Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Benson.
Hi Lisa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hey, I’m Lisa Benson, the creative force behind DeBella DeBall Designs. My journey from a high school graduate with a passion for communication and broadcast television to the founder of a veteran-focused digital marketing agency has been exhilarating. After realizing the high costs of higher education, I enlisted in the Army, which helped me finance my studies and opened my eyes to new possibilities and challenges. Returning home from deployment in 2005, I turned to massage therapy, eventually obtaining my BS in Management and a Master’s in Public Administration.
The turning point came in late 2007 when my father suggested I join the Texas Rollergirls Roller Derby league to help manage my PTSD—a decision that dramatically shaped my future. Roller derby wasn’t just a sport; it became my therapy and a community where I found resilience and camaraderie. By 2009, while still deeply involved in the derby community, I leveraged my skills to assist nonprofits with their branding, realizing that my real passion lay in helping others shine.
In 2017, recognizing the need for more specialized services, I founded DeBella DeBall Designs. With a clear mission to support veteran entrepreneurs, our agency focuses on unleashing the potential of digital marketing to elevate personal and professional brands. Whether through crafting comprehensive digital strategies or delivering our business-intensive business service, we are committed to providing tailored solutions and achieving measurable results.
Today, DeBella DeBall Designs is not just a digital marketing agency; it’s a platform for empowerment, innovation, and success. We cater specifically to veterans, understanding their unique journey and the obstacles they face in civilian life. Our ultimate goal is to ensure each client survives and thrives in the competitive business landscape.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to building and growing DeBella DeBall Designs has been anything but smooth. Like many entrepreneurial journeys, mine has faced challenges and setbacks. One significant struggle was transitioning from military to civilian life, which involved recalibrating my skills and mindset to fit the business world. This transition was about changing careers and adapting to a different pace and style of interaction.
The early days of establishing the agency also came with financial uncertainties. Starting any business requires capital, and despite my best planning, the fluctuating costs of running a digital marketing agency often tested my resolve and resources. Additionally, finding the right talent who shared the vision and possessed the unique blend of creativity and technical skills needed in digital marketing was challenging.
Another major hurdle was building a client base. As a veteran-focused agency, I aimed to connect with other veterans who were entrepreneurs. Still, initially, many needed to be more cautious or unfamiliar with the power of digital marketing. Educating potential clients about how strategic online marketing could transform their businesses was a gradual and sometimes uphill battle.
However, each obstacle also allowed us to turn our mess into our mission. This phrase has become a cornerstone of our philosophy at DeBella DeBall Designs. It reflects our journey of transforming challenges into a purpose-driven path, reinforcing the resilience I developed through my military service and roller derby. These experiences have taught me the importance of adaptability, perseverance, and strategic thinking, deepening my commitment to helping fellow veterans succeed in their entrepreneurial ventures. Every struggle has thus been an essential step toward our mission, making each effort worthwhile.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My involvement in roller derby began as a personal journey to manage PTSD, but it quickly evolved into a critical influence on my professional life. Roller derby, a sport known for its fierce competition and strong community, taught me resilience, strategic thinking, and the importance of teamwork. These lessons proved invaluable when I transitioned into the business world.
When I founded DeBella DeBall Designs, I infused the agency with the spirit of roller derby: bold, collaborative, and resilient. The sport’s ethos of empowerment and support mirrors how we engage with our clients—especially veterans. We focus on crafting strategies highlighting their strengths and addressing their unique challenges, much like preparing for a roller derby.
Moreover, roller derby’s inclusive and supportive community inspired our mission to provide a similar environment for veteran entrepreneurs. We aim to empower them with digital marketing tools that amplify their voices and elevate their business ventures. This approach has differentiated us in the market and created a loyal client base that values genuine support and understanding.
In essence, roller derby didn’t just influence my career; it shaped the core values and practices of DeBella DeBall Designs, making our work impactful and our relationships with clients significant.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I believe we’ve covered the essentials of my journey and the ethos of DeBella DeBall Designs. However, I’d like to emphasize the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the ever-evolving field of digital marketing. The digital landscape constantly changes, and staying ahead requires an unwavering commitment to innovation and education. At DeBella DeBall Designs, we pride ourselves on being lifelong learners who continually adapt our strategies to leverage the latest technologies and trends for our client’s benefit.
Additionally, I want to highlight the power of community and networking in entrepreneurship, especially for veterans. Building a supportive network can be a game-changer for any entrepreneur, providing business opportunities and emotional and moral support. We encourage our clients and peers to engage actively in online or offline communities to enhance their growth and resilience.
Lastly, if any readers are considering a venture into digital marketing or entrepreneurship, my advice is to start with a clear mission and a commitment to serve. Let your unique experiences and passions guide your business philosophy, just as my military background and roller derby background have guided mine. You can turn your vision into a thriving reality with passion, perseverance, and the proper support.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.debelladeballdesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debelladeballdesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeBellaDeBallDesigns
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@debelladeballdeDesigns
Image Credits
#Spartan Roller Derby Photo Color – Tyler Shaw Roller Derby B&W – Michele Hale Army photo – #Spartan
