10 Lessons I Learned from 10 Years of Running My Design Business | EP 185

Ten years, hundreds of clients, and more lessons than I can count. This episode is a reflection on what it really takes to grow from a freelance designer charging $65 logos to running a six-figure design agency that gives you freedom and choice. I am sharing the ten biggest lessons that shaped my business, my mindset, and how I show up as a creative CEO. These lessons are honest, sometimes uncomfortable, and exactly what I wish someone told me when I started.You will learn:Why being a great designer is not enough to build a profitable businessHow confidence, not skill, determines your pricingWhat it really means to think like a business owner, not a freelancerHow to create systems and seasons that support sustainable growthGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to think differently about how you grow your design business.And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FreshBooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator⁠

When I finally built real systems in my design business, everything changed, from how I manage money to how I onboard clients and plan my week. I am sharing every single system I use as a brand and web designer so you can stop feeling overwhelmed and start running your design business like a Creative CEO. Whether you are a freelance designer or scaling your studio, these steps will help you become more profitable without working more hours.You will learn:The exact financial systems I use to track, save, and invest in my design businessHow I organize client proposals, contracts, and portals for a smooth client experienceSimple project management systems that keep your workflow clear and consistentHow to build marketing systems that attract high-paying design clients consistentlyThe mindset and time systems that protect your creativity and prevent burnoutGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to systemize your design business for profit and freedom.And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FreshBooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator⁠

You don’t need to post every day to attract high-paying graphic design clients. What you need is clarity, focus, and a strategy that actually moves your design business forward. In this episode, I’m sharing how to stop wasting hours on random posts and start using intentional content that brings you clients, not just followers. I’ll walk you through the exact steps to figure out where your dream clients are, what they actually care about, and how to position your design content so it sells your expertise without burning you out.You will learn:How to get design clients without posting every single dayWhy most design content attracts other designers, not paying clientsHow to choose one or two platforms that actually grow your design businessWhat kind of content positions you as an expert and leads to higher design ratesA simple system to repurpose content and stay consistent without losing your sanityGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how you show up online as a profitable designer.And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FreshBooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator⁠

Charging $2,500 for branding might feel safe, but it’s actually the reason so many designers stay stuck. When you underprice your work, you attract the wrong clients, limit your growth, and start believing your own low rates. I know because I did it too. In this episode, I’ll show you how to break out of the $2K–$4K design trap and finally step into pricing that reflects your value. Whether you’re building a freelance design business or aiming to grow a profitable design studio, this conversation will help you raise design rates with confidence, land better graphic design clients, and start scaling your design business the smart way.You will learn:Why undervaluing your services keeps you stuck at low-level projectsThe shift that makes clients pay $10K+ without flinchingHow to package and price your signature design offerThe mindset you need to stop chasing cheap clients and start growing a design business that lastsGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how you price, sell, and grow as a designer.And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FreshBooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator⁠

Most people don’t dream of becoming entrepreneurs in the lab. But when science meets innovation, business ideas are born.In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer, I’m joined by Dr. Nathan Bryan, a molecular medicine researcher turned product-based business owner. He shares how his discoveries around nitric oxide led to supplements, skincare, and therapeutic innovations—and how branding and marketing have been just as critical as the science itself.You’ll learn:Why communicating benefits matters more than ingredients or featuresThe role branding plays in building trust for premium productsHow to differentiate your business in a crowded marketWhy mission and vision must lead before profitGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you think about product-based branding.And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FreshBooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator⁠

What does it really take to show up confidently as a designer?In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I’m talking with Jeremy Slagle, the founder of Slagle Design. With decades of experience, Jeremy shares what it means to have the courage to create, how he built his studio, and why staying curious has been a key part of his process from day one.We also talk about working with clients, building trust, and how design is just one piece of what makes a creative business thrive.You will learn:How Jeremy transitioned from designer to studio ownerThe services he offers and who his typical clients areWhat courage and creative confidence really look like in practiceHis advice for designers who feel stuck or unsure about the next stepGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready for a grounded, honest conversation about what it means to build a fulfilling creative career.And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FreshBooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.If you want to connect with Jeremy, here is how:Website: www.slagledesign.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/slagledesign/Online course: adobe.ly/confidenceAventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator⁠

Being fully booked does not always mean you are successful. I know because I hit ten thousand dollar months as a freelancer and still felt broke, exhausted, and trapped. In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I am breaking down the real difference between freelancing and running your business like a CEO and why making this shift changed everything for me.You will learn:Why freelancing keeps you in survival mode even when revenue looks goodThe mindset shift that allowed me to position myself as a Creative CEOHow productizing my services and building systems gave me controlWhat life and business look like once you stop hustling and start leadingGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink what success really means as a designer.And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FreshBooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator⁠

What happens when a former tech manager buys a 20-year-old health food business - and turns it into a modern, fast-growing CPG brand?In this episode, I’m talking with Philip Macaulay, the founder of Vital Purple and the new owner of NaturalZing, a raw food company he’s rebranded and expanded. Philip shares how he took over an outdated brand with 500 SKUs, fixed the packaging, introduced new products, launched an entirely new superfood line, and is now building something he believes will disrupt the cacao industry.Whether you're a designer working with CPG clients or a founder yourself, this is a rare behind-the-scenes look at rebranding, packaging, retail strategy, and launching innovative products from the ground up.You will learn:What it’s like to rebrand a legacy brand while managing existing retail relationshipsHow much he invested in branding and packaging for both product linesWhy visual identity directly impacted retail growth and customer trustHow Vital Purple is shifting the narrative around cacao productsThe overlooked link between design, storytelling, and sales in wellness brandsGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink what great branding actually means in the CPG space!And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FreshBooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

You’re doing everything right. Great portfolio. Polished mockups. Refined skills. You’ve studied the trends, followed the advice, stayed consistent with your content. You’ve taken courses, built case studies, cleaned up your website, and tried to make every project look perfect. You’ve probably spent hours tweaking your fonts, updating mockups, rewriting your About page, hoping that this time it will finally land you clients.You’ve invested in yourself. You’ve grown. You know your work is good. So why aren’t you fully booked?Why are you still stuck wondering where the next client is coming from? Why are you pouring effort into your brand with little to show for it, while designers with half your skill seem to be booked out months in advance?It’s not about talent. It’s not about luck. And it’s definitely not about posting more carousels.In this episode, I’m sharing what actually keeps talented designers stuck and the changes I made that finally started bringing in consistent, high paying clients. We’re breaking down the real reasons clients aren’t reaching out and what to do instead.You will learn:Why great design isn’t enough to stay bookedWhat to fix if you’re showing up but not getting inquiriesThe clarity you need before focusing on visibilityHow to speak your clients’ language and stand outWhat I’d do first if I had to start from scratch todayGrab a coffee and your notes. This one is a wake up call.And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FreshBooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

What does it really take to grow a skincare brand from a personal need to national retail shelves?In this episode, I’m talking with Sarah Wilensky, the founder and CEO of Blossom Essentials, a clean skincare brand for dry, sensitive, and reactive skin. You’ll hear how Sarah built her product line from scratch, landed retail deals including Walmart and Nordstrom, and made bold decisions like a full rebrand to match her growth goals. We also break down what visual investments she made, how she found her designer, and what she looks for when hiring creatives.Whether you're a designer working with product-based brands or a founder looking to scale, this conversation is packed with insights.You will learn:What made her invest in rebranding and packagingHow she knew her visuals needed to evolve for retailThe difference a long-term designer relationship makesHow she built visibility using Meta ads and trade showsTips for standing out in the saturated skincare marketGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you work with brands that scale!And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FreshBooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator