We recently connected with Octavia Elizabeth and have shared our conversation below.

Octavia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

I’ll never forget the day I got my first real client, not a friend, not a family member, not even a friend of a friend. It happened purely through word of mouth. Someone had seen my work, loved it, and passed my name along. When their message came through, my heart skipped a beat. This wasn’t just a casual “Can you help me?” It was a genuine business inquiry from someone who believed in my skills without personally knowing me.

We talked about their vision, and as I listened, I could feel the excitement bubbling up. The moment they said, “Let’s do it,” it hit me. My brand had just earned its very first dollar from the wider world. It wasn’t just about the money; it was the confirmation that what I was building had value. That first client’s trust lit a fire in me, and I have been chasing that same sense of purpose and possibility ever since. Over time, that client became more than a client. They are now a trusted business partner, and together we continue to build and create in ways I could only have dreamed of on that very first day.

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?

I’m Octavia Elizabeth, the founder and creative force behind OE Creative Visuals LLC, a branding and design company that helps individuals, businesses, and organizations bring their vision to life through powerful visual storytelling. My journey into this industry is deeply personal. As someone who is deaf and hard of hearing, I have always experienced the world a little differently. Sound was never my primary language; visuals were. Images, colors, and design became my way of communicating ideas, emotions, and stories long before I ever turned it into a career.

OE Creative Visuals was born out of a passion for transforming concepts into visuals that speak louder than words. I specialize in branding, promotional videos, event flyers, and website creation and management through Wix. I also create unique projects like QR-coded flyers and brochures that connect people to guided meditations, workout videos, and meal plans. Whether it is a new entrepreneur needing a brand identity, a non-profit wanting to inspire action, or a business looking to connect with customers, I help clients tell their story in a way that is memorable, meaningful, and visually stunning.

What sets OE Creative Visuals apart is not just the quality of the work but the way I approach it. My deafness has given me a heightened ability to notice details others may overlook. I see patterns, colors, and compositions as part of a bigger narrative. When I design, I am not just creating graphics. I am creating an experience. I consider how a design will feel to someone at first glance, how it will guide their eyes, and how it will connect to their emotions. My work is built to speak to people without needing a single spoken word.

I am most proud of the fact that my brand was built from the ground up through word of mouth and trust. My first client has since become a business partner, and that relationship represents exactly what OE Creative Visuals is about: building connections that go beyond a single project. I want potential clients and followers to know that when you work with OE Creative Visuals, you are not just getting a designer. You are getting a storyteller, a collaborator, and someone deeply committed to making your vision come alive in ways you did not think possible.

For me, OE Creative Visuals is more than a business. It is a bridge. It connects my unique perspective to the world, helps others communicate their message with impact, and proves that creativity has no barriers. My work is living proof that a story well told does not need to be heard to be felt.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is being able to bring people’s visions to life in a way they may not have been able to imagine on their own. There is something incredibly special about taking an idea—sometimes just a spark in someone’s mind and shaping it into a tangible, beautiful reality. I love watching a client’s face light up when they see their brand, project, or event come alive visually for the first time.

It’s not just about design for me; it’s about connection. Every project tells a story, and I get to be the one who helps that story take shape, color, and texture. As someone who is deaf and hard of hearing, visuals have always been my language, so being able to use that gift to help others express themselves is deeply personal. The joy, pride, and confidence my clients feel when they see their vision fully realized—that’s the part that keeps me inspired and grateful for what I do.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is that not all money is good money. Early in my journey with OE Creative Visuals, I took on a business transaction that I knew deep down wasn’t the right fit. On paper, it looked like a great opportunity the budget was solid, the work was in my wheelhouse, and the exposure could have been valuable. But something about the communication, expectations, and overall vibe didn’t sit right with me. Instead of trusting my instincts, I told myself, “It’s business, and business is business.”

Very quickly, I realized that the stress, lack of alignment, and constant compromises were costing me far more than the project was worth. I was drained creatively, my workflow was disrupted, and I wasn’t producing my best work because the foundation of the partnership wasn’t healthy.

That experience taught me the importance of saying no, even when the dollar amount looks tempting. Protecting my energy, my brand integrity, and my creative joy matters more than any short-term paycheck. Now, I evaluate every opportunity not just on the financials, but on whether it aligns with my values, my creative process, and my vision for the kind of business I want to run.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://oecreativevisualsllc.com
• Facebook: OECreative Visuals