We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ariel Thieken. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ariel below.
Hi Ariel, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?
At the beginning of my business in 2016, we didn’t have a solid client journey, and did not realize the value of showing gratitude. Now allow me to tell you that it’s probably one of the most important things you can do for your business today.
At I Do Design Studio, we believe that the client experience begins long before our clients even embark on their design journey with us. We understand the power of a well-crafted website and client journey can set the tone for our relationship and showcase our appreciation from the very beginning. By integrating our love language of gifts into our process, we create a memorable experience that resonates with our clients long after their project is completed.
When a client’s website launches, it marks a significant milestone for their business. To celebrate this achievement, we go the extra mile by sending them an unexpected surprise. Filled with thoughtful items tailored to their interests and preferences, the gift box serves as a token of our appreciation and a gesture that we are genuinely invested in their success. It’s a way for us to extend our gratitude and make them feel special.
For our branding clients, we take it a step further by incorporating their new brand identity into customized client gifts. These gifts not only showcase their brand elements but also demonstrate our attention to detail and the level of care we put into our work. By aligning their branding with the gift itself, we create a cohesive experience that leaves a lasting impression.
We firmly believe that appreciation knows no boundaries, and even the smallest gestures can have a profound impact. Whether it’s sending a handwritten thank-you note or surprising our clients with a bouquet of flowers, we strive to make them feel valued throughout their journey with us. These acts of appreciation not only demonstrate our commitment to their success but also foster a sense of connection and trust.
When our clients receive these gestures of appreciation, they often express feelings of joy, surprise, and a genuine sense of being cared for. They understand that we see them as more than just a transaction; we view them as partners on a shared journey towards their business growth and success. Our personalized gifts make them feel understood and acknowledged, further deepening the bond between us.
At I Do Design Studio, we firmly believe that the client experience is an integral part of the design process. By starting our appreciation efforts right from the client’s first interaction with our website, we set the stage for a relationship built on mutual respect and admiration. Our clients not only receive a visually stunning and functional design but also an experience that exceeds their expectations.
The Impact:
The response from our clients has been overwhelmingly positive. They’ve expressed their surprise, joy, and appreciation for the unexpected gift. This typically is an instant conversation starter and an opportunity for us to connect on a deeper level. This small gesture has set the tone for our entire client journey, fostering trust, loyalty, and excitement.
The Ripple Effect:
This is the part most people don’t realize. Clients often share their gift box experiences on social media, spreading the word about our studio. This amplifies our brand and attracts new clients who are captivated by the genuine appreciation we show from the very beginning.
No matter the industry or business size, expressing appreciation is a powerful way to create meaningful connections with clients. By incorporating our love language of gifts into our process and paying attention to even the smallest details, we can make a lasting impact on our clients’ journey. At I Do Design Studio, we take pride in spoiling our clients and ensuring they feel valued and appreciated every step of the way.
Whether it is a handwritten note or something more elaborate, there is no limit to what you can send. Here are some of our favorite resources for client appreciation gifts if you are looking for a gift to send:
Boomerang Bites (https://www.boomerangbites.com/)
Using the finest ingredients with no artificial preservatives or flavors, Boomerang Bites hand-bakes bite-sized Australian ‘slice’ recipes. Put it this way: I got a box and refused to share them with my husband.
It started in Andrea’s kitchen and in her heart. She hopes to bring a little bit of ‘yummo’-fun, cute Aussie speak for deliciousness-to every moment. Enjoy our bites and enjoy time spent with loved ones.
ScentsAbility (https://scentsability.org/)
ScentsAbility Candles (https://scentsability.org/) is a heartwarming website that celebrates the power of scent and empowers individuals with developmental disabilities. Discover their collection of handmade scented products and the inspiring stories behind them. Through vocational training and meaningful employment opportunities, ScentsAbility nurtures talents and creates a sense of purpose. Experience the magic of their creations and support their mission of inclusivity and empowerment.
Norman Love Confections (https://www.normanloveconfections.com/)
From my Home town of Naples, Florida – Norman Love Confections is a luxury chocolatier known for its exquisite handcrafted chocolates and confections. They offer a wide range of artisanal chocolates, truffles, caramels, and other gourmet treats. Their products are made with high-quality ingredients and showcase artistic designs, making them an excellent choice for clients with a sweet tooth.
