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

Michaelene, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

I’ve been designing wedding invitations for 13 years now, so I discovered my passion pretty early on. Always drawn to a creative career, I’m glad I started when I did and how it all began. QueenBee actually originated as my graduate project. As I neared the end of college, a professor challenged me to build a business that leveraged my skills and aligned with my interests. That’s when QueenBee quietly came into existence.

Back then, it seemed like everyone I knew was tying the knot. While I loved designing invitations, my true motivation was ensuring couples felt truly special on their big day. I disliked seeing my closest friends and family settle for generic invites from local stores. I knew I could use my design skills and passion for making people feel cherished to craft wedding stationery that told each couple’s unique story. This drive led me beyond design to also coordinate weddings, where I could quietly ensure everything went smoothly, allowing them to fully enjoy their day.

Starting early gave me ample time to learn from mistakes and grow. Yet, I wouldn’t change a thing about the timing. Scaling QueenBee has been a journey of continual growth and evolution. Over the years, I’ve developed not only as an artist but also as a CEO and person. Each booking now feels incredibly special, knowing how far I’ve come from those early days of trial and error. From initially stumbling through to having clients book me years ahead, it’s been quite the ride—one I’m deeply grateful for.

And the best part? I feel like I’m just getting started. There’s so much more ahead, and I’m excited for what’s to come.

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.

My name is Michaelene, and I’m the CEO and lead designer at QueenBee Design Studio, an award-winning and published boutique-style studio. We specialize in creating custom invitations that go beyond paper—they tell a unique story. Our mission is to help couples infuse their personalities and styles into every aspect of their wedding, starting with the invitation.

At QueenBee, storytelling is at the heart of our approach to celebrating weddings. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate gathering on the coast of Italy or a lively backyard Western affair, we thrive on designing for every vision, creating something truly original for each couple. It’s not about extravagance; it’s about the depth of the narrative, and that’s what defines our work.

We feel privileged to join couples at the start of their wedding planning journey. From save-the-dates to invitations, and with planning guides honed over our 13 years of experience, we also craft bachelorette party invites, bridal shower invitations, welcome party details, and day-of items like menus, table numbers, welcome signs, and thank-you cards. Our commitment to professionalism ensures each couple receives personalized attention throughout the process, building a lasting connection that often extends beyond the wedding day. It’s rewarding to continue designing for our clients, from baby announcements to birthday invites, as their lives unfold.

Designing for life’s celebrations has been a passion and a career I cherish deeply.

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

The biggest lesson I had to unlearn was assuming that coming from a small town meant my business would only ever be “small town”. I used to doubt whether my art could compete with artists from places like New York, Los Angeles, or even Orange County, and this mindset kept me boxed in for a long time.

But when I shifted my perspective and realized that my creations could reach across the globe via paper, my career underwent a profound transformation. Suddenly, I was booking events for magazines, achieving publication, winning awards, and sending invitations worldwide. I distinctly remember designing invitations for a couple whose guest list spanned India, France, Spain, and even China—it was incredibly thrilling to see my work embraced on such an international scale.

I began receiving invitations to exclusive industry events, which affirmed that I belonged among top talent. This boosted my confidence and emboldened my design approach, attracting the exact type of clients I aspired to work with. My social media presence, especially on platforms like Instagram, skyrocketed. Within weeks, I gained over 20K followers and posted multiple Reels with over 30 million views, sharing ideas on reshaping the wedding narrative to reflect what couples truly want.

This journey has been incredibly rewarding, proving that where I come from doesn’t limit where I can go.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I’m a total bookworm, and lately, my focus has been on personal growth, especially exploring mindset. A few books have profoundly influenced how I approach both business and life, giving me the courage to pursue my goals. Some of my favorites include “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself”, “Outwitting the Devil”, and “Stories That Stick”. These books are just the beginning—I have a whole list of recommendations!

For anyone looking to embark on a career in the arts, whether it’s design, writing, or any creative pursuit, understanding and strengthening your mindset is crucial. The arts often invite criticism, and we can be our own toughest critics. Building mental resilience and a strong foundation can significantly propel your journey forward.

If you’re passionate about the arts, these books can provide invaluable insights into harnessing your mind’s power to overcome challenges and achieve your ambitions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.queenbeegraphics.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queenbeedesignstudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelene.sandberg