The Power of Focus: How the KANSO creative Transforms Small Business Branding

In today's Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur Spotlight, we're diving deep with Andrew Walker and Hayden Anderson, the dynamic duo behind the KANSO creative. Their journey from side-hustling hobbyists to building a creative agency that transforms how small, community-rooted businesses present themselves online showcases the power of finding your niche. With an approach that prioritizes education over sales pitches, Andrew and Hayden have become trusted partners to local businesses looking to tell their stories authentically and effectively. Get ready to discover how focusing on your strengths and being intentional about who you serve can turn entrepreneurial dreams into thriving realities.

Hi, Andrew & Hayden! Thanks for joining us today. Tell us about your business. Who do you serve, how do you serve them, and what's the impact that your business and work makes?

At the KANSO creative, we serve small and community-rooted businesses by helping them discover, define, and share who they are through powerful branding, custom websites, SEO, and social media management. We come alongside our clients as creative partners—listening first, then crafting visuals, messaging, and digital platforms that feel intentional, personal, and effective.

Our impact is simple but meaningful: we give small businesses the confidence and clarity to show up professionally online, stand out in their markets, and connect with the customers who need them most. When their story is told well, their business grows—and we get to be a small part of that transformation.

Tell us about the moment you finally felt like you went from wantrepreneur to entrepreneur.

For us, the shift from wantrepreneur to entrepreneur happened the moment a real client put their trust in us and paid us for our work. It wasn’t just about money; it was the validation that what we created had value in the real world. One standout moment was launching the website for Carpe Crustum Bakery. Within days, the results spoke for themselves—her business saw growth during a time when construction was shutting down foot traffic. That was the turning point. We realized we weren’t just building websites—we were building tools that helped businesses survive and thrive. That’s when it clicked: this is no longer a dream—it’s a business that works.

Describe the moment or period in your life/career that motivated you to make the entrepreneurial leap.

Both of us have had side gigs our whole lives. It's just a part of who we are. the KANSO creative was the leap from hobbyist to actual business owners. 

Describe a tool, service, or software that has been a game-changer for your business. How does it contribute to your success?

One of the biggest game-changers for our business has been Asana, our project management tool. As a creative agency juggling multiple clients, timelines, and deliverables, staying organized is critical. Asana allows us to map out every stage of a project—from onboarding to launch—and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. It keeps our team aligned, ensures transparency with our clients, and helps us deliver work on time with excellence. Without it, we’d be reacting to chaos; with it, we’re proactively driving results. It’s the quiet engine behind our ability to scale and serve more clients effectively.

We know that success is very often a non-linear path. Tell us about a failure, pivot point, or lesson that changed your course or direction and helped to get you where you are today.

One of our biggest pivot points came when we realized that offering everything to everyone was watering down our impact. In the beginning, we were saying yes to every type of project—no matter the industry or fit. While it kept us busy, it also spread us thin and diluted our brand. The turning point was a project that drained our energy and taught us a hard lesson: not every client is the right client.

That experience forced us to step back and clarify who we truly serve best—small, local, and community-rooted businesses. Since narrowing our focus and refining our offerings, we've grown stronger, more intentional, and much more effective. That failure helped us build the kind of business we always wanted—purpose-driven, collaborative, and aligned with our values.

What unconventional strategy did you employ that significantly impacted your business?

One unconventional strategy we embraced early on was leading with education instead of sales. Instead of cold-pitching our services, we started offering free workshops, community talks, and helpful toolkits for small businesses. We showed up not to sell, but to teach, empower, and build trust.

This flipped the script. People came to see us as a resource, not a pitch. And over time, that built deeper relationships and more loyal clients who already saw the value we bring before we ever talked money. It’s not flashy, but it’s real—and it’s been one of the most impactful decisions we’ve made.

What’s something you wish you knew sooner that you’d give as advice for aspiring or newer entrepreneurs?

I wish we had known sooner that you don’t have to do everything yourself—and you shouldn’t try to.

As entrepreneurs, we often wear every hat in the early days, thinking hustle equals progress. But real growth comes when you learn to delegate, trust others, and focus on your strengths. Bringing in help, whether it's a partner, a freelancer, or a mentor, isn’t a weakness—it’s a strategic move.

So if you’re just starting out, my advice would be: invest in relationships, ask for help, and focus on the work only you can do. That’s where your energy is most valuable.

Want to dive deeper into Andrew & Hayden's work? Find out more in the links below:

• Visit the KANSO creative's website theKANSOcreative.com
• Find the KANSO creative on Facebook
• Follow the KANSO creative on Instagram @thekansocreative
• Find the KANSO creative on LinkedIn