Where did you grow up, and how did you get into design?
I was raised in Seattle, surrounded by the misty mountains and the buzzing creative energy of the Emerald City. I grew up in an environment where creativity wasn’t just encouraged, it was practically in the water supply. My mom is a trained photographer and incredibly crafty while my dad is a musician and graphic artist. From finger painting to building elaborate LEGO cities, I dipped my toes into every creative pool I could find. But here’s the kicker: I was also that kid who color-coded her crayon box and ensured every coloring book page was a masterpiece. A tiny perfectionist in the making! As I grew up, this delightful (sometimes maddening) combo of creativity and meticulous attention to detail stuck with me. When I discovered web design, the universe winked and said, “Hey, we’ve got just the thing for you!”
Discuss your most notable projects and any awards, recognitions, or exhibitions you’ve been a part of.
I’m a certified Showit Design Partner. Being certified means I’ve been thoroughly vetted by the Showit team themselves to create websites that not only look amazing but also hit all the right notes for my clients’ brands. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to train in Color Psychology under the brilliant Fiona Humberstone. She’s like the young Dumbledore of the brand styling world. This training has been a game-changer, allowing me to infuse intentionality and harmony into each design. It’s not just about making things pretty; it’s about creating cohesive visual experiences that resonate on a deeper level. Speaking of Fiona, imagine my delight when she included me in her “Sixty Brilliant Brand Designers” book in 2021. This recognition was a beautiful reminder that staying true to your unique vision and approach can lead to amazing places. Now, this next project still gives me goosebumps. Remember the movie “Bohemian Rhapsody”? I had the mind-blowing opportunity to work on a campaign for it. And my designs were directly approved by Brian May from Queen himself! It was like having rock royalty nod approvingly at my work. I may or may not have done a victory dance around my living room (spoiler: I did).
Share your favorite projects or collaborations and what made them special.
I’m about to spill the beans (pun intended) on a project that still holds a special place in my heart! A third-wave coffee shop slid into my inbox, looking for complete branding and website design. Now, let me tell you, as a total coffee nerd (remember, I grew up in Seattle), this project was like winning the lottery. From day one of launching Meteor Street Studio, I’d been manifesting this exact opportunity. What made this project extra special? The founders’ passion for opening this café was contagious, and it fueled every aspect of our collaboration. Not only did I get to create a brand identity and website that captured the essence of their philosophy, but I also had the incredible opportunity to contribute to the café’s interior design! The thrill of seeing my designs come to life, not just on screen, but in a physical space where people gather, connect and savor amazing coffee was unmatched. This project was the epitome of creating a cohesive visual experience. It wasn’t just about making things look pretty (although, it looked amazing). It was about crafting an immersive brand story that customers could see, feel, and taste – from their first click on the website to their first sip in the café.
What do you love the most about the clients you work with?
Where do I even begin? The clients I work with are what make my job not feel like work at all. The kind of enthusiasm I get to witness every day from the entrepreneurs I work with is so inspiring! These aren’t just business owners; they’re dream chasers and impact-makers. They’re the ones who wake up every morning with a determination to make someone’s life better. Their passion is contagious. I’m honored to help turn their business dreams into realities.
What advice do you have for newcomers to the field?
First things first – breathe. No, seriously. Take a deep breath. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but that’s your quickest path to burnout. The best way to navigate this field is with a supportive crew and a whole lot of self-care. In the whirlwind of deadlines and client meetings, don’t forget to check in with yourself. Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine. Seek out supportive fellow creatives. Join forums, attend entrepreneur groups, and connect with other designers you admire. We’re a friendly bunch! When it comes to your portfolio: quality over quantity. Showcase projects you’re passionate about, even if they’re for imaginary brands. Let your portfolio evolve with you. To attract clients that value your worth, be authentically you. Share your journey and values. The right clients will resonate with your unique voice. Above all, remember this: community support, resisting hustle culture, and practicing mindfulness aren’t just nice-to-haves – they’re essential for a fulfilling design career. Build your skills, but also nurture your well-being. Create beautiful designs, but also create a beautiful life.
What is your personal/business mission? Is there something that drives you?
The goal of Meteor Street Studio is to create digital spaces that feel like home for purpose-driven entrepreneurs. But it’s more than just pixels and color palettes – it’s about crafting online experiences that truly embody the soul of a business. What drives me is the belief that authentic, mindful design can be a catalyst for positive change. I’m on a mission to help more small business showcase their values and prioritize their well-being. What gets me fired up is seeing my client’s eyes light up when they see their vision come to life online. It’s about giving them the confidence to show up fully in their business, knowing their online presence truly reflects who they are and the impact they want to make.
What inspires your designs?
Living in Portland, Maine, I’m surrounded by inspiration. The rugged coastline, the changing seasons, and the rich history of this charming city all find their way into my designs. There’s something truly magical about strolling through our historic neighborhoods. Those cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture are so beautiful. The anti-hustle movement is another factor in my work. The idea of creating calm, purposeful websites that don’t scream for attention but invite meaningful interaction – that’s my thing. This brings me to meditation and yoga often lead to those “aha!” design moments. There’s something about quieting the mind that lets creativity flow.
How did you discover Showit or why do you use it?
Discovering Showit was a total game-changer for me! For a decade, I was a die-hard Squarespace user and designer. But as the years went by, I found myself growing increasingly frustrated. It felt like I was constantly bumping up against the platform’s limitations, trying to squeeze my creative visions into pre-defined boxes. Then, a branding client casually mentioned Showit and I decided to take a peek – it was an instant conversion! Suddenly, I wasn’t constrained by rigid grids or limited customization options. I could drag, drop, and design to my heart’s desire. It’s intuitive enough that I can focus on designing, not wrestling with workarounds. Being able to design the mobile version separately is a game-changer for creating truly responsive sites. Plus, the powerful blogging capabilities of WordPress are a huge bonus. The best part is handing off a site to a client doesn’t come with a side of tech-induced panic anymore. They can confidently update their site themselves when they need to.
List your absolute favorite podcast, business books, or tool, etc and why?
There are two books I recommend to every single one of my clients, and I’m not exaggerating when I say they have the power to transform how you think about your business and brand. First up is “Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller. This book is like a compass for navigating the often murky waters of brand messaging. Miller’s approach is all about clarity and putting your customer at the center of your brand’s story. It’s not just about what you do, but how you make your customers the hero of their own journey. The second book I swear by is “Brand Brilliance” by Fiona Humberstone. This gem is like having a branding genius as your mentor. Humberstone’s approach to color psychology and brand styling is nothing short of revolutionary.
Last Thoughts
I’d love to leave readers with a few thoughts that encapsulate what Meteor Street Studio is all about: In a world that often glorifies the hustle, I’m advocating for a more mindful approach to business and branding. Your website shouldn’t be a source of stress or overwhelm. Instead, it should be a powerful tool that works for you, allowing you to focus on what you do best – changing lives and making an impact. I’m on a mission to show that you can have a stunning, effective online presence without sacrificing your well-being or compromising your values. Whether you’re a passionate entrepreneur just starting, or an established business looking to realign your website with your evolving vision, I’m here to guide you through the process with clarity, creativity, and care. Here’s to building brands that are authentic, purposeful, and a joy to run!
Important Links
- Website: https://meteorstreetstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meteorstreetstudio/
- Pinterest: https://au.pinterest.com/meteorstreetstudio/
- Directory Profile: https://creativedesignerdirectory.com/showit-experts/meteorstreetstudio/
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