7 minutes with... Cat Byrne, Gatto Web
‘Crafting a business in an intentional way takes time and to get to where you want to be, there is always lots of work involved. But, as long as you keep going and are working towards your goals, it will happen for you.’
We’ve followed Cat Byrne of Gatto Web ‘s work for a while and she’s a talented, creative genius. Here the Manchester-based designer and coach shares how she turned a hobby into a successful business helping creatives push their brand with beautiful, consistent and functional websites.
Hey Cat, great to you have you with us! Firstly, do you mind introducing yourself and tell us what you do?
Of course! So I am the founder of Gatto which is my design business. As part of Gatto, I do lots of different things but the main part is working with bold, creative business owners to creating branding and websites which are unique to them, completely personal and help them stand out.
In 3 words, sum up Gatto Web?
Bold, unique and intentional
We love your business, your service offering and the amazing projects you’ve worked on. What gave you the idea to set up Gatto web and why do you think it is so relevant for brands to have a strong and consistent branding and website design in 2020?
I started Gatto in 2014 as a hobby to combine my love of coding and experimenting with design and was just a blog where I designed my own templates. From there, I started selling the templates and then pivoted to bespoke design services in 2016 which I have been doing ever since!
It’s so important to have a strong brand image in 2020 because there are so many businesses to stand out from! More and more incredible people are starting up their own venture so it’s important to have your own voice and image that matches your voice?
“It’s so important to have a strong brand image in 2020 because there are so many businesses to stand out from!”
— CAT GATTO, GATTO WEB.
What has been the biggest fear to overcome when running the business?
At first, I suffered a lot from being myself in business and doing things the way I wanted to do them. There is so much noise in the form of advice, blog posts, podcasts, Facebook ads that all pull you in and make you think you should be doing something a certain way when really, you need to do things that feel right for you.
As soon as I stopped comparing what I do to other people, I managed to find my niche and build a business I love!
Something you wish you’d known at the start?
There are no quick solutions! Crafting a business in an intentional way takes time and to get to where you want to be, there is always lots of work involved. But, as long as you keep going and are working towards your goals, it will happen for you.
The best part of running Gatto Web?
Doing the thing I love to do every single day! Design is my one true passion and the fact I get to do it over and over again with so many amazing people is honestly the best thing I could have asked for.
It also helps that I get to create my own routines and fit in reading time and puppy cuddles during the day…
One piece of advice you were told that you want to share with others?
My most valuable piece of advice which I took from my creative coach and close friend is to look after myself before I look after my business, because my business can’t work if I can’t. I really try to cut down on working hours, have weekends off and fit in lots of non-work activities during the week to make sure I feel good in myself so I can give all the energy to my business that it needs.
Three things you want to achieve in the next 12 months?
Work less hours during the week
Launch a new coaching service for designers
Take more time to chat with a network of other business owners
Finally, some quick fire questions:
Where is home?
Manchester is and always will be home - I’m a proper Northerner!
3 apps you can’t live without?
A podcast we must listen to?
Letters From a Hopeful Creative for business or How to Fail for lifestyle
A brand you admire and why?
I love what Polly from Sighh studio has created!
If you could change one thing to make the world better what would it be?
Less self-doubt for everyone, please!
If you’re a creative and want to know more about the amazing services Cat offers, you can find them on her website.
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