We are a woman-run, boutique graphic design studio specializing in visual branding, web + print design. I mostly do it all — Concept, design, customer-facing sales, customer service, billing, production management, and anything else that might come our way, with exception of back-end web development.

I am very proud to have made the business work since 2012 and to work with clients who contribute crucial services to their communities and care about their clients. Working alongside them daily makes my job more rewarding, every day.

Our willingness to become part of a team sets us apart from a lot of agencies. Other designers talk down to their clients – We listen, absorb, and work together to create. We strive to stay connected to every project, from start to finish, no matter how long the project continues. We never lose focus and we truly care about each client and their project.

What has been the driving force behind your success?
Never giving up! No matter how difficult the road, I always continue to fight and push myself to make it work and to stay kind along the way.

How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
I have so much more time to focus on our home life and my husband because I get to chose my hours and when and how long I work. With that comes so much more freedom than a 9-5 job and a lot more work-life-balance. I always strive to be at my desk no later than 9:30A and work until 5-5:30P, which allows nights to be ours and the focus to be outside of work. We are all much happier these days 🙂

How have you managed the stress that comes with being an entrepreneur?
Stress is a tough one for me, especially if I don’t exercise and take time for myself. Exercise really does help ease the crazy mind and bring me back to earth. Thankfully my husband is VERY laid back and a hard worker at the same time, so it’s a very nice balance when things become busy. He keeps me grounded as well.

What do you do to develop your self as an entrepreneur, do you recommend any books, people, podcasts etc?
Music is my number one go-to when it comes to releasing pent-up stress or needing creative energy. Popping on a good album or listening to a podcast when I walk, gets my mind off of work and really gets me out of my head.

I really love ghost stories, British suspense podcasts, hip-hop, R&B, and honestly any music with a beat.

A few recommendations and people I follow:
1. Swiss Miss (www.swiss-miss.com) is a fantastic business owner, designer and has the best daily newsletters that I can’t wait to read in the mornings.
2. Helado Negro, Mor Mor, Moses Sumney, Anderson Paak, Unkle are on heavy rotation in our house.
3. I just discovered Nick Cave’s newsletter, The Red Hand Files — We really dig him and I have a whole new level of respect for his work.
4. Podcasts: Nocturne, The Lovecraft Investigations, This Thing of Darkness, Unstyled, Battersea Poltergeist. There are so many!

Do you believe that a person has to be born an entrepreneur or can these skills be learned?
I believe anyone can be an entrepreneur. It really just takes hard work, perseverance, respect for yourself and letting go when it’s just not working. AND never giving up. Ever.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
I just had a potential client say I was her dream designer and Olive + Spark her dream agency. That made all of my past struggles, fear, and pain melt away and the confirmation that all of our hard work has paid off. Man, did that feel good 🙂

Was it all worth it?
Two words … HECK YES!