Novel Coworking Golden Triangle in Pittsburgh is home to a rich community of innovative entrepreneurs who help shape our story. This week’s blog post spotlights Rare Oath and their founder, Katy Ladner. Rare Oath is a woman-powered creative services business that offers branding, graphic design, and marketing services in both print and digital spaces. Whether working with boutiques or big brands, Rare Oath focuses on producing great work–that works well.
How was Rare Oath founded?
Rare Oath was founded in February 2017 with our first clients including a big brand seeking cohesive “gap” support (between its agency of record and in-house capabilities), and an industrial client in need of a complete brand makeover.
What’s in a name?
The name “Rare Oath” is based on the belief that the vitality of a brand hinges on making and keeping a unique promise to its customers. We want to help brands recognize, celebrate, and uphold their unique offerings. In turn, we make a genuine commitment to our clients and team members to produce brand-forward creative with a truly supportive and collaborative approach.
Why did you start your own business?
My background is rooted in traditional advertising agencies and design firms, which has afforded me invaluable professional experiences and lasting friendships. Along the way, I have seen a true need from clients for flexible, top-quality creative solutions. There is also a distinct and growing need for workplace flexibility in terms of where, how, and when you work.
That combined flexibility is a big part of the inspiration for Rare Oath–flexibility that achieves brand goals, while supporting team member growth and satisfaction as well.
How do you set goals for yourself?
Well, since we are a creative services business, much of our daily workflow and short term goals are dictated by clients’ schedules or media placements. For our own company goals–it’s a little tougher. We have to carve out and protect specific time slots to focus on Rare Oath so that we are able to sustain our own growth and ensure our availability for clients.
How has your office changed your workflow?
Novel Coworking has been the perfect complement for our model of flexibility. All of our Collective Energists (team members) are able to work remotely or come into our office for focused collaboration and resources as needed. I think it has been great for all of us to have a home base, but one that doesn’t require a lot of our energy to maintain.
How did you decide on an office design?
The office design came to us very naturally. We want our space to feel like our brand for both visitors and our Collective Energists. We emphasized our brand palette of yellow, navy, and white, and created a layout conducive to comfortable collaboration. We are very happy with the execution and feel it achieves the energy we hoped for.
Why do you love being a Novel Coworking member?
The availability of resources and access to locations in other cities. I think both will continue to be very helpful as we grow.
Do you have any advice for new entrepreneurs?
I would say–just try to stay open to how your path unfolds and lean into your community for support and resources. Listening, asking for help, and even offering help to others can make the very hard work of building a business a little easier and more enjoyable.
Learn more about businesses like Rare Oath by joining one of our entrepreneurial communities in a city near you. A Novel Coworking membership includes access to networking events, Lunch & Learns, and happy hours to help you grow your business. Start your success story today!