Boxfox (https://www.boxfox.co/)
Boxfox offers curated gift boxes that can be customized with a variety of high-quality products. They have a wide selection of pre-designed gift boxes for various occasions, or you can create your own box by selecting individual items from their inventory. Boxfox is known for its stylish packaging and attention to detail.
Flowers.com (https://www.flowers.com/)
Flowers.com is an online floral delivery service that offers a wide range of fresh flowers, bouquets, and arrangements for all occasions. They provide same-day or next-day delivery options and have a network of local florists to ensure timely and high-quality service. Flowers.com also offers add-ons such as chocolates, teddy bears, and balloons to enhance your gift.
Sugarwish (https://www.sugarwish.com/)
Sugarwish is a unique gifting platform that allows recipients to choose their own treats. You can send a virtual “Sugarwish” to your recipient, and they can select their favorite candies or snacks from an extensive collection. Sugarwish offers various gift box sizes and customization options to cater to different preferences.
Goodbelly (https://www.goodbelly.com/)
Goodbelly specializes in delicious and healthy gift options. They offer gift sets that include probiotic beverages, shots, or supplements to support gut health. Goodbelly products are vegan, non-GMO, and free from dairy, soy, and gluten, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. 
Ariel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
About Me: I’m Ariel, founder of I Do Design Studio. I have always had a passion for expressing myself through various mediums. From custom coding my MySpace profile to discovering the transformative power of design for a business, my journey has been filled with unexpected twists and turns that have shaped me into the designer I am today.
My Work: Throughout my journey, I have gained extensive experience and honed my skills in the design industry. I started by working at a print shop, where I took on the challenge of design with only one semester of high school graphic design knowledge under my belt. Through perseverance and determination to learn and improve, I gradually became the lead designer, taking on all design work that came my way, including business cards, logos, and even websites.
Because of my dedication to providing exceptional design solutions, I started my own business in 2016. Initially relying on word-of-mouth referrals, I quickly gained a reputation for delivering high-quality designs.
In 2018, my roles shifted as I took on the responsibility of managing both the print shop and a new wedding venue. It was during this time that I encountered a branding challenge with the venue. Despite its remarkable qualities, it wasn’t widely recognized as a wedding destination in the area. Drawing upon my skills, I embarked on a rebranding journey, emphasizing the venue’s beauty and uniqueness. Gradually, real weddings started taking place, and the venue gained recognition under its new name.
It’s no secret that the wedding industry faced significant hardships due to the impact of COVID-19. However, I believe that navigating through these challenging situations has made me a better designer for the wedding industry. It allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the industry’s intricacies and find creative solutions to overcome obstacles. It was during this time that I realized the potential of merging my design skills and wedding industry knowledge to create a unique niche.
Thus, I took my newfound knowledge and passion and founded I Do Design Studio—a specialized studio developed exclusively for the wedding industry.
Service: At I Do Design Studio, we’re committed to providing exceptional design solutions that make a lasting impact. Whether it’s designing a stunning wedding brand, creating cohesive marketing materials, or crafting websites that effortlessly engage with the target audience, I prioritize both aesthetics and functionality. We strive to exceed our clients’ expectations and help them grow their businesses within the competitive wedding industry.
My Brand: At I Do Design Studio, I believe in the power of design to make a lasting impact. Our style is inspired by a harmonious blend of strong typography, natural elements, and the deep connection between beauty and function. We never settle for creating something merely “pretty.” Instead, we pour thought, purpose, and intention into every design we craft, ensuring that it truly resonates with your vision.
What Sets Me Apart: What sets me apart from others in the industry is my unique journey and diverse background. I started with limited graphic design skills and determination to learn and grow. Through countless hours of hard work and dedication, I have transformed myself into a seasoned designer with a studio of my own. My experience as a wedding venue has given me a well-rounded perspective that allows me to approach projects with a deep understanding of my clients’ needs and aspirations.
Most Proud Of: I’m proud of the progress I’ve made throughout my career and being able to serve clients in the wedding industry. Being able to bring wedding professionals’ visions to life and help them grow their businesses is so rewarding, especially when a client says “We wouldn’t be here without you!” It makes me proud of my impact.
