We recently connected with Rhodesia Jackson and have shared our conversation below.

Rhodesia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

My first client as a business owner wasn’t a typical paying gig; it actually came through a bartering arrangement that was perfect for where I was at that time. I’d just transitioned from working as a full-time graphic designer to building my own business, and I needed experience, portfolio pieces, and momentum. I was actively looking for clients wherever I could find them, so when I saw a life coach looking to barter web design services in a women’s business Facebook group, I jumped at the chance.

These groups are huge—sometimes posts get hundreds of replies—but somehow, we just clicked. In our intro call, we found out we actually shared the same birthday! The connection felt genuine, and that first project showed me how powerful online networking could be for meeting inspiring people on their business journeys.

The project itself was right in my wheelhouse: she wanted a brand refresh and a new website, capturing her boho style with natural tones and a jewel-tone palette. It gave me the chance to test my creative process with a real client. Coming from a corporate design background, I loved working with a smaller, unique business. The whole process felt smooth and exciting, and I’d say a big part of it was our initial conversation. We were a good match from the start.

Since it was bartering, there was no paycheck, but the exchange was invaluable. The life coaching sessions helped me get clear on my goals and map out a real transition plan. At that point, I was working full-time in Fintech and squeezing in design projects in every spare moment. Those sessions, paired with my first real client experience, fueled my confidence and gave me the clarity to make the leap into full-time business ownership.

Rhodesia, 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?

My start in graphic design actually began in high school. My art teacher encouraged me to enter an Adobe digital design contest, and it opened my eyes to the idea that my love for creative hobbies—like drawing and making jewelry—could turn into a real career. At the time, like lots of high school Juniors, I was figuring out what I wanted to major in for college, and this experience made me realize design was something I could truly see myself doing.

From there, I took a traditional route, studying graphic design at a small liberal arts college in Brookline, Massachusetts. After earning my degree, I jumped into the field, working across a range of roles from production to marketing design. Alongside these roles, I expanded my knowledge through classes in marketing and web development. These experiences gave me a solid foundation and a well-rounded skill set that I’m proud to bring into my own business, Any & Every Design Studio.

Today, my work spans everything from print design, like brochures and billboards, to digital projects, website design, and brand development. If I had to choose a favorite, it might be large print projects, especially magazines. I love seeing an idea take shape, weaving together stories, images, and themes into a beautiful, tangible product. There’s something special about holding a finished print piece, feeling the texture, and knowing it will reach so many hands. But I’m equally drawn to the puzzle-solving side of web design—there’s a thrill in bringing visual ideas to life through design and code.

Most of my clients come to me to capture the essence of their brand or values visually, whether through a logo, website, or even a business card. My goal is to create designs that resonate with their audience, boost their credibility, and set them up for long-term success. I’ve worked with nonprofits focused on children’s well-being, life coaches building their presence, and even environmental groups raising awareness. Through my work, I aim to create a positive impact, both for clients and for those they serve.

At Any & Every Design Studio, I’m driven by the desire to support my clients’ success. If I could do this work for free, I would, because it’s about more than just business—it’s about using design to empower people, strengthen communities, and make the world a better place, even if only in small ways. For me, design is more than creating visuals; it’s about connection, inclusion, and leaving a meaningful mark.

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

One lesson I’ve been unlearning is my perfectionism. I used to hold off on sharing anything until it felt just right—whether it was a social media post, a logo, or a website. This habit kept me stuck and held me back from connecting with clients and audiences.

Over time, I realized that embracing imperfection can be freeing. Instead of waiting for everything to be perfect, I started sharing my work as it evolved, welcoming feedback and improvement along the way. This shift has helped me feel more authentic in my work and allowed for deeper connections with clients. I’ve learned that progress is more important than perfection, and that’s been a game-changer for my creativity.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me has definitely been referrals from past clients. Each time I receive a recommendation, it feels like such a compliment. It’s rewarding to know that my work has made a positive impact and that clients are excited to share that experience with others. This organic growth has really helped my business thrive!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://anyandeverydesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anyandeverydesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anyandeverydesign
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhodesiajackson/