We recently connected with Francesca Dorsey and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Francesca , thanks for joining 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?

The name The Mocha Quote | Design Studio is a reflection of both my identity and the essence of what I aim to deliver. The word “Mocha” represents warmth, richness, and creativity—a nod to both my cultural roots and the inviting vibe I want my studio to embody. It’s about creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and valued. The “Quote” signifies the power of words and storytelling, which is at the heart of great design. Every project begins with an idea, a statement, or a purpose, and it’s my job to bring that to life visually. Together, the name symbolizes the blend of creativity and purpose that drives my work—a balance of artistic expression and meaningful communication. When I started the studio, I wanted a name that felt personal, unique, and memorable, just like the designs I create for my clients. It’s more than a business name; it’s a reminder to always design with heart, intention, and authenticity.

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.

I like to think of my studio as a creative haven where ideas transform into visual stories that inspire, connect, and empower. My journey into design began as a self-taught venture, sparked by curiosity and a passion for aesthetics. Over time, that passion turned into purpose as I started advocating for my skills through my portfolio and contributing to impactful projects in my community.

At The Mocha Quote | Design Studio, I specialize in providing custom graphic design solutions, ranging from branding and marketing collateral to digital media designs and event visuals. Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking a brand identity that speaks to your audience, or an organization looking for designs that align with your vision, I’m here to bring your ideas to life with intention and creativity.

What sets my business apart is my commitment to crafting designs that are not only visually striking but deeply meaningful. I believe every project should tell a story—a story that resonates with your audience and captures the essence of your brand. Clients often come to me unsure of how to visually communicate their ideas in today’s digital age. It’s a privilege to turn that uncertainty into clarity and confidence through design.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built through my work. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing a client’s vision come to life and knowing that I played a part in their success. Beyond that, I’m proud of the trust I’ve earned by staying true to my values—integrity, creativity, and a commitment to excellence.

For those just discovering The Mocha Quote | Design Studio, I want you to know that this isn’t just a design service—it’s a partnership. Every project, no matter the size, is approached with care and dedication because your success matters to me. My goal is to ensure that your designs don’t just look good but feel authentic and aligned with who you are.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that perfection equals success. When I first started out, I thought every design had to be flawless before it could be shared with the world. I would spend hours tweaking tiny details, convinced that the work wasn’t “good enough” unless it was absolutely perfect.

The turning point came during a project early in my career where I kept revising the design, only to miss the deadline. The client, while kind, shared something that stuck with me: “Done is better than perfect.” They weren’t looking for perfection, they were looking for something that solved their problem and moved their vision forward. That moment taught me that my drive for perfection was holding me back. I realized that the magic of creativity lies in progress. Sometimes, the most impactful designs aren’t the ones that are flawless but the ones that are timely, intentional, and full of heart. I had to embrace that it’s okay to take risks, learn from mistakes, and trust the process.

Now, instead of chasing perfection, I aim for excellence, while creating work that is thoughtful, effective, and authentic. Letting go of that pressure has not only made me a better designer, but also a more present and confident creative partner for my clients.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Absolutely. One of the most defining moments in my journey as a designer, and one that truly tested my resilience, happened before I officially launched my business. I was still teaching myself the craft of graphic design in my free time, balancing 2 part-time jobs, going to college and trying to prove that I could build a career in a field I wasn’t formally trained in. At one point, I was given an opportunity to contribute some design and social media ideas for my jobs social platforms. It wasn’t part of my role at the time, but I had built a reputation for having a good eye for visuals and aesthetics, so they gave me a shot. I spent nights refining my ideas, pouring my heart into the work, determined to prove that I belonged in this space.

When I finally presented my concepts, I was met with polite nods and minor feedback. Days would pass and eventually, it felt like confirmation of every fear I had—was I really cut out for this? I didn’t let that stop me. I decided to take the designs I had created and turn them into a personal project for my portfolio. I refined them even more, researched trends, and showcased them. To my surprise, those designs caught the attention of people, who then reached out for freelance work. That project led to another, and then another, and slowly, I started building a client base.

The moment that truly solidified my resilience came when my workplace approached me months later to take on major design projects in a full-time position upon graduating from graduate school. They had seen how much I had grown and they trusted me to assist in their creative direction. That experience taught me that rejection isn’t the end of the story; it’s just a redirection. Every setback I’ve faced has fueled my growth, and every “no” has pushed me to find my “yes”. Resilience isn’t about never failing, it’s about how you choose to respond when you do.

Today, I carry that mindset into every project. I understand that challenges are inevitable, but I’ve learned to see them as opportunities to grow, innovate, and come back stronger. And if my story can inspire someone else to keep going, even when the path feels uncertain, then every setback was worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.themochaquote.shop
• Instagram: @themochaquote @_foreverfrancesca_

Image Credits

Personal Headshot Photo: Photography by Bolaji Ajayi

RFLM Building Slick Photo: Photography by Lance Harris Media