We recently connected with Reeka-Lynn Selman and have shared our conversation below.

Reeka-Lynn , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Essentially, we’re on a mission to help food and beverage companies thrive by prioritizing branding, design, and the customer experience. Branding is often overlooked or taken for granted, but it plays a crucial role in connecting with your audience and keeping your doors open.

As a food enthusiast from Barbados and a Texan resident, I couldn’t resist Houston’s vibrant culinary scene. However, I noticed that many companies were neglecting their branding and customer experience.

We believe that by understanding your customers, speaking to them effectively, and creating a compelling visual story, you can forge a strong connection with your ideal audience. This leads to improved brand loyalty and, ultimately, longer-lasting success.

So I shifted the focus of our design agency to intentionally serving food and beverage companies who understand the importance of delivering strong visuals and a dope customer experience to their hungry customers.

Our goal is to change the narrative and improve industry statistics by providing a comprehensive branding experience. Together, let’s make your brand unstoppable and leave people saying, “Who knew branding could be this fun?”

Reeka-Lynn , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Oh, boy! Let me take you back to the days when Microsoft Office was the hot new thing and I was in Elementary School during computer class.

Picture me at the tender age of 12, rocking PowerPoint like a boss and unleashing its features. I was doing customized gifts, whipping up shirts and hats for my family members like it was nobody’s business. And guess what? I even became responsible for my parents’ thesis presentation for their Master’s Degree at 12. Talk about starting young!

Fast forward to college, and I had my “Aha!” moment. I walked into the Communications department and realized—being a creative for a living was actually possible!

So, without hesitation, I ditched Social Work and embraced the exciting world of Communications: Photojournalism.

Since then I’ve been on a graphic design rampage, honing my skills, expanding my knowledge, and becoming a master of my craft. Initially, I just did logos, or flyers, or business cards.

But hey, I soon realized that a single logo won’t cut the mustard. It’s like bringing a single ingredient to a gourmet feast—it’s just not enough!

That’s when I decided to level up my game and create all-inclusive design packages that would improve my client’s experience and results with me.

We’re talking logos, colors, brand fonts, custom templates for social media—you name it, I’ve got it covered. I even throw in some icons and backgrounds to spice things up.

Now, what I’m really proud of it is, I’ve had the immense pleasure of designing a whole regional magazine from cover to cover.

Seeing my work in campaigns and plastered all over the place has been a dream come true. And I’m looking forward to continuing t exceed my own expectations for myself moving forward.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

This may sound boring or redundant but I want to inspire my community. I want people to see me thriving and realize that success and pursuing their passions are within their reach.

It’s not just for “other people.” In Barbados, where I’m from, many believe that true happiness is reserved for “other people”.

But I want my community to understand that abundance is for everyone. You are powerful beyond measure, and it’s time to embrace that power and create your own bliss.

Let’s break free from self-doubt and inspire each other to thrive. I want to be one of those people who inspire others to redefine what’s possible for them.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

COVID was a pivotal moment for me, just like it was for many others.

After my job contract ended, I started a shaved ice stand.

But when the lockdown hit, I had to shift gears.
I turned to my first love, design and branding, and began sharing tips on Instagram.

Not long after that, clients started coming my way. It’s been an incredible journey of self-discovery and growth, and I’m grateful for every client who trusted me with their brand so far.

COVID may have brought challenges, but it also opened new doors. Embracing change and finding creative solutions has been the key to my growth so far.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.selmansdesigngroup.com/thepaletteexperience
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandingwithreeka/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reeka-selman/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjKIvtSyvPe5mXZHoi8IlDg
• The Palette Food & Beverage Design Agency Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/pallettedesignagency
• Our general branding website: https://www.selmansdesigngroup.com/brandtransformation
• Behance Portfolio: https://www.behance.net/portfolio/editor?project_id=153270999