Emily Schneider, Founder of I Am Emily Schneider
Names: Emily Schneider
Founder: I Am Emily Schneider
In one sentence, what problem do you solve and for who?
I help leaders and teams transform complex ideas into clear, confident, and visually engaging presentations that inspire action and save time.
What's your story?
Hi. I’m Emily Schneider, a visual storyteller on a mission to elevate business communications through expert PowerPoint design.
My creative curiosity began early. I was the kid who broke everything—not out of destruction, but because I wanted to see how things worked. I was fascinated by how things were made, connected, or functioned. My klutzy nature didn’t help; I often heard, “That girl breaks everything she touches.” But through those moments, I learned not just to fix what I broke but to piece things together in new ways. This was my first introduction into creative problem-solving.
As my curiosity grew, I found my voice in art. In elementary school, I became obsessed with expressing myself creatively. I remember picking out my favorite outfits and sporting a wacky asymmetrical haircut during my year in “Project Art”—those classes were special to me, and I wanted to feel my best when I walked in the room. It’s funny how the little things shape us in such meaningful ways.
It was when I designed my Sweet Sixteen invitation that I discovered the true power of my creativity. Despite the pink pixelated swirls and questionable font choices, it was the first time I felt the magic of bringing an idea to life. My parents’ smiles weren’t just about the invitation—they were proud that I created something from scratch and shared it with the world. Seeing their joy sparked my curiosity even more—I realized I could evoke emotions and bring people together through design.
From that moment on, I was hooked. I explored every creative medium I could, eventually starting my career in marketing as a graphic designer. I thrived in the fast-paced environment, collaborating with brands and creating beautiful campaigns for over 15 years. But over time, I realized that while I loved the creative process, I was missing a deeper connection to the people my work was meant to inspire.
That’s when I discovered my true calling as a visual storyteller. I’m not just a designer; I’m a strategic collaborator. It perfectly blends my curiosity about how things work, my passion for simplifying information to create better connections, and my drive to bring ideas to life.
Using PowerPoint as my canvas, I combine creativity with strategy. Whether simplifying complex data or designing compelling stories, I believe presentations are more than just slides—they inspire action and build meaningful relationships.
From internal communications to investor presentations, persuasive sales decks, and transformative conference experiences, I don’t just design slides—I help business leaders turn their ideas into concise, impactful stories that build confidence, save time, and make an impact.
What I love most about my work is that it allows me to tap into my zone of genius and help leaders shine. Every presentation is an opportunity to think outside the box, be strategic, creative, and collaborative—supporting others as they share impactful stories that spark connections, inspire action, and bring smiles and confidence that drive business success.
Let’s create magic together.
What does BEING a FoundHer mean to you?
Being a FoundHer means owning my business with curiosity and kindness, helping others simplify and elevate their work through strategic visual storytelling, and showing the power of tapping into what lights you up—because when you shine brighter, it uplifts those around you. I believe in doing what feels and is right, showing up authentically for my clients so they see my magic, and for my kids so they know they can create their own path with kindness, curiosity, and love.
How do you support other female founders and women in business?
My favorite way—besides purchasing their products or services—is meeting other female founders in person, creating meaningful connections, and simply asking, “How can I help? Who can I connect you with?”
What are three podcasts you listen to that have helped you with your business?
The Mel Robins Podcast, The Presentation Podcast, TheBright Side, The Futur
What is ONE BOOK that you would recommend every female business owner read?
Michal Oshman –What Would You Do IfYou Weren’t Afraid
Who is a female entrepreneur you look up to and why?
I absolutely adore Heather Redisch. She’s building two incredibly powerful businesses that bridge generations and support all of us in the workforce. I love how she uses her expertise to help both seasoned professionals and those just starting out find meaningful jobs.I admire her authentic voice, her intentional use of her superpower, and how she always leans into her kids as inspiration. She’s not afraid to try new things and, honestly, is always available for a call, question, or referral.And whenever she shares her heart—whether it’s what’s on her mind, why it’s so hard to find jobs or clients, or speaking up on important issues—I always feel less alone on this journey of building my own business and living my life.I didn’t know her a few months ago, but now I consider her one of my dearest mentors and biggest cheerleaders. I’m so lucky to have been introduced to her through you!
What are the first five things that you did when you were starting your business?
1. Hired a business and presentation coach to help me clarify my vision and approach.2. Found a community of like-minded people for support and collaboration.3. Shared my plans with mentors and loved ones who could cheer me on and offer guidance.4. Built a website and portfolio to showcase my work.5. Established simple systems and processes to keep my business organized from the start--Invoices, client trackers, etc.
Who is someone who has helped change or shape your business for the better and what did they do to help you?
