We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Macala Carroll a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Macala, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The mission behind my business is to bridge the gap between the traditional website design industry and those who often feel overwhelmed or shut out by it. Web design has long been a space dominated by men with impressive degrees and technical jargon, which can be incredibly intimidating for small business owners—especially women—who don’t see themselves represented.

As a woman of color, a single mother, and a college dropout, I’ve personally experienced what it feels like to be underestimated because of what’s on paper. When I started calling myself a web designer, it surprised people—and not always in a good way. But I’ve learned that lived experience, empathy, and real results matter so much more than titles.

That’s why I’ve made it my mission to break down those barriers and provide a transparent, empowering space for female-led brands. I believe every business deserves a website that not only looks beautiful, but also works strategically—and that understanding the process shouldn’t feel exclusive or out of reach. I’m here to make web design feel accessible, empowering, and deeply human.

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

Hey, I’m Mac! I’m originally from Houston, Texas, and currently living in Lafayette, Louisiana. I started my business not long after COVID hit—a time that was full of uncertainty, but also one that pushed me to take a chance on myself.

At the time, I had just dropped out of college after losing my financial aid. I had failed yet another class—not because I wasn’t capable, but because I was juggling a full-time job and raising a newborn son as a single mom. It was one of the hardest seasons of my life, but it also led me to something beautiful.

I’ve always looked for a way to combine my love for creativity with my strength in sales and strategy. Web design ended up being that perfect fit—and that’s how Avispa Design Studio was born.

My business is rooted in three core values: transparency, support, and accessibility. I work with business owners—especially women and those who often feel overlooked or underestimated—and help them bring their brand to life through strategic, empowering website design. I’m passionate about not just creating something that looks good, but something that actually works and helps my clients hit their goals.

What sets me apart? I meet my clients where they are. I know firsthand what it feels like to not have a “traditional” background or all the resources, and still want to create something impactful. I build websites that feel human, that tell a story, and that truly support the business behind them.

What I’m most proud of is the community I’ve built around my work—the clients who now feel confident in their brand presence, and the people who feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way. If you’re looking for someone who gets the hustle, honors the heart behind your business, and designs with strategy in mind, I’m your girl.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn is the idea that your current circumstances define your future. For a long time, I let my situation—being a single mom, a college dropout, working full-time just to stay afloat—make me feel like I wasn’t “allowed” to dream bigger or aim higher. I thought success was reserved for people with the perfect resume, degrees, or a more “put together” life.

But I had to realize that my present didn’t have to limit my potential. I started my business in a really tough season, with no roadmap and no safety net—just faith, grit, and a desire to create something meaningful. Unlearning that mindset has been the most freeing thing. I’ve learned that your story can be your strength, and that where you are right now is just a chapter, not the whole book.

Letting go of that belief has allowed me to grow not just as a business owner, but as a person—and it’s a message I try to pass on to every client and creative I work with.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I built my audience on social media by simply being honest. I showed up online as me—no filters, no pretending to have it all figured out. I shared what I was going through in real time: the lessons, the mistakes, the wins, and the really hard days of starting and growing a business. I talked about the behind-the-scenes stuff most people are afraid to say out loud, and that transparency created connection.

I think people are craving realness online. My goal was always to create a space where others could see themselves—where they’d feel less alone in the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Because the truth is, we all struggle. We all question ourselves. And when someone sees their own experience reflected in yours, that’s powerful.

If you’re just starting to build your social presence, my biggest piece of advice is this: be human. You don’t have to wait until everything is perfect to start sharing. Let people into the process. Be honest. Be consistent. And speak from a place of service—how can your story, your knowledge, or even your current season help someone else? That’s what builds community, not just followers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.avispadesign.com
• Instagram: @avispadesignstudio
• Other: Tiktok: @avispadesignstudio