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

Hi Rhianon, thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

My journey began with my mother, who started coaching online 15 years ago. She introduced me to the world of online business, which would become the foundation of my career. During the summer after my first year at Parsons, I needed to earn some money before my sophomore year. My mom, in her kindness and foresight, offered me a position as her virtual assistant. This opportunity not only provided me with income but also opened doors I couldn’t have imagined at the time.

As we worked together, my mom began referring me to other coaches who needed virtual assistant services. My network started to grow, and I found myself at a crossroads. Just 10 days into my sophomore year at Parsons, I made the bold decision to drop out and run my business full-time. It was a leap of faith, but one that I felt compelled to take (at 19 years old!).

Over the next few years, as I continued to work and expand my client base, I discovered a passion for graphic design. This newfound interest led me to enroll at the Rhode Island School of Design, seeking to hone my skills and broaden my creative horizons once more through the “traditional” college route. And as the story always goes, fate had other plans. The COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing me to reassess my path yet again. I made the difficult decision to leave formal education for the second time, but this challenge also presented an opportunity for growth.

I transitioned officially from the title of Virtual Assistant to Brand and Website Designer. This shift wasn’t just a change in title; it represented a evolution in my skills, my confidence, and my vision for my career.

The path wasn’t always smooth, of course. There was a particularly challenging time when I found myself juggling three “full-time” contractor positions simultaneously. The unpredictability of relying solely on income from individual client work had become daunting, and I needed to ensure a stable income. While this period was incredibly stressful, I now see it as an invaluable learning experience. It taught me crucial lessons about how I wanted to position my own brand and website design studio.

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.

I’m a brand and website designer specializing in creating effortlessly elegant digital experiences for creative entrepreneurs and online business owners.

My approach to design is rooted in the belief that a well-crafted brand and website duo is transformative for a business – especially an online business. With my clients, I create designs that are not just visually stunning, but strategically aligned with their business’ goals. My work as a designer goes beyond aesthetics – it’s about crafting digital experiences that convert visitors into clients and elevate a brand’s perceived value.

What sets me apart is my deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by creative entrepreneurs and online business owners. I don’t just design their logos; I partner with my clients to create solutions that directly impact their bottom line. My mission (through design) is to help my clients add zeroes to their invoices, reclaim valuable time in their schedules, and turn casual website browsers into paying customers.

I’m most proud of the tangible results my work achieves for clients. Whether it’s a solopreneur doubling their rates after a rebrand or an established business seeing a significant uptick in conversions after a website redesign, these outcomes fuel my passion for what I do!

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

The notion that <i>every</i> brand identity project requires an extensive strategy and positioning process. For years, I believed that “just a logo” wasn’t enough, influenced by the voices of other, “better” designers than myself. However, through many conversations with potential clients, I realized that quite a few business owners, particularly those with different scaling goals than even my own, simply <b>need</b> a well-crafted logo.

It was an eye-opening revelation; I learned to appreciate that not every business aims for the same growth trajectory as mine, and that’s perfectly fine. What truly matters is creating brand visuals that are unique, align with the desired customer experience, and are thoughtfully designed. This shift in perspective has allowed me to better serve a wider range of clients, tailoring my services to their specific needs and goals, rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach to branding.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I’m all about keeping the connection alive with my clients, even after we wrap up a project! It’s not just business for me – I genuinely care about their success. I love staying in touch through social media (seriously, what would we do without it?), sending out Christmas cards, or even throwing some referrals their way.

I want my clients to know they’ve got a design buddy for the long haul, not just during our project. It’s all about building those lasting relationships. And let’s be real, seeing them thrive with the designs we created together? That’s the best feeling ever!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rhianonpaige.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rpecreative
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhianon-paige/

Image Credits
Photographs of Rhianon by Steph Powell Creative and Style Shutter Photography