Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Megan Dukek. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Megan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?

One of my favorite customer success stories is the work I did with Hannah, the owner of Habit at Home. Hannah started her luxury press-on nail business to stay home with her son while pursuing her passions and earning a living. At the time, she was handling everything manually—taking orders through Instagram DMs and managing the custom order process herself. This was adding a lot to her already full plate, and she needed a more streamlined approach to help her business run smoothly.

I connected with her through outreach, and after learning more about her business and goals, I knew I could help her not only simplify her operations but also elevate her brand. We started by rebranding Habit at Home to create a fun, approachable, yet professional identity. From there, I designed and developed a semi-custom Shopify store that allowed her customers to place orders directly on the website, with specific features to handle her custom orders efficiently. We also created print marketing materials that kept her brand cohesive across all platforms, both online and offline.

The result was a complete transformation. Hannah’s business went from feeling like a hobby to feeling official and professional. She told me later, ‘Is it weird to say that it feels like I have a legitimate business now? Like before, it just felt like a little hobby, but now I feel so official.’ The new system reduced her daily stress, allowing her to focus more on growing the business rather than managing the manual tasks.

This project was meaningful not just because of the operational improvements but also because it helped Hannah feel more confident in her business, allowing it to grow in a way that aligned with her personal and professional goals. Seeing how much it impacted her business and how much it helped her day-to-day was incredibly rewarding.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who may not be familiar with me, my name is Megan, and I’m the owner and founder of MDukek Creative, a web design and branding studio based in Charleston. I started this business after graduating with a Master’s degree in Creative Technology, where I focused on User Experience. During that time, I also took courses in front-end development and mobile app development, which gave me the technical foundation to not only design beautiful websites but also build them in a way that’s user-friendly and efficient for my clients.

At MDukek Creative, I provide a range of services including full website design and development, as well as branding packages that cover everything from logos to marketing materials. One of the main challenges I solve for my clients is helping them create an online presence that not only looks professional but truly reflects their brand’s identity. Many small business owners feel overwhelmed by the idea of building a website or developing a brand strategy, and that’s where I come in. My background in User Experience allows me to create websites that are not only visually appealing but also intuitive and easy for customers to navigate—ensuring my clients get the most out of their digital platforms.

What sets me apart is my personalized approach and technical expertise. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Whether I’m working with a photographer, a beauty brand, or a retail business, I take the time to understand their unique vision and goals. For example, when I worked with Habit at Home, I helped Hannah go from managing orders through Instagram DMs to a fully branded Shopify store with a streamlined custom order process. It wasn’t just about building a website—it was about creating a system that made her business feel more professional and scalable.

I’m especially proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients. Hearing feedback like ‘I feel like I have a legitimate business now’ or that my work has reduced their day-to-day stress is what drives me. Helping entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level while simplifying their operations is something I’m incredibly passionate about.

For anyone considering working with me, I want you to know that I understand the unique challenges of building and growing a business. As a mother and entrepreneur myself, I get the balancing act. My goal is to create designs that not only elevate your brand but also make your life easier. Whether you’re looking for a custom website, a full rebrand, or just some digital strategy, I’m here to help you bring your vision to life.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

One of the most effective strategies I’ve used to grow my clientele has been offering free or discounted services early on to build my portfolio, especially in industries that really resonate with me—like photography. When I was starting out, I knew I needed a body of work that not only showcased my skills but also appealed to the types of clients I wanted to attract. So I strategically reached out to photographers, especially those with a following, offering my services in exchange for the opportunity to create custom websites or branding that would give me visibility in that space.

By working with photographers who already had an engaged audience, my work naturally gained exposure, which helped me connect with other creatives in the industry. Over time, this led to referrals and new projects. It was a great way to break into the field, and even now, I’ll occasionally offer discounted services if the project has the potential to expand my reach or align with my brand’s vision. Building those relationships early on was invaluable, and it’s been one of the key ways I’ve grown MDukek Creative.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Early on, there was a lot of uncertainty in my career path. I knew I was passionate about design and technology, but I hadn’t quite figured out where I fit in. Once I discovered User Experience, I knew that was the direction I wanted to pursue, so I decided to invest in myself by going to graduate school. I earned my Master’s degree in Creative Technology, focusing on User Experience, and I thought for sure that I would land my dream job right after graduation.

But that didn’t happen. I was faced with the reality that sometimes, even when you do everything ‘right,’ things don’t go as planned. Around the same time, I also wanted to find a way to stay home with my baby while still pursuing my passion and building a career. That’s when I made the decision to start my own business. It was a leap of faith, and while it gave me the flexibility I needed, it came with a new set of challenges. One of the hardest things about owning a design business is realizing just how many hats you have to wear to be successful—especially being a salesperson, which is something that doesn’t come naturally to me.

There have been times when client inquiries go quiet, and I have to push through those dry spells by focusing on outreach, keeping my brand visible, and staying creative even when it feels uncertain. Resilience for me has been about accepting that there are no guarantees in this journey, but having the confidence to keep moving forward despite that. I’m proud of what I’ve built with MDukek Creative, and every time I face a challenge, it only strengthens my resolve to grow my business and serve my clients better.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mdukekcreative.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdukekcreative/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558914598553
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mdukek-creative

Image Credits

Olivia Ballenger Photography