We recently connected with Nikki Fanshaw and have shared our conversation below.

Nikki , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

It sounds rather simple, but truly showing up for them from start to finish. I typically collaborate with other creatives such as photographers, interior designers, service-based brands who are typically solopreneurs and this is the first time they are really investing back into their business. I want them to feel cared for, nurtured and educated along the way. The branding and website process is a few months long, so making sure they have multiple check-in points along the way, whether that be recorded videos, live Zoom sessions or the back-and-forth communication through a project management tool. By instilling this process, it’s really helped clients understand the steps and milestones and feel very taken care of. In return, this has also resulted in client referrals, which I deeply appreciate.

And after all the hard work is complete and the brand or website is launched, I send off a curated care package as a thank you to the client and remind them to celebrate what we’ve accomplished together.

Looking ahead, I believe that continued support and customer care is a craft that will help studios stand out amongst the wave of AI.

Nikki , 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 the lead founder and designer at Made by NF. As a fashion institute alum, I’ve always believed in crafting beautiful things with depth. After all, the most stunning projects are those created with loving intention. Over the years, I’ve worked in-house for a variety of industries in the design realm: fashion, health and wellness, and e-commerce, to name a few. However, it wasn’t until I started my own brand that I felt my purpose click into place.

Building this studio has been a dream of mine. Until I went full-time in 2019, I’d often sneak in time to work on my brand projects, chasing that feeling of joy and excitement I felt logging in. It was here that I decided to jump fully into my own brand design, and what a wild ride it’s been ever since.

The relationships I’ve formed with you, my beloved clients, are what make Made By NF what it is. My days are filled with pinch-me moments, complete with collaborative calls, story-swapping, and building out online homes that stun. I wouldn’t have it any other way. You have my full attention, and I can’t wait to see where this creative partnership will take us.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Serving my clients, 100% hands down. Client communication, education and nurturing are things I value deeply at Made by NF. A polished process helps eliminate client confusion, scope creep and many other factors that can quickly turn a fun, engaging project sideways. Many of my clients come back to the studio for additional needs as they grow and pivot, as well as provide industry referrals.

Another avenue of client or project growth happened accidently, but then naturally has evolved over time. I will often white label or collaborate with other design agencies across the United States and Australia to help them with their branding and/or website needs. This has been a fun way to explore new industries and work more directly with a creative director.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Supporting other creatives and helping them tell their story through branding and website design. I love getting on discovery calls and learning about wildly talented creatives out there (think photographers, videographers, interior designers, etc.). Hearing their brand ethos, roadblocks, vision and what they’re dreaming about, really keeps me excited. Each project stretches me creatively in some way, as each co-founder or brand has unique values and vision. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.madebynf.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madebynf/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-fanshaw-12b69a55/
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/madebynf/

Image Credits
https://chloehuls.com/ | Chloe Huls