We recently connected with Rachel and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Rachel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I have spent the entirety of my twenty-seven years doing and making artistic things. My favorite memories of childhood are all related to coloring, drawing, playing on my first computer with Photoshop, MS Paint and all those fun programs!

So, the long and short answer is that I learned by doing it! I also studied Art and Fine Art in school and worked under a developer for a time.

There’s really nothing I would change about how I learned or when. But the biggest obstacle, and lesson to learn for most people, is always fear of taking the risk. Doing something unknown. Trying something new. Learning again and again.

Rachel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Rachel Onassis, I am the founder of Onassis Web Media & I am a brand and website designer! I’ve spent the better part of the last eleven years working in digital design of all kinds, from logos to flyers/posters and websites. The decision to open my own website design business happened slowly as I realized more and more people were asking me for them and I was developing a skill in creating them and understanding how they work and why they’re powerful.

I was running a graphic design business designing stationery and slowly transitioned out of it and eventually closed that business when Onassis Web Media took off.

The thing I brag about most (other than my killer designs obv) is my client experience. I really pour a lot of myself into the details, the communication, the reliability and compassion and encouragement with which I meet my clients. I’m proud to say that this is why I receive most of my referrals. I really take a human-first approach to working with others; I want to know them and understand them and help them. I would also say this is what sets me apart.

I help my clients find their voice and be seen in the way they really want to be seen through design. I truly believe that the more confident you are in every aspect (and this includes your brand and web design), the more easily things like marketing and sales will come to you. I’ve helped so many businesses in just the last 15 months develop the visuals they want to portray their business and through that they built their businesses bigger and bigger.

What I’d love for people to know about me and my work is that I am no stranger to struggle, pain, taking risks, failing, being confused and scared. And it is because of that that I am no stranger to strength, resilience, success, joy and opportunities I only dreamed of.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Any version of “the market is over saturated and people aren’t hiring creatives.”

I understand the fear-based, scarcity mindset that develops this idea. But there are clients and people who need creative expertise everywhere you look. Not only that, there are people everywhere who want a great experience; that might look like a trip to Mykonos, but it also might look like working with someone kind, competent, compassionate and talented who helps them build their dream!

This panic that I took on from other people spouting this caused me to be insecure and scared, which is the worst possible mentality to have when you’re trying to build something others want to be a part of. After taking control again and letting go of this idea, things immediately got better. I was taking chances again. I wasn’t assuming anything about anyone or their financial situation, or what they would or wouldn’t do. I can say happily now that I’ve been booked for a solid year and going.

The fallacy is believing the economy or society needs to be stable to acquire clients. It’s simply not true. People hire people who they like. So, get out there, show off who you are, constantly work on your craft and for the love of all things, do not work in a field where you have no passion!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I’m a cult survivor and was left stranded when I made the decision to leave the group.
I’m talking no ID or legal papers of any kind. No money, no resources, no friends. I spent months couch hopping and trying to sell my little stationery designs for a hundred bucks here and there. I was strapped with the trauma of the violence and harassment that I had already experienced and experienced more of after leaving.

Slowly and surely, just by the will to live and see a better day, I worked and worked and cried and went to therapy and worked some more. I got myself a little job at a bank and saved money to get what I needed to travel and start my life for me on my terms.

So many parts of my life are a vengeance, a big “fuck you” to so many people. My own business that brings me joy and has brought me such an amazing community of other artists and pays me??? My biggest revenge yet.

Well, that, and being super hot.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.onassiswebmedia.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/onassiswebmedia