We were lucky to catch up with Jill Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jill, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes, I’ve been able to earn a full-time living from my creative studio, offering web and brand design services. My journey into full-time entrepreneurship was a combination of careful planning, faith, and trusting the timing.

I started my business a year before leaving my 9-to-5 job. While I was eager to leave and dive in full-time, I made the intentional decision to build a strong foundation first. That extra year of preparation was crucial. During that time, I worked to secure enough projects and establish client relationships, which gave me confidence that I could sustain myself when I eventually made the leap.

In 2022, my life was at a turning point. I had just had my first daughter and was feeling pulled to focus fully on my business. I prayed and asked God for guidance, and I set September 1, 2022, as my goal to go all-in. By that time, everything fell into place perfectly. I had a steady stream of projects lined up, and as it turned out, it was also when I found out I was pregnant with my second daughter. The timing couldn’t have been more aligned, and I trusted it was the right moment to step out in faith. I gave my notice at my job of six years and officially began my full-time entrepreneurial journey.

Looking back, I’m so glad I gave myself that extra year to prepare. If I had left my job impulsively when I first felt ready, it would have been a lot more stressful to manage both life and business. Having a strong foundation made the transition smoother and more sustainable.

If I could share any advice for someone in a similar position, it would be to build your business on the side while you still have a steady income. Use that time to learn, plan, and line up work. Then, when you’re ready to make the leap, you’ll be doing so with confidence and a sense of peace about the decision. Timing truly is everything, and sometimes patience can be the greatest investment in your success.

Jill, 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?

I’m a web and brand designer who started Daisy Creative Studio (now transitioning and doing a rebrand), a boutique design studio that helps creative service-based businesses stand out with strategic, custom websites and branding. My journey into this field began with a mix of curiosity, necessity, and a growing passion for helping businesses thrive. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of turning what started as a side hustle into a full-time career, working with incredible clients to elevate their brands and online presence.

How I Got Started
My entry into web design came somewhat unexpectedly during my 9-to-5 job. My employer needed someone who could handle tech-related tasks, so I stepped in and taught myself web design on the job. What started as a way to help out at work quickly turned into something I loved doing. I realized I had a knack for blending creativity with problem-solving and started dreaming about turning it into something bigger.

As I honed my skills and gained confidence, I began taking on freelance projects. By 2021, I officially launched my business, working on it part-time while continuing my day job. In 2022, everything aligned for me to take the leap into full-time entrepreneurship, and I haven’t looked back since.

What I Do
I specialize in creating websites and branding for laid-back luxury clients. My services include:

Custom Web and Brand Design: I craft strategic, high-converting websites and cohesive brands that reflect the unique personality and goals of each client.
À La Carte Design Services: From business card design to marketing booklets and packaging, I help businesses elevate every aspect of their visual identity.
Strategic Problem-Solving: I go beyond aesthetics, focusing on strategy to ensure my designs not only look beautiful but also work hard for my clients by attracting the right audience and driving results.
The Problems I Solve
Many of my clients feel overwhelmed by the thought of designing their own brand or website. They know they need a professional online presence but aren’t sure where to start. I take that stress off their shoulders, delivering designs that not only look stunning but also reflect their unique value and convert visitors into clients.

Time is another challenge for small business owners, especially those wearing multiple hats. I streamline the process, providing a seamless and efficient experience so they can focus on what they do best while trusting me to handle their branding and web design.

What Sets Me Apart
What sets me apart is the experience I offer. I’m not just here to create pretty designs—I’m here to craft websites and brands that reflect the heart of my clients’ businesses. I take the time to understand their goals, audience, and vision, creating designs that are not only beautiful but also strategic.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the impact my work has had on their businesses. Seeing their excitement when they see their new brand or website—and hearing how it’s helped them attract dream clients—is so rewarding. I’m also incredibly proud of building this business while raising my two daughters, showing them firsthand that it’s possible to “balance” passion and family.

What I Want You to Know
I’m here to help you build a brand and website that works as hard as you do. Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, home stager, or service-based business, I’m here to make the process seamless and enjoyable while delivering designs that reflect your worth and help you stand out.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Absolutely. I wish I had realized earlier in my journey that there’s a large, supportive community of brand and web designers who genuinely want to help and see others succeed. Early on, I felt like I had to figure everything out on my own, but once I opened myself up to connecting with others, everything changed.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that we’re not in competition with each other. When you shift your focus to genuinely wanting the best for your clients and sharing knowledge with others, the idea of “competition” fades away. There’s so much value in seeking help, asking questions, and learning from those who’ve gone before you.

If I could give advice to anyone just starting out, it would be to embrace the creative community and not be afraid to reach out. There are people out there who truly want to help you grow and push you toward your goals. Collaboration and connection are game-changers, and they make the journey so much more rewarding.

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

One story that really illustrates my resilience is how I’ve built and run my business while raising my two daughters. It’s no small feat balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, but it’s something I’m incredibly determined to do—and do well.

Yes, I’m fortunate to have help from our nanny (my amazing sister-in-law) a few days a week for a few hours, but running a business goes far beyond those moments of focused work. There are countless late nights, early mornings, and in-between moments where I’m working toward my goals while still being present for my family.

What drives me is the desire to show my girls two things: the value of a strong work ethic and the beauty of pursuing your passions—even while raising a family. I want them to grow up knowing that it’s possible to dream big, work hard, and create something meaningful while keeping family at the center of it all.

My goals for this business are hefty and ambitious, but my determination to achieve them with my family by my side keeps me going. Every milestone and success feels even more meaningful because my daughters are part of the journey, and I hope they’ll see through my example that they, too, can pursue their passions with resilience and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: daisycreativestudio.com – i am rebranding and this will be changing but I will still have this redirect to my new site
• Instagram: @daisy.creativestudio – same as above
• Facebook: Daisy Creative Studio

Image Credits

Alyssa White