Community Highlights: Meet Janis Sadoyama of Innovative Domain

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janis Sadoyama.

Hi Janis, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today. 
Welcome to the rollercoaster ride of my journey from a bright-eyed design student to becoming completely obsessed with personal branding. Picture young and naive me, enamored by the Absolut vodka brand and its magnetic campaigns. Yep, you could say I had a soft spot for alcohol brands (no judgment, please). Their exciting and edgy messaging, from The Captain to the Corona Beach Life, had me hooked. There was something magical about how these brands communicated seamlessly across marketing campaigns, curated events, commercials, print, and packaging – I saw it as creativity on steroids! 

So, armed with a degree in graphic design, I set my sights on the advertising world. Landing a job in an agency felt like reaching the promised land – until reality hit me like a ton of bricks. The glamour I had imagined was nowhere to be found. Instead, it was a whirlwind of client demands, endless revisions, and soul-crushing compromises. “Make the logo 20% bigger and make it pop!” Sound familiar? Yeah, I’ve been there, done that. 

But amidst the chaos, a silver lining emerged. Some of my colleagues were diving into their own side hustles, and they needed branding help. Suddenly, I found myself in a whole new world – one where creativity met authenticity, where dreams took shape in pixels and print. It was exhilarating, and it was here that I discovered my true calling. 

There’s something about entrepreneurs, isn’t there? Their energy is infectious, their passion palpable. They don’t just talk about their businesses; they pour their hearts into every word, and every idea. And that’s where my love and obsession with storytelling began. Because behind every brand, there’s a story waiting to be told – a story of ambition, resilience, and unwavering determination. 

With my design degree and a newfound appreciation for storytelling in my toolkit, I set out to build my own business. But I knew I needed more than just design chops – I needed to master the art of communication. That’s when I decided to pursue a master’s degree in Communications Management at USC. And let me tell you, it was a game-changer. 

At USC, I learned to marry design with strategy and creativity with communication. It wasn’t just about making things look pretty; it was about crafting messages that resonated on a deeper level. It was about understanding the psychology behind marketing and the power of a well-told story. 

For the last 14 years, I’ve been on a mission to help entrepreneurs embrace their unique brands. Because in a world of copycats and cookie-cutter solutions, authenticity is your greatest asset. Your story, your passion, your vision – that’s what sets you apart. I specialize in helping individuals unleash the full potential of their personal brands, paving the way for them to build businesses that truly embody their purpose and passion. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been moments when I’ve questioned everything—from my expertise to my ability to make it in this wild world of entrepreneurship. Thoughts like, “Maybe I should just find a stable job at a company,” have definitely crossed my mind more than once. Self-doubt, impostor syndrome, fear of failure, and the even bigger fear of never trying don’t ever completely go away; they’re just challenges you learn to navigate through. 

And let’s talk about validation – oh, how we crave it! It’s like we’re constantly seeking proof that we’re on the right track and have what it takes to succeed. But you know what? The proof is often staring us right in the face. We’ve weathered the storms, overcome the hurdles, and emerged stronger than ever. Our unique experiences and perspectives make us experts in our own right, whether we realize it or not. It’s funny how we doubt ourselves as entrepreneurs, yet when it comes to applying for a job we know we’re qualified for, our confidence soars through the roof. 

As if that weren’t enough, there are certainly challenges that go beyond self-limiting beliefs, such as cultural constraints and familial expectations, which all play a role in being an entrepreneur. My loved ones have always been protective and pushed me to choose the path of least resistance (get a job, work for a company, you won’t have to make the hard decisions because you’re just an employee). I’ve always approached situations with the notion of, “How hard could it be?” And, if you believe that everything has a solution, you may need to be a bit creative, but where there is a will, there is always a way. I feel that becoming an entrepreneur requires a certain level of stubbornness and just one person who believes in you and pushes you to be the best version of yourself… and if you’re wondering that one person can definitely be you. 

So, no, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. But when you’re aligned with your purpose, you wake up every day knowing that what you’re doing matters – and that makes all the struggles worth it. 

We’ve been impressed with Innovative Domain, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My company, Innovative Domain, puts innovation and consideration at the center of your business journey. Consider it your one-stop shop for all things branding, from logo design to copywriting, website development to social media strategy—everything you need to establish a professional presence both online and off. 

Five years ago, I founded Launch My Brand Today as a dedicated division of my company. At Launch My Brand Today, we don’t simply skim the surface of personal branding; we go deep. Our purpose is to help people navigate a transformative journey of self-discovery and brand growth. Unlike cookie-cutter solutions, we believe in tailored strategies that respect each individual’s distinct identity. 

My approach strongly emphasizes authenticity and connection. We don’t simply create brands; we help you discover your genuine voice, ensuring that every aspect of your brand reflects who you are at its core. By focusing on your unique story and presenting it through the channels that resonate with you, you can engage organically with your audience, establishing true connections and long-term partnerships. 

Another distinctive feature is our dedication to overall brand development. We go beyond aesthetic components like logos and color palettes; we also help you express your brand’s purpose, objective, and unique value proposition. This holistic strategy guarantees that your brand is visually stunning, profoundly relevant, and effective. Throughout the branding process, I prioritize collaboration and partnership. I am your trusted ally, supporting you through the ups and downs of establishing your brand. 

When working together, you’ll experience a combination of expertise, empathy, and empowerment. You’ll be guided through an inward deep dive to establish your goals, setbacks, and the tools necessary to help you reach your greatest potential and leave your mark on the world. 

This January, I launched the Launch My Brand Today podcast, realizing a long-held desire to provide a welcoming, inclusive environment for people at all stages of their brand-building journey. The podcast is dedicated to diving into the nuances of bringing dreams to life and celebrating the courageous souls who have created purpose-driven businesses and personal brands. Expect a mix of practical insights, actionable tips, inspiring interviews, and a supportive community. 

Building lasting connections with clients since the start of Innovative Domain is something that makes me very proud. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 20% of small firms fail in their first year. The failure rate rises to 30% by the end of the second year, 50% by the fifth, and 70% by the tenth year. In an industry where the odds are stacked against longevity, I’ve worked with several clients who have defied the odds and are still thriving beyond their first year and well into their 10+ years in business. Being a part of their brand-building experiences, supporting their progress, and experiencing their businesses’ ongoing growth is genuinely incredible and extremely rewarding. 

Any big plans?
I’m so excited about the road ahead, especially continuing to support individuals in shaping and magnifying their brands. Right now, I’m focused on helping corporate executives boost their personal brands. My goal is to provide people with real professional autonomy while also adding value to their jobs and personal lives. 

I’m in the process of crafting off-site masterminds and retreats tailored for individuals eager to fully immerse themselves in their brand-building journey. Picture it as a weekend getaway—a chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with yourself on a deeper level. These retreats will offer a unique opportunity to delve into your purpose, unearth hidden treasures within yourself, and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery. It’s all about creating a nurturing space where you can explore, grow, and emerge with newfound clarity and inspiration. I can’t wait to witness the incredible transformations that unfold during these immersive experiences. 

Don’t wait any longer if you have a gnawing feeling in your gut, a sense of purpose pulling at your heartstrings. Time is our most valuable resource, and investing it in what is truly important to you is the best investment you can make. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.launchmybrandtoday.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativedomain
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InnovativeDomain
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsadoyama
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/launch-my-brand-today/id1723858574

Image Credits
@imagerybyoscar