisition to survive. From the start, we structured the company to be lean, adaptable, and innovative without needing a larger corporate machine behind us. We don’t want to depend on someone else for agility; we’re building it into our DNA.
Embracing flexible teams and the future of work
The world is changing, and so is the way people work. With more individuals opting for side hustles or taking the plunge into entrepreneurship, the traditional 9-to-5 is becoming outdated. According to Upwork, 36% of the U.S. workforce now freelances, and the numbers are growing globally. I wanted to reflect this shift at blas&co. That’s why we launched b&collective, a platform that connects talented senior designers with new opportunities. It’s simple—some of the best designers don’t want to spend their time selling themselves, and b&collective helps with that. We act as both an agency and a recruitment platform, giving designers the freedom to focus on their craft while ensuring they get the projects that matter. Check out more at b&collective.
Making impact our focus
Since day one, impact has been at the heart of what we do. The World Economic Forum has pointed out that businesses increasingly need to focus on creating value for society, not just shareholders. We wholeheartedly agree. For us, design and business are about making a difference. That’s why we chose Norrsken House Barcelona as our base—it’s the biggest European hub for impact-driven companies, and being part of this community aligns perfectly with our mission. We believe there’s no other way forward. If we’re not creating value that benefits both people and the planet, then what’s the point?
Don’t be afraid to go for it
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is not to be afraid. If you have a vision that you believe will change the world, go for it. The world needs you and your ideas. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by fear or doubt, but if you have something that can make a difference, don’t hold back. Yes, there will be challenges, but the impact you can make far outweighs the risks.
So, what’s next for us?
As the industry evolves, design agencies need to embrace flexibility, innovation, and impact-driven work to stay relevant. blas&co was built on these principles, and while the past year has had its challenges, it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience. We’re excited about what’s next—continuing to help clients create products and services that are not just focused on making profit, but on creating a better world for people, and the planet.
For anyone considering starting their own agency or taking that leap into entrepreneurship, my advice is this: think differently, focus on what matters, and always aim to create something meaningful. The world needs fresh ideas, and it’s up to all of us to make sure they come to life.
