Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Robinson
Hi Victoria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After completing a Graphic Design program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology in 2013, I initially envisioned a career at a Vancouver design agency. Working for myself wasn’t something I had considered. But after an extensive job search, I knew I had to start somewhere, so I took an entry-level position at a print shop. There, I wore many hats—graphic designer, customer service representative, and print production specialist, where I handled both the printing and finishing of jobs.
During this time, my mom was undergoing cancer treatments, and I wanted to support her in a meaningful way. I began creating art prints featuring her favourite verses and song lyrics, with the idea of selling them and donating a portion of the proceeds to The Canadian Cancer Society. What started as a small project quickly grew into a successful stationery business, with products sold online and in retail stores across Canada. My mom worked alongside me, and after she passed away in 2019, I found it difficult to continue the business without her by my side.
While running the stationery business, I also took on branding and web design projects for other businesses, and my passion for this work continued to grow. It became clear that transitioning from stationery to building up my brand, web design, and marketing studio was the right move.
Today, we are in our ninth year of business, and we strive to craft luxurious, stand-out brands that not only captivate but deeply connect with our clients’ target audience. At V&CO Design Studio, we don’t just design; we become strategic partners, investing our passion into every facet of our clients’ brands. From brand design and web development to copywriting, content creation, social media management, packaging design, and digital/print collateral, we offer a comprehensive suite of services to bring brands to life and propel them into the online sphere.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As with any business, the journey has had its challenges. The more our business has grown, the more I’ve had to grow with it, both personally and professionally. One of the key challenges has been learning how to scale while maintaining the level of quality and attention to detail that our clients have come to expect.
As the demand for our services increased, I realized that I couldn’t do it all on my own. This led to the need to bring on subcontractors to assist with design and marketing projects, which was a significant shift for me. Delegating work meant stepping back from being the sole designer and embracing a more strategic role—overseeing projects, managing a team, and ensuring that every detail aligns with our standards.
Another challenge has been finding the right team members who share our commitment to excellence. We strive to deliver a top-notch client experience, and not everyone has the same level of dedication to that goal. It’s been a learning curve to find people who not only have the skills but also resonate with our values and work ethic. The process of building a team that truly embodies our brand has been one of the most significant, yet rewarding, struggles on this journey.
I’m happy to say that right now, we have an amazing team. Our current content manager, in particular, has been incredible at keeping the marketing side of our services running smoothly while I’ve been on a form of maternity leave. Balancing motherhood with running a business has been a challenge in itself, but having a reliable team makes all the difference.
That’s another tough aspect of being a business owner—knowing when to take time off and when to delegate responsibilities. It’s not easy to step back, especially when you’re used to being hands-on with every detail. But trusting others and allowing them to take the reins when needed has been a crucial part of maintaining both my business and personal life during this time.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We are a brand, web design, and marketing studio dedicated to partnering with inspiring female visionaries across the beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and creative industries. We specialize in creating luxurious, high-end brands that deeply resonate with your ideal clientele. Our work is not just about aesthetics; it’s about crafting identities that tell a story, connect emotionally, and leave a lasting impression.
What I’m most proud of is how we’ve grown over the years to offer a truly holistic experience for our clients. When someone comes to us, they’re not just getting a logo or a website—they’re gaining a partner who’s committed to their brand’s long-term success. We handle everything from visual identity, including logo design, typography, colour palettes, websites, and print collateral, to ongoing support with managing their social media channels like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, as well as their marketing campaigns through newsletters and blog posts. This comprehensive approach allows our clients to focus on what they do best, knowing that their brand is in good hands.
What truly sets V&CO apart is our dedication to building relationships that go beyond the conventional client-designer dynamic. We don’t just deliver a beautiful design and move on; we become invested in our clients’ brands as if they were our own. Many of the product-based brands we work with are ones I personally use and love, and for our service-based clients, I make it a priority to experience their offerings firsthand. This personal connection fuels our passion and commitment, ensuring that we’re not just creating something visually appealing, but something that genuinely represents and supports the brand’s mission.
At V&CO, it’s not just about what we create; it’s about the collaborative journey we share with our clients. We’re in it for the long haul, shaping brands that resonate, inspire, and endure.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe the quality that has been most crucial to my success is my unwavering attention to detail and passion for what I do. Being detail-oriented means that I’m always focused on the small things that others might overlook—the nuances that can make all the difference in design and branding. This meticulous approach ensures that every project I take on is executed to the highest standard, and it’s something my clients have come to appreciate and rely on.
But it’s not just about the details; it’s about genuinely loving what I do. I’m incredibly fortunate to wake up every day excited to work, and I think that enthusiasm is contagious. When you’re passionate about your work, it shines through in everything you create. This passion not only drives me to push boundaries and exceed expectations, but it also fosters a positive and enjoyable experience for my clients. They can sense that I’m invested in their success, and that energy creates a collaborative and fulfilling partnership.
Ultimately, I think the combination of being detail-oriented and truly loving what I do has been the foundation of my success. It’s what allows me to deliver not just a service, but an experience that my clients genuinely enjoy and value.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vandcodesignstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vandcodesignstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vandcodesignstudio
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@vandcodesignstudio
Image Credits
River: Zoya Lehrke, V&CO Design Studio
k’pure: Iulia Agnew Fotografie
V&CO: Iulia Agnew Fotografie