Someone who’s truly shaped my business is my sister-in-law and best friend, Dana. She’s always there to help me work through overwhelming moments but also has this amazing way of calling me out on my own fears and excuses.Dana is such an inspiration to me - her ability to be constantly learning, full of ideas, and unafraid of the hard work it takes to make magic happen. Even when ideas get shelved, she doesn’t let them die.Recently, she called me out when I canceled a LinkedIn Live at the last minute because I felt vulnerable and unsure. She pushed me to be honest with the host, which led to one of the most magical conversations I’ve had about my business and myself—challenging me to show up with my full energy and power, even in hard moments.Her mix of honesty, support, and accountability has made all the difference.
At what point did you make your company a full time gig? How did you know the time was right?
It happened when I was laid off at 8.5 months pregnant and knew deep down I would never go back to working for someone else in the same way. I reached out to a few people I trusted and took the scary step of posting on LinkedIn for the first time that I was open and available for freelance work. An old mentor saw it, called to check in, and quickly offered me a permalance opportunity. Around the same time, a total stranger introduced me to what became one of my longest-standing clients—proof that showing up and being open can lead to incredible connections.What started with a moment of vulnerability has, six years later, evolved into a thriving niche presentation design consulting business. I get to do what I love—helping people share their ideas clearly and confidently—while staying curious, always learning, and building meaningful connections along the way.
Let’s talk social media—who handles it for your company (you, an internal team member, an outsourced solution?) and what is the secret to making it successful? What is the biggest challenge?
I handle my own social media, and thanks to my MMS group, I’ve discovered more strategic and intentional ways to connect and stay engaged. I focus mainly on LinkedIn, which has helped ease a lot of the mental turmoil and comparison anxiety I used to carry—it’s become a tool to genuinely help people, rather than a place to prove my worth. The biggest challenge is creating and sharing posts that truly resonate with my audience. I get excited about ideas, but I’m always curious—and sometimes nervous—if they’ll care as much as I do. Putting my audience first is a constant, but rewarding, learning process.
How did you land your first client?
I simply posted on LinkedIn that I was looking for freelance opportunities. These days, I still use LinkedIn to grow my client base, but instead of just posting, I also connect with at least 20 intentional leaders daily—sending a simple connection request with a personalized note.
What is something you do differently from the industry standard?
What I do differently is lead with curiosity and kindness instead of just pushing to sell or impress. I focus on really understanding my clients’ stories and goals, then use strategic visual storytelling to make their message clear and memorable. It’s not about flashy slides — it’s about creating presentations that help them feel confident and connected to their audience. Plus, I’m all about building genuine relationships, not just transactions, so my clients know I’m invested in their success long-term.
What would you do differently if you were starting your business today?
I would ask more questions instead of pretending I have all the answers—staying curious, open, and willing to take risks without constantly worrying about the return.
What are three strategies you use to market your business, grow brand awareness and generate bottom line growth?
Three key strategies I use to market my business, grow brand awareness, and drive growth are:
LinkedIn outreach and content — I connect intentionally with leaders daily and share thoughtful posts that provide real value and spark conversations.
Podcast appearances — I join conversations where I can share my expertise, build credibility, and reach new audiences authentically.
Free masterclasses — I offer live sessions packed with actionable tips and strategies, which help build trust, showcase my skills, and create meaningful connections. And honestly, I’m not afraid to openly share what I do and how much I love it—because passion is contagious and builds genuine relationships.
What was an obstacle you overcame to get your business where it is today? Please share the story behind it.
One of the biggest obstacles I overcame was learning how to step fully into my unique role as a visual storyteller and business owner—especially shifting from being a behind-the-scenes graphic designer to a strategic partner who helps leaders craft meaningful stories. Early in my career, I loved creating beautiful designs but felt something was missing: a deeper connection to the people my work was meant to serve.
This realization was both exciting and scary. It meant stepping out of my comfort zone, learning to talk about strategy and storytelling, and trusting that my creative curiosity and kindness would resonate. When I started my business, I had to overcome the fear of not knowing everything and the impulse to try to do it all perfectly. Instead, I embraced curiosity, asked lots of questions, and learned to collaborate authentically.
There was also a practical challenge—balancing the creative, technical, and business sides of running my own company, while showing up as my full, authentic self. It took time to find that flow and to build confidence in sharing not just what I do but why I do it.
Looking back, my klutzy, curious nature—the same one that made me “break everything” as a kid—became my greatest asset. It’s what taught me creative problem-solving, resilience, and how to piece things together in new ways. Today, I’m proud that I’ve turned that curiosity into a thriving business where I help leaders simplify complex ideas into presentations that inspire, connect, and make a real impact.
What are three actionable tips you would give with other women who want to start a business or are just getting started?
Three actionable tips I’d give to women starting a business are:
Be consistent. Show up regularly, be clear and simple when talking about your offerings, and deliver your work with intention. When you’re consistent, people start to recognize you, trust you, and can easily refer or hire you
Stay curious. Keep learning and asking questions. Seek out others who are a few steps ahead for guidance and inspiration.
Be yourself. Stay true to who you are and show up authentically—how you want to be seen. Your unique voice and approach are your greatest strengths.
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