We recently connected with Mallory Ennis and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mallory thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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.

Twelve years ago, I found myself at a crossroads—one that would define the trajectory of my entire career. I had just been laid off from an agency, and suddenly, I had two choices: play it safe and take another agency job (one that required a brutal 45-minute commute) or bet on myself and dive headfirst into freelancing.

At the time, I was young in my career, with no business experience, no safety net, and no real roadmap for how to get clients. It felt like standing at the edge of a cliff, unsure if I had a parachute—or if I was about to free-fall into disaster.

But something in me said, try.

So I did.

I spent hours cold emailing, networking, and saying yes to any project I could get my hands on. I figured out contracts, pricing, and proposals through trial and error. I worked late nights, learned how to market myself, and built a portfolio that spoke for itself.

And that risk? It paid off.

Now, twelve years later, I’ve built a thriving six-figure freelance career—earning more than most agency designers, but with the flexibility and freedom to do it my way. What started as a leap of faith turned into the best decision of my life.

Sometimes, the scariest risks aren’t about jumping off a cliff—they’re about stepping into your own potential before you fully see what’s on the other side.

Mallory, 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 Mallory Ennis—a multidisciplinary graphic designer, creative strategist, and full-time freelancer with over 12 years of experience in branding, web design, and digital marketing. My journey into design wasn’t exactly traditional. I started my career at an agency, but after being laid off, I faced a choice: take another agency job with a long commute or take a risk and build my own business. I chose the latter, and that leap of faith turned into a thriving six-figure freelance career.

I specialize in crafting strategic, visually compelling brands that don’t just look good—they work hard for my clients. From websites that convert visitors into customers to branding that creates instant recognition and trust, my work blends design with strategy to help businesses stand out in crowded markets. I offer services in branding, website design, social media graphics, and marketing collateral, helping businesses create a cohesive and effective visual presence.

WHAT SETS ME APART?
What makes me different from other designers is my deep understanding of marketing and business. I don’t just make things pretty—I design with purpose. With over a decade of experience, I know how to create designs that not only catch attention but also drive results.

Beyond design, I also use my marketing expertise as a content creator, which gives me a unique edge. I understand both the creative and strategic sides of brand storytelling—how visuals, messaging, and engagement work together to build a brand’s presence. This allows me to create content that not only looks professional but also aligns with business goals. Additionally, I partner with agencies like InHouse Agency to provide a full-service experience, from branding to website development to digital marketing strategy, ensuring that every aspect of a brand’s presence is cohesive and effective.

THE PROBLEMS I SOLVE
Confusing, cluttered branding? I simplify and refine your visual identity so that your business is instantly recognizable and memorable.
A website that doesn’t convert? I design and optimize websites to be user-friendly, engaging, and built for conversion.
Marketing materials that lack consistency? I ensure all digital and print assets align with your brand, making your business look polished and professional.

WHAT IM MOST PROUD OF

I’m incredibly proud of the business I’ve built—one that allows me to work with incredible brands, collaborate with agencies, and have full creative control. But beyond that, I love that my work helps businesses grow and thrive. Seeing a client go from struggling with their brand identity to having a website and branding they love (and that actually gets them results) is the most rewarding part of what I do.

On a personal level, freelancing has given me something priceless—flexibility. Being able to work from home means I get to be present for my family while still doing what I love. I can design a website in the morning, take a break for school pickup, and jump back into strategy calls in the afternoon. That balance of creativity, business, and family life is something I’m deeply grateful for, and it’s a huge part of why I love what I do.

WHAT I WANT YOU TO KNOW
Whether you’re a startup needing branding from the ground up, an established business ready for a website overhaul, or an agency looking for a creative partner, I bring a strategic, results-driven approach to every project. I believe good design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about impact. And if you’re looking for someone who can combine creativity with marketing expertise to take your brand to the next level, let’s chat.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think my reputation was built on a mix of adaptability, reliability, and a true commitment to my clients’ success. When I first started, I was the ultimate *“say yes now, figure it out later”* person. If a client needed something I hadn’t done before, I didn’t turn them away—I learned, executed, and delivered.

That approach, combined with always meeting deadlines and keeping revisions minimal, earned me trust. Because of the quality of my work and my dedication to making clients happy, many of them have stuck with me for years. In fact, most of my new business comes through word of mouth, which is ironic considering I don’t actively market myself. But to me, that’s the best kind of growth—one built on strong relationships and a reputation for delivering results.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think one of the biggest things non-creatives struggle to understand is that creativity isn’t just about making things *look good*—it’s about solving problems. Good design isn’t just aesthetics; it’s strategy. Every choice—colors, fonts, layouts—is intentional and serves a purpose, whether it’s guiding someone through a website seamlessly or making a brand feel trustworthy at first glance.

Another challenge is the misconception that creativity happens instantly. People often assume that as a designer, I can just “whip something up” in a few minutes. But great work takes time—time for research, for brainstorming, for trial and error. The process is just as important as the final product. The best designs don’t just happen; they’re built through strategy, experience, and refinement.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.malloryennis.com
• Instagram: @mallory.ennis
• Linkedin: Malloryming