Where did you grow up, and how did you get into design?
I grew up in a small town in Ohio, and honestly, design wasn’t where I thought I’d end up. I actually started out as a photographer—just for fun at first—and then that little hobby turned into editing photos for other photographers. Before I knew it, I was a full-time photo editor. Somewhere along the way, I decided to build a Showit website for my editing business, and that’s when the design bug bit me hard. (This was way back in the flash-based Showit days—yes, I’ve been around that long, lol.) Once my site was up, other photographers started asking how I did it and if I could build one for them too… and that’s when I realized I had officially crossed over into the world of design.
What are your most notable projects?
Honestly, some of my most notable “projects” aren’t ones you’d see with my name on them. I spent years doing white-label design for other designers, which means a lot of the websites I’ve created are out in the world looking fabulous but don’t actually say they’re mine. (Kind of like being a ghostwriter, but for websites!) One thing I’ve become known for is how fast I can build—what takes some designers days, I can knock out in just a few hours. Eventually, I took everything I’d learned and poured it into creating Site Canvas Studio, a membership full of Showit canvases, templates, and resources that other designers can use to build their own client sites and even resell as their own. That’s probably the project I’m most proud of because it’s helped so many designers save time, grow their businesses, and feel more confident in their work. On the recognition side, I’m honored to be an official Showit Design Partner and a Canva Creator. In 2023, I even had the chance to travel to Arizona for a design retreat with the Showit staff and their founder, Todd—such an inspiring experience and definitely a career highlight for me.
Share your favorite projects and what made them special?
One of my all-time favorite projects was working with Balanced Livermore Chiropractic on their full custom website and brand. What made it so special was the timing—the office was literally being built while we were working on the brand and the site. The branding we created didn’t just stay on a screen; it actually became the foundation for the entire interior design of their building. Walking into a space and seeing your design choices come to life in real life—in the paint colors, the furniture, the vibe of the office—was honestly one of the most eye-opening and heartfelt experiences of my career. It was such a surreal “pinch me” moment, realizing the work I created behind a computer screen could shape the atmosphere of a physical space that people experience every single day.
What do you love the most about the clients you work with?
What I love most about the clients I work with is their passion. Whether it’s a small business owner chasing a dream, a creative turning their art into a brand, or a fellow designer building something beautiful for their own clients—they all come to me with so much excitement and heart behind what they’re doing. That kind of energy is contagious, and it makes designing for them feel less like “work” and more like a shared vision coming to life. I also love the trust my clients give me. Handing over your brand or website is a big deal, and I don’t take it lightly. The fact that they let me take their ideas, mix in my expertise, and then hand back something that feels so them—that’s the best feeling in the world.
Provide your best tips for newcomers to the field?
My biggest piece of advice for newcomers is to start off strong with passion projects. Don’t wait around for the “perfect client” to come along—create the kind of work you want to be hired for. Passion projects not only give you the freedom to experiment and find your style, but they also build a portfolio that reflects what you love to do (which is exactly what will attract the right clients to you). I actually spoke about this during the Simply Profitable Designer Summit, where I shared my 3-Phase Framework for turning passion into profit:
- Phase 1: Passion – Find your sellable idea (what lights you up and what others actually need).
- Phase 2: Product – Create it for scale (so you’re not trading hours for dollars forever).
- Phase 3: Profit – Learn how to sell and scale (because even the best idea won’t thrive if no one sees it).
Starting with passion projects gives you confidence, clarity, and a solid foundation for everything that comes after—whether that’s building a portfolio, finding dream clients, selling templates, or just staying creative in your business. (If you’re curious, you can even peek at the slideshow notes from my presentation here.
What is your business mission? Is there something that drives you?
At the heart of everything I do, my mission is to help other creatives and designers feel confident, capable, and excited about their work. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to build a business from scratch, to stare at a blank screen, or to wonder if you’ll ever get clients who “get” you. That’s why I’ve built my business around creating resources that take the stress out of design and give people back their time and freedom. What drives me the most is seeing other designers succeed—whether it’s launching their first website template, landing their dream client, or simply feeling proud of the brand they’re putting out into the world. I truly believe you don’t have to hustle yourself into burnout to have a beautiful, profitable business. If I can play a part in helping someone design smarter, work less, and love their business more, then I know I’m right where I’m meant to be.
What inspires your designs?
I pull inspiration from a lot of places—fashion, beauty, and even traveling—but one experience that stands out was a trip I took to Miami, Florida a few years ago. Even though I already live in Florida, Miami is a good 5–6 hour drive from me, and it feels like stepping into another world. The buildings, the structures, the branding you see everywhere—it’s all so modern, sleek, and clean compared to other parts of the state. Honestly, it feels like Miami is living in the future. That trip totally lit a spark for me. I came home buzzing with ideas, sat down at my desk, and started designing with that same modern-meets-glam vibe in mind. Fashion and beauty play into that too—there’s something about the way trends are always evolving that keeps me experimenting with fresh, elevated styles in my own work. Traveling (even just within my own state!) reminds me that inspiration is everywhere—you just have to pause long enough to soak it in and let it influence the way you create.
How did you discover Showit or why do you use it?
I first discovered Showit when I was building a website for my photo editing business. I stumbled across a template by The Autumn Rabbit and completely fell in love with her work. Honestly, I struggled to even pick just one because every single template was so gorgeous. Looking back, it feels like such a full-circle moment—because now Louise (the talent behind The Autumn Rabbit) is not only someone I admire but also one of the kindest designers I’ve connected with online. Every now and then she’ll even DM me a quick Showit question, and it always makes me smile to think about how it all started with her designs inspiring me.
List your absolute favorite podcast, business books, or tool, etc and why?
Podcasts:
If I had to pick a favorite podcast, it would hands down be Moms Who Podcast with Pamela Krista. Pamela is not only a dear friend of mine, but she’s also someone I’ve had the joy of teaching Showit to a few years ago. In return, she taught me how to start a podcast! (Yes, I do actually have one live, but for now it’s tough finding the time to really dedicate to recording consistently.)
Business Books:
As for books, I’ll be honest—I don’t read too often away from my computer or phone.
Tools:
But tools? That’s where I could make a never-ending list! To keep it short, here are my go-to’s: Showit (of course), Canva, Milanote, MidJourney, and even ChatGPT to help me brainstorm content ideas and create imagery for templates. These are the tools that keep my business flowing and my creativity alive.
What are the guiding principles as an entrepreneur?
I think the biggest thing I’d love to add is just how grateful I am to be part of such an amazing design community. When I first started, I never imagined this path would lead me to creating templates, memberships, and even connecting with other designers around the world. If there’s one thing I hope people take away from my story, it’s that you don’t have to do this business journey alone. Whether it’s through my Site Canvas Studio membership, my Showit templates, or even just sharing tips and encouragement online, my goal is to keep creating resources that help other designers save time, feel confident, and build businesses they truly love. And if my story inspires even one person to take that next step toward their dream, then I’ll feel like I’ve done my job well.
Important Links
Website: https://brandmegorgeous.com/
Membership for Showit Designers – https://sitecanvasstudio.com/
Directory Profile: https://creativedesignerdirectory.com/showit-experts/brand-me-gorgeous/
Comments