There are moments that split your life into before and after. Most web designers might point to their first successful launch or that game-changing client project. But my journey to becoming a holistic website designer was carved through deeper waters – through the profound loss of my son. This transformation didn’t just change me; it revolutionized how I approach every aspect in my personal and professional life.
How Personal Loss Reshaped My Approach to Website Design
Before grief rewrote my story, I moved through the design world like many others – focused on elements and textures, conversion rates, and the latest design trends. I transitioned from artist to librarian, almost-teacher to web designer, each step fairly calculated and safe. I thought I understood transformation. But loss? Loss taught me that authenticity and design flows from a much deeper place.
There’s a certain truth that only comes after you’ve faced your greatest fear. For me, that fear wasn’t starting my own business. It wasn’t the uncertainty of leaving behind security or the risk of launching a design studio. My greatest fear was the monster of grief, something far heavier and more life-altering than any business decision I could ever make. After I lost my son, I realized there was nothing left to fear.
When the company I worked for, closed its doors, it was the final push I needed to open mine. But it didn’t feel scary. Not in the way we’re taught to expect change to feel. In fact, it was almost freeing. After all, I had already faced down the darkest moments life could offer. Thanks to the process of learning to navigate transition, opening my design studio felt more like finding my own rhythm within the chaos, and less like jumping off a cliff.
“There’s a certain truth that only comes after you’ve faced your greatest fear. For me, that fear wasn’t starting my own business… My greatest fear was the monster of grief, something far heavier and more life-altering than any business decision I could ever make. After I lost my son, I realized there was nothing left to fear.”
The Journey from Pain to Purpose in Digital Design
As life unfolded in difficult ways — when I was confronted by unimaginable loss — it was art, creativity and design that gave me a way forward. Visual storytelling became more than just a creative outlet; it became a way to honor my grief, to make sense of what I had lost, and to connect with others in a way that felt deeply personal. My journey through loss and healing mirrored the transitions that my business life experienced. Like the seasons of nature, we evolve. We shed what no longer serves us and grow into something new. I’m inspired by this and see it as the heartbeat of my design process.
To say this isn’t to say that when my world shattered, it was UX principles or design theory that rebuilt me. It was the raw power of creative expression. Through this journey, I discovered three fundamental truths about authentic website design:
- Your website should tell your story with both grace and power
- Digital spaces can (and should) feel like sanctuary
- The most effective designs come from a place of truth, not trend
In my design practice, I believe in creating brands that feel authentic, collaborative, and deeply aligned with the people behind them. It’s about more than just a logo or a website. The process is about capturing the essence of your story and translating it into something that resonates with your audience. Here’s how that comes to life in my work:
Authenticity: Designing With Heart
Authenticity. It feels like this has become such a buzzword, the meaning sometimes gets lost or tossed about too much. I spent a lot of time discovering what this meant for me. Sometimes it felt like beating my head against the wall and reminding myself it’s ok to be vulnerable and share in the stories not everyone wants to hear.
There were times when I tried to approach my personal branding without sharing deeply intense stories I have experienced. Sometimes I tried to sugar coat them a little and didn’t really understand the value they had in my professional life. After facing the kind of grief that strips you down to your core, you realize that showing up as your most honest self is the only way forward. I bring this into my design work. I see value in the holistic approach of understanding everything that shapes us and becomes our why.
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. I believe in processes and systems, but also holistic design strategies that reflect the unique essence of ourselves.
Maybe you’re thinking, that’s nice Brandy, but how does that relate to me and my business, and discovering my personal business flow?
What this means is discovering a brand that’s real, raw, and deeply connected to your vision. Your brand should be grounded in who you are. There’s a lot that shapes us as individuals and it’s always changing. I approach branding and website design in a way that resonates that and is flexible to evolve gently.
Collaboration: A Partnership of Ease
I believe in open communication, transparency, and creating a space where you feel empowered to make informed decisions about your brand. This isn’t about me telling you what your brand should be, it’s about helping you discover it.
When you’re part of the process, you become a savvy manager of your own brand. I want this for you. I want you to be inspired and self empowered. I want you to walk away not only with a beautiful visual brand and website but with a deeper understanding of how to use your brand to achieve your business goals. And mostly, I want you to feel at ease with it and not overwhelmed. I want to help you understand that it can flow gently.
Holistic Integration: Where Form Meets Function
Every piece of your brand should tell a story and serve a purpose. Your business objectives, your audience, and each design element work together to create a seamless experience. Whether it’s a logo, a website, or a social media template, every design choice is intentional and aligned with your goals.
By blending form and function, we create a brand that’s not only visually stunning but also works harmoniously to enhance your customer’s experience. Your brand will be cohesive, from top to bottom, ensuring that every interaction feels like a continuation of your story.
Navigating the Flow: Why I Do What I Do
I understand firsthand what it means to navigate life’s transitions. Over the years, I’ve outgrown visions, battled imposter syndrome, and redefined what success means to me (a number of times). It’s this personal experience that fuels my passion for helping others find ease and flow in their own journeys.
Design, to me, is about more than just making things look pretty. It’s about creating something that feels like home. Like your favorite spot in the house. Something that honors your past, celebrates your present, and builds a foundation for your future. And like any good design, it’s meant to evolve. Just like we do.
Building With Ease, Not Frenzy
If you’re looking for a designer who will help you find your flow—who will partner with you to create something that feels authentic and aligned—let’s work together. We’ll create a brand that feels authentic to you and helps you navigate the transitions of your business with ease and grace. There’s no rush, no frenzy, just flow.
