We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lizzy Moffett. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lizzy below.
Hi Lizzy, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Switching careers is kind of like walking through a dark forest at night. It is often lonely, intimidating, and you frequently can only see a few steps ahead of you. For me, that journey was leaving my beloved elementary teaching career to become a proud web designer and business owner. It all started back in 2004, quite by accident. As a teacher, I was always whipping up websites for school camps, classes, and the plays I directed. It was just a fun side project at first, but I quickly fell in love with the creativity and problem-solving of web design. Designing sites for friends and family became my go-to way of showing I cared. It’s not every day you can gift something that says, ‘Hey, I get you and your business dreams.’
The big nudge to change careers came with a life twist. When my husband’s job meant a big move, and I faced starting anew in a different school, I thought, ‘Why not jump into what I’ve been dreaming about?’ Running my own business, being my own boss, and crafting websites for clients seemed like a wild dream, but it was now or never.
I won’t sugarcoat it – leaving a decade-long career in teaching wasn’t easy. I spent many nights buried in web design tutorials to improve my skills and juggling early projects, all while fighting off those ‘Am I really doing this?’ doubts. But every step, every late night, was worth it.
Now, I’ve got my own web design business. I help people who might not be tech-savvy or just don’t have the time to tinker with digital stuff. And the best part? I still get to teach in a way – guiding clients through the web world and helping them make their mark online.
So, did I make the right call by switching careers? Oh, yes, a million times yes! Has it be scary at times? Sure, but it’s also made me tough! Every new thing I learn is like a flashlight, showing me the way bit by bit. And chasing what I love? That’s like the moonlight peeking through the trees – it makes everything less scary. With each step, I feel a little braver, a little bolder, like the dawn’s just around the corner.
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 create websites that are a total breeze to use and update. But here’s a little something that gives me an edge: I’m certified in UX design through Google. That’s a fancy way of saying I know the ins and outs of making websites not just look good, but feel good to use too. My client list is wonderfully diverse, including:
Coaches who inspire and guide,
Authors with stories to tell,
Artists expressing creativity,
Small business owners growing their dreams,
Charter schools educating future generations, and
Nonprofits making a difference.
Despite their varied backgrounds, they all share a common need – a website that’s simple to manage and update. That’s exactly where my skills and Webflow expertise come into the picture. With Webflow, managing a website becomes a breeze. You can easily tweak and add content – from updating text to posting blogs – all without needing a crash course in web design.
Why should you care about UX, you ask? Well, it’s all about creating a site that your visitors will love to explore. A good UX means people can find what they need quickly, enjoy their time on your site, and leave with a great impression of your brand. It’s like having a friendly guide in your website, leading your visitors exactly where they want to go.
But don’t worry, I get that you’re busy doing what you’re passionate about. You probably don’t want to spend hours figuring out the nitty-gritty of your website. And that’s exactly why I’m here. My designs are not just easy on the eyes; they’re practical and user-friendly, thanks to my UX expertise. Your website will not only look great but will also be a dream to navigate – for both you and your visitors.
So, if you’re looking for a website that lets you get in, update, and get back to your real work, you’re in the right place. I’m all about building digital spaces that make your everyday life smoother, with a touch of Google-certified UX magic.
In short, if you want a website that’s as easy to manage as it is engaging and intuitive, that’s what I’m passionate about creating. Let’s make your online presence a perfect blend of beauty, brains, and user-friendliness.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
After stepping away from teaching, I initially set my sights on a career in a corporate UX setting. But life had a different plan in store for me. The turning point came when a friend introduced me to Polka Dot Powerhouse, a networking group. Walking into that room, I found myself surrounded by women who were not just dreaming big – they were living those dreams. They were in control of their lives, building careers on their own terms. I had never considered this life as an opportunity. It was an eye-opener and a game-changer for me.
Among these amazing women, I met someone who needed a website. It felt like the universe conspiring to show me my path. Everything I had learned and experienced – from teaching to web design and UX – converged at that moment. It was clear that this was more than just a chance to help a new business owner; it was my opportunity to step into a space where I could own my business and be part of a community of inspiring women.
One key milestone that stands out was celebrating with three clients in the same month as they held ribbon-cutting ceremonies for their businesses. It was a heartwarming affirmation of the role I played in their entrepreneurial journeys. Each project honed my skills and grew my confidence. I realized that my ability to empathize with clients, understand their needs, and translate that into a user-friendly website was a unique strength I brought to the table.
Today, looking back, I see that networking event as a pivotal moment. It wasn’t just about finding clients; it was about finding my tribe and realizing that I could be one of those women – in charge of my career, pursuing my passion, and making a tangible difference through my work.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Finding my business partner was one of those serendipitous moments that you just can’t plan for. Early in my web design career, I realized the importance of having a skilled copywriter to collaborate with. It was a priority, and I kept my eyes open for the right partner.
The magic happened at a birthday party, of all places. I struck up a conversation with another guest, and we just clicked instantly. We chatted for hours, not about work, but about life, dreams, and everything in between. It was only later in the conversation that I discovered she was a copywriter, also in the early stages of building her business. It felt like the stars had aligned.
We soon realized how well we complemented each other’s work and decided to partner up. This partnership has been a cornerstone of my business’s success. Having a friend who was going through similar challenges, who understood the ups and downs, and who could encourage me, was invaluable. That year, we both grew immensely, stretching our capabilities and benefiting from each other’s strengths. I’m incredibly grateful for her friendship and the journey we’ve shared. It’s amazing how a simple birthday party led to a professional partnership that has shaped so much of my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lizzymoffettdesigns.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086560119941
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-moffett-m-ed-1a227b30/
Image Credits
Maria- Casa Bay Photography