What Potential Clients Should Know: If you are considering working with me and my brand, I want you to know that I am dedicated to your success. I understand that investing in design can be overwhelming, but I strive to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible. Leave the intricate details to me while you focus on what you do best. Together, we will create a stunning and functional website or brand design that effortlessly engages your target audience and propels your business to new heights.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Looking back on my creative journey, there are indeed resources that I wish I had known about earlier. These resources could have accelerated my growth, provided valuable insights, and offered guidance in navigating the creative industry.
Mentorship and Coaching: Starting a business can leave you feeling lost. Having access to experienced mentors or design coaches who could provide guidance, feedback, and support would have been immensely beneficial. Mentorship can help accelerate growth, provide valuable insights, and offer a fresh perspective on my creative work and career development.
Solid Brand Strategy: Developing a clear and well-defined brand strategy is crucial for establishing a strong brand identity and attracting the right audience. Understanding the importance of branding and investing time and effort into crafting a solid brand strategy would have set a strong foundation for my business.
Understanding Clients with Empathy Maps and Buyer Personas: Early on, understanding my clients’ needs, preferences, and pain points could have been immensely beneficial. Utilizing tools like empathy maps and creating detailed buyer personas have helped me tailor my services and designs to better resonate with my target audience.
Brand Voice and Personality: Recognizing the power of defining a brand voice and personality is essential for creating consistent and cohesive messaging across all platforms. Having a clear understanding of my brand’s voice and personality from the beginning would have helped me establish a distinct identity and connect with my audience on a deeper level.
Utilizing Social Media for Marketing: Harnessing the power of social media platforms for marketing purposes would have allowed me to reach a wider audience and engage with potential clients. Understanding the strategies and best practices for utilizing different social media channels effectively could have significantly boosted my brand awareness and growth.
Newsletter for Building Trust: Realizing the impact of a newsletter in building trust with my audience would have prompted me to start implementing this valuable marketing tool earlier. Consistently sharing valuable content, updates, and insights through a newsletter would have helped establish credibility and nurture relationships with potential clients.
Answer the Public and Other Research Tools: Discovering resources like Answer the Public, which provides insights into popular search queries, would have helped me understand my target audience’s needs and interests better. Research tools can offer valuable information for content creation, marketing campaigns, and overall business strategies.
Dubsado: Probably the most valuable resource I wish I had known about earlier is the importance of creating a well-planned client journey and utilizing automated CRM tools like Dubsado. A defined client journey helps map out interactions from initial contact to project completion, enhancing the client experience. Automated CRM systems streamline tasks like lead capture, contract creation, and project management, saving time and providing a professional experience. Implementing these strategies earlier would have improved client satisfaction and productivity in my business – working smarter, not harder!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Life’s journey is an ever-evolving adventure, where we often find ourselves at crossroads, requiring us to adapt and pivot. It is in these pivotal moments that we uncover our hidden potentials, embrace transformation, and discover new paths that lead to fulfillment and success.
They say life can be stressful when you start a new job, move, relocate to a new city, buy a house, and have a baby. Well, call me an overachiever because I decided to tackle all of those at once!
The arrival of my precious daughter brought immense joy, but it also coincided with a significant change in our lives. My husband’s job opportunity led us to embark on a new chapter in Raleigh, NC. This decision uprooted everything we knew – my business, our family, and the daunting task of finding a new home.
As a new momboss, I quickly realized that balancing the demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship would require superhuman skills. Amidst the chaos and uncertainties, a moment of clarity emerged. I knew that I had to embrace change, align my passions, and chart a new course for myself.
Combining my love for design with the experience gained from managing a wedding venue, I created I Do Design Studio. This venture allowed me to merge my creative talents and industry knowledge, catering to the unique needs of wedding professionals. It was the perfect harmony of my passions and expertise.
Life’s twists and turns may throw us off balance, but it is in those moments that we discover our true strength. By embracing change and aligning our passions, we can pave a new path that leads to fulfillment and success. So, if life hands you multiple challenges at once, don’t be afraid to tackle them head-on and create your own unique journey. After all, it’s in those moments of adaptation and transformation that we truly shine. 
Contact Info:
- Website: www.idodesign.studio
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/idodesign.studio
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/idodesign.studio
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-thieken
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/idodesignstudio
Image Credits
Betts Photography – https://bettsphotography.co/