We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Julia Riddle. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Julia below.

Julia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

I’d be remised if I started my “success story” off by just speaking to this season of my life. Because in all honesty, every phase, every role, and every failed business idea has lead me to where I am today.

I jokingly admit to clients that I’m a “Jill of all trades.” You’d probably be surprised if I told you that I’m a formerly trained pastry chef, certified sommelier, wine author, operations manager, designer and mother. As a professional, I found myself pivoting in roles in order to better accomodate. I noticed early on in my career that if the job doesn’t exist, it can be created; and, if there is a problem, you have every opportunity to fix it.

One thing that each of those professional journeys had in common was a NEED. A need to shift. A need to pivot. A need for a new product or service. That’s where Doula Design Co. was born.

Shortly after my daughter was born, I launched my own postpartum doula business: The Postpartum Period. After working with dozens of incredible clients and connecting with doulas and birth workers internationally, I realized the overwhelming lack of resources and marketing options available for doulas looking to create a professional business and brand presence. Having previously worked in design spaces, I felt compelled to help other doulas create professional, affordable, and beautiful marketing materials for their business.

At this point, I wasn’t really sure if this was a true need in the birth community. The designer in me was, quite bluntly, tired of an industry filled with cheesy stock photos, lack-luster websites, and a pricy barrier to entry. I wasn’t sure if there was a need. But I figured that it was worth a shot.

To be completely honest, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. What started as a concept soon turned into quite the business venture. In 2020 I decided to start selling Canva Social Media templates for $25 on my website. I had a surprising influx of doulas looking to purchase the templates. Each doula offered rave reviews and word of mouth started to spread like wild fire! I got to thinking, “What if I made this an actual business. There definitely seems to be a need.”

During this time, I was designing freelance for Chelsea at 23&9 Creative, and under her mentorship, I felt very well versed in creating website templates. In March 2021, I decided that in addition to Canva templates, I would launch website templates to match.

Later that year, in November 2021, I decided to put my doula business on hold and launch Doula Design Co. full time. I started with four website templates and four social media template packages. Launching my website required purchasing a domain, legally registering my business with the state, designing a website, building the templates in Squarespace, creating the video tutorial libraries, and so much more. Needless to say, it was quite a project. From idea to execution, this small project turned into over a year of brainstorming and creating. Being a virgo, I’m sure you can imagine that organization is my best friend.

By December 2021, I had clients looking for custom work. I started offering my design services (wildly underpriced) at $60 for a logo and $250 for a partially custom website.

Within a few months, I was booked out for the first quarter of the next year. While this was great, I started to realize the downfalls of starting before you’re ready, like pricing my services way too low, taking on too many clients, and suffering from burnout. I knew something had to change. I was struggling with imposter syndrome BIG TIME, and was worried that this business idea wasn’t going to be sustainable financially or personally.

In January 2022, I decided to make some changes. I increased my prices, changed my offerings and services, updated my contracts, redesigned my website and started working with clients 1:1. Since, I have designed websites and branding for over 60+ doulas, pelvic floor therapists, and birth professionals.

I have an incredibly balanced life spent between working, family, and raising my 5 year old daughter. I feel so fortunate for that, and truthfully, I couldn’t have created this life if it weren’t for an idea.

The reality is that life is always changing, moving and progressing into a direction – down one road or another. The catalyst for your success is YOU! There’s never going to be a perfect time to begin. The key for me was to start!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Julia – a mother, designer, postpartum doula and owner of Doula Design Co.

The most common response I get to this hodge-podge mixture of labels is “Wait, you design websites for doulas? That’s oddly specific.”

And yea…it really is.

I started Doula Design Co. as a passion project after launching and operating my own successful postpartum doula company. With a background in marketing, operations, copywriting, and design, I always felt like I had this super unique set of talents that needed a direction. I found my niche and true design passion within the birth community.

Doula Design Co. was created after noticing a need for professional and accessible design resources in the doula community. After working with dozens of incredible clients and connecting with doulas and birth workers internationally, I realized the overwhelming lack of resources and marketing options available to doulas looking to create a professional business and brand presence. I wanted to change this. So I made it my business.

Since launching Doula Design Co. in November 2021, I have helped dozens of doulas create their own dream doula business with thoughtfully designed Squarespace Website Templates and professional design offerings.

Today, I offer custom websites design services, custom branding and logo creation, and DIY website templates designed in Squarespace.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

The process involved in the creation isn’t always beautiful. It isn’t always creative. I jokingly say that most of my job is just clicking around on a computer.

The truth of life as a creator is less picturesque than you might think. It involves days pilled up behind a desk with bad posture, debilitating bouts of imposter syndrome, isolation, and creative blocks that can sometimes take days to unlock.

Creating a beautiful project requires hours of hard work behind the scenes, unseen by others. All that to say, while the end result is beautiful, the creative process is definitely hard work.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

While my business mission is quite obvious (to provide affordable and elevated design resources for doulas), I do have a personal goal behind the scenes.

My true goal is balance. Everything I do, in my professional career and in my personal life is in an attempt to create balance. My daughter is everything to me, and I feel so lucky to have created a role for my professional life that allows me to balance life as a mother and life as a business owner.

As an employee, I felt myself often times in the paradox, waffling between not being a good enough mom and not being a good enough employee. The particular goal driving my creative journey is to be able to design a life where the two can co-exist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.douladesignco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/douladesignco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076235805438&sk=about
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/douladesignco/

Image Credits
Sarah Wood Photography