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

Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

The change about the educational system I would like to see would be—teaching students the legal side of their career. Also, how to draw up contracts for their clients. If a student decides to go into Graphic Design they should be aware of the legal consequences of it. This would save this student money on a business corporate lawyer. Starting a career and keeping overhead costs down is a challenge in itself.

Rachel, 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 recently celebrated my 32nd birthday. The state of Alabama is the state I was born and raised in. I had my first vision as an artist and entrepreneur at the age of 13. At that time I didn’t have the slightest idea of what a graphic designer was. During punishment one Saturday morning I had the opportunity to really admire how much of a great artist my big sister, Evelyn Stoner was. She had all of her artwork displayed on our room wall. I felt compelled to see if God had given me a gift of drawing. To say the least I was blessed with a gift as well. After finishing my first drawing the vision of my sister and I owning our art business together appeared since we were very talented individuals.

Moving away from home at the age of 21 to finish my GED was the best decision I ever made. I attended Washtenaw Community College graphic design program in Ann Arbor, Michigan shortly afterwards. In the winter of 2015 I moved to Houston, Texas with my big sister, Evelyn and boyfriend. Lone Star College—CyFair accepted me into their graphic design program but not all of my credits I earned. That was enough to drop out of college. Experiencing that caused a delay in graduation. The advisor was very helpful and gave me reassurance to not give up.

The defining moment of Graduation Day took place on May 9th, 2020. Stepping out on faith landed me my first client on May 15th, 2020. I had shared the news with family and friends via social media by sharing my portfolio. I was very skeptical because I hadn’t been out of college for a full week when a friend requested some design work after reviewing it or had time to learn about the legal side of graphic design. However, I had to make a decision if I was ready to turn lemons into lemonade or wait until all of my ducks were in a row. Needless to say the designs were perfect and my first client built up my confidence to start my own graphic design business. I learned a lot from this real world experience in the industry.

Rachel Designs was established during a pandemic on May 15th, 2020 without managerial skills and a marketing background. However, my company is a highly creative and multitalented Graphic Design company with extensive experience in different designs. We specialize in designing custom logos for small businesses, branding small businesses, and going above and beyond to make sure the clients experience great customer service.

What sets our business apart from others is INTEGRITY! Rachel Designs is accessible, affordable, and trustworthy! We offer face-to-face or zoom consultations to give clients options to communicate their ideas in a way they feel comfortable. Also, during the consultation, we give a presentation that consists of 7 steps to branding for their small business.

I am most proud that I have evolved into this young independent woman/entrepreneur. Also, managing my happiness along the way.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

My favorite marketing strategy I risked taken would be reaching out to 97.9 the Box. The hottest radio station in Houston, Texas. On March 3rd, 2022 I was sitting in my car waiting on a Favor order (this is a local delivery service) thinking of ways of how I can market my small business. Shortly afterwards I heard the radio hostess say she will be shouting out women small businesses all month long on her show. So, I was nervous because it’s a slim chance that they would respond to my DMs. I took the risk and reached out. Later that day I had made it home from working my side hustle. I turned the radio station on in the house so I could hear the shoutout if Keisha Nicole, the radio station hostess received my DMs. In the back of mind I was thinking she wouldn’t respond this early. However, I mentioned to my personal assistant, Donaka Ruffin what risk I had taken. Literally after I had finished my sentence Keisha Nicole shout-out my graphic design company, Rachel Designs! I was trying to rush to the bathroom to grab my iPhone. Unfortunately, we didn’t film the shoutout but this memory will last forever!  This risk has opened up major doors since the shoutout. I’m so grateful I decided to reach out!

Any advice for managing a team?

The best advice I can offer is that you as a leader need to be organized first before trying to manage a team. Be sure you have an agenda for the day, so no one will be standing around waiting to be told what to do. Most importantly, check your attitude at the door before your team arrives for work. A positive atmosphere is top tier.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.racheldesigns.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_racheldesigns_/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/designsbyrachels/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelsheffielddesigns
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/_racheldesigns_
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@RachelDesignsvideos
• Other: Redbubble https://www.redbubble.com/people/DesignsbyRayS/shop

Image Credits
Rachel Sheffield