There are moments that split your life into before and after. Most web designers might point to their first successful launch or that game-changing client project. But my journey to becoming a holistic website designer was carved through deeper waters – through the profound loss of my son. This transformation didn’t just change me; it revolutionized how I approach every aspect in my personal and professional life.
How Personal Loss Reshaped My Approach to Website Design
Before grief rewrote my story, I moved through the design world like many others – focused on elements and textures, conversion rates, and the latest design trends. I transitioned from artist to librarian, almost-teacher to web designer, each step fairly calculated and safe. I thought I understood transformation. But loss? Loss taught me that authenticity and design flows from a much deeper place.
There’s a certain truth that only comes after you’ve faced your greatest fear. For me, that fear wasn’t starting my own business. It wasn’t the uncertainty of leaving behind security or the risk of launching a design studio. My greatest fear was the monster of grief, something far heavier and more life-altering than any business decision I could ever make. After I lost my son, I realized there was nothing left to fear.
When the company I worked for, closed its doors, it was the final push I needed to open mine. But it didn’t feel scary. Not in the way we’re taught to expect change to feel. In fact, it was almost freeing. After all, I had already faced down the darkest moments life could offer. Thanks to the process of learning to navigate transition, opening my design studio felt more like finding my own rhythm within the chaos, and less like jumping off a cliff.
“There’s a certain truth that only comes after you’ve faced your greatest fear. For me, that fear wasn’t starting my own business… My greatest fear was the monster of grief, something far heavier and more life-altering than any business decision I could ever make. After I lost my son, I realized there was nothing left to fear.”
The Journey from Pain to Purpose in Digital Design
As life unfolded in difficult ways — when I was confronted by unimaginable loss — it was art, creativity and design that gave me a way forward. Visual storytelling became more than just a creative outlet; it became a way to honor my grief, to make sense of what I had lost, and to connect with others in a way that felt deeply personal. My journey through loss and healing mirrored the transitions that my business life experienced. Like the seasons of nature, we evolve. We shed what no longer serves us and grow into something new. I’m inspired by this and see it as the heartbeat of my design process.
To say this isn’t to say that when my world shattered, it was UX principles or design theory that rebuilt me. It was the raw power of creative expression. Through this journey, I discovered three fundamental truths about authentic website design:
- Your website should tell your story with both grace and power
- Digital spaces can (and should) feel like sanctuary
- The most effective designs come from a place of truth, not trend
In my design practice, I believe in creating brands that feel authentic, collaborative, and deeply aligned with the people behind them. It’s about more than just a logo or a website. The process is about capturing the essence of your story and translating it into something that resonates with your audience. Here’s how that comes to life in my work:
Authenticity: Designing With Heart
Authenticity. It feels like this has become such a buzzword, the meaning sometimes gets lost or tossed about too much. I spent a lot of time discovering what this meant for me. Sometimes it felt like beating my head against the wall and reminding myself it’s ok to be vulnerable and share in the stories not everyone wants to hear.
There were times when I tried to approach my personal branding without sharing deeply intense stories I have experienced. Sometimes I tried to sugar coat them a little and didn’t really understand the value they had in my professional life. After facing the kind of grief that strips you down to your core, you realize that showing up as your most honest self is the only way forward. I bring this into my design work. I see value in the holistic approach of understanding everything that shapes us and becomes our why.
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. I believe in processes and systems, but also holistic design strategies that reflect the unique essence of ourselves.
Maybe you’re thinking, that’s nice Brandy, but how does that relate to me and my business, and discovering my personal business flow?
What this means is discovering a brand that’s real, raw, and deeply connected to your vision. Your brand should be grounded in who you are. There’s a lot that shapes us as individuals and it’s always changing. I approach branding and website design in a way that resonates that and is flexible to evolve gently.
Collaboration: A Partnership of Ease
I believe in open communication, transparency, and creating a space where you feel empowered to make informed decisions about your brand. This isn’t about me telling you what your brand should be, it’s about helping you discover it.
When you’re part of the process, you become a savvy manager of your own brand. I want this for you. I want you to be inspired and self empowered. I want you to walk away not only with a beautiful visual brand and website but with a deeper understanding of how to use your brand to achieve your business goals. And mostly, I want you to feel at ease with it and not overwhelmed. I want to help you understand that it can flow gently.
Holistic Integration: Where Form Meets Function
Every piece of your brand should tell a story and serve a purpose. Your business objectives, your audience, and each design element work together to create a seamless experience. Whether it’s a logo, a website, or a social media template, every design choice is intentional and aligned with your goals.
By blending form and function, we create a brand that’s not only visually stunning but also works harmoniously to enhance your customer’s experience. Your brand will be cohesive, from top to bottom, ensuring that every interaction feels like a continuation of your story.
Navigating the Flow: Why I Do What I Do
I understand firsthand what it means to navigate life’s transitions. Over the years, I’ve outgrown visions, battled imposter syndrome, and redefined what success means to me (a number of times). It’s this personal experience that fuels my passion for helping others find ease and flow in their own journeys.
Design, to me, is about more than just making things look pretty. It’s about creating something that feels like home. Like your favorite spot in the house. Something that honors your past, celebrates your present, and builds a foundation for your future. And like any good design, it’s meant to evolve. Just like we do.
Building With Ease, Not Frenzy
If you’re looking for a designer who will help you find your flow—who will partner with you to create something that feels authentic and aligned—let’s work together. We’ll create a brand that feels authentic to you and helps you navigate the transitions of your business with ease and grace. There’s no rush, no frenzy, just flow.
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