Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dreanna Caley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dreanna , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
My business has gone through so many name changes I sometimes loose count of what the names were. I’ll start off with my first name “LexisKreation” that name came from my my middle name “Alexis & Creation”. I decided that I wanted to change creation into something catchy. Then it just went down to me changing names almost every year. I came up with a name “BossBrandOlogist” that I love and had it for 2 years. That name came from me wanting to brand people as a boss, however that name was short lived because I received an email that part of the name was trademark and I couldn’t use it. The search began to look for a new name and that was a long process. I never wanted to use my actual name in my business so I was stuck in the name cycle again. I came up with a few names but something about “DreannaDesignStudio” stuck out to me this most and grabbed my attention. I finally accepted that I should use my name in my brand. Design came from exactly what I do which is designing for people or even myself. Studio was because one day I want to have a studio where I teach people how to use Canva. Thats how I came up with the name “DreannaDesignStudio”
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hi , I am Dreanna Caley onwer of DreannaDesignStudio. I currently reside in Broward Florida , born and raised in Miami. I am a 25 year old entrepreneur and college student. When asked how this business began I always say “COVID-19”. I know might sound crazy to thank a worldwide virus for my business but its true. During the pandemic I had a business called”LexiRoyalCollection where I would sell “lashes , lipgloss , phone cases , sunglass and so much more”. That business was my baby but that came to an end when unforeseen circumstances arise. During my time with LexiRoyalCollection I was creating graphics on my phone using the app “phonto” , it was really fun and brought in extra money. I started exploring other places for designing and came across Canva where I found super cool. I remember I would start making my graphics on Canva for my business and then use Photoshop. I posted a video one time of me designing on TikTok using Canva and they messaged me offering 3 FREE months of Canva & we have been together ever since. Fast forward to the unforeseen circumstances I needed a way to make money that didn’t require any physical products. I had a laptop and creativity and I ran with that. I first started off with creating graphic design for people and began making DIY templates on Esty, I was posting so much tips and tricks on Canva that people started to ask me if I can teach them and that what has led me to also be a Canva Instructor. I offer Graphic Design services and teach Canva classes. The main problem I’m solving is showcasing its not what you use but how you use it. So many people get the idea that you need the big tech software and you don’t. Big companies actually uses Canva for their branding. I am most proud that I can be a go to person for all things Canva for my followers and potential followers. I want them to know they can count on the “Canva Girl” to be at their rescue.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
When people think of the term creative its this thing we are “Magicians” that we snap our fingers and a design come to life or we can magically make something appear on the screen. That my friend is far from the truth, being a creative takes alot of brain power. From the colors to fonts , placement , alignment , and so much more . It also take brainstorming ideas , doing research on a brand , connecting with your clients so you all are on the same page. Creative is far from”cute designs”
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
What helped me is I wasn’t afraid to show up as MYSELF! I showed up as the Dreanna I am , loud , trip over words , kind hearted . I gave my community gems 24/7 because I believed in giving in any way that meant. I knew when I first started using Canva I wish I had people to share tips , and give tutorials without having to pay. I understand everything doesn’t need to be free but I enjoy helping those. I know whats its like to want to learn something and can’t afford it so I wanted to do that for others. Another thing help is me showing my face , by showing my face I became more relatable because my followers knew who I was.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dreannadesignstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreannadesignstudio/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dreannadesignstudio