We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chanel Hudson-marks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chanel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

If I were to start over today, one key change would be prioritizing face-to-face networking and building in-person connections. While I’ve learned a lot through online interactions, I believe immersing myself more in the industry and learning directly from others in person would have accelerated my growth. This is actually a goal of mine for the upcoming quarter, as I recognize the value of building stronger, real-world relationships. It was especially challenging when I first started my business during the 2020 COVID pandemic, but now I see how important that element is to creating lasting success.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I founded Visual Aura Inc. after completing my soccer career, during a period when I was unsure of what would come next. The brand originally emerged from a desire to explore self-expression and self-discovery. I believe that ‘self-discovery is the prerequisite to true self-expression.’ Often, we present a version of ourselves that we think others want to see, rather than embracing who we truly are. Genuine self-discovery brings vulnerability because it challenges us to dismantle the rationalizations that keep us from chasing our purpose. While the process can be uncomfortable, the realization of one’s true self is an incredible reward.

Visual Aura initially started as a clothing brand because I thought apparel would be the best way to visually express this concept and get the name out there. However, over the past few years, I’ve transitioned into more of a graphic design role within the sports industry, and that’s where Visual Aura Creative was born.

Visual Aura Creative focuses on helping athletes engage with their fan base in a meaningful and creative way. I offer services like social media graphics, print materials, custom merchandise (tees), and photo editing. My goal is to work with athletes to elevate their personal brands, showcase their authentic personalities, and help them secure brand deals. I am looking to position myself as ‘Your fav athlete’s creative friend,’ partnering with athletes to express themselves authentically while expanding their marketability.

What sets me apart is my deep connection to sports and my understanding of how personal branding can make a huge impact on an athlete’s career. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with clients, helping them tell their stories in ways that truly resonate with their audience.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative for me is the thrill of solving visual puzzles. I love taking different elements that may not seem to fit together at first and finding ways to create something cohesive and impactful. Design lets me do that, while also encouraging me to think outside the box and explore different artistic styles and genres. It’s a balance between structure and creativity that keeps the process exciting and keeps me inspired to push boundaries.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

As a visual and hands-on learner, YouTube has always been my go-to resource for learning, but discovering the design community on Twitter has been a game-changer. It’s an amazing space where I’ve learned so much about design processes, found ‘how-to’ videos, and even picked up tips on strategy building. The networking opportunities and events shared in the design world on Twitter have also been invaluable for connecting with other creatives and expanding my knowledge.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chanelma.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualaura.creative/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanel-hudson-marks359/