We were lucky to catch up with Sierra Mendonsa recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sierra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with something countless entrepreneurs have had to figure out on the fly – how have you dealt with the rise of remote work?

Absolutely! My “office” is wherever my laptop and Wi-Fi happen to be. Right now, I’m traveling through South America, working from coffee shops, Airbnbs, and sometimes even hammocks with a view (jealous yet?). Remote work has given me so much freedom, but it does take a little strategy to make it work seamlessly.

First off, I’ve made everything digital—project management, client communication, you name it. Tools like Notion and Todoist are my saving grace for staying organized, and my calendar? Non-negotiable. If it’s not scheduled, it’s probably not happening. I also use tools like Loom to record walkthroughs for clients, so I can explain things in real-time without needing them to drop everything for a meeting. I’m a huge fan of video calls (hello Zoom!) but only when they’re necessary—I try to be mindful of giving people space to process and respond when they’re ready instead of putting them on the spot.

Another thing that’s made remote work thrive for me is flexibility. I work with clients all over the world, so rigid office hours just don’t make sense. Instead, I adjust my schedule to what works for both of us. Bonus? I get to work when inspiration strikes rather than forcing creativity into a 9-5 box. That said, I still track my hours to make sure I’m staying on task and constantly improving how I use my time. It’s a little nerdy, but knowing how I spend my hours keeps me efficient and motivated.

I’ve also learned that it helps to set some structure—like specific days for specific tasks—to keep me on track, even when I’m tempted by a new beach or city to explore. And having regular check-ins with clients or collaborators (whether it’s weekly or monthly) keeps everyone accountable and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

The non-obvious perks? Honestly, working remotely has made me better at what I do. I’ve learned how to communicate more clearly and intentionally, I’ve found tools to streamline my process, and I’m constantly inspired by the places I’m exploring. Sure, time zones can get tricky, and I’ve definitely had some Wi-Fi roulette moments (thanks, spotty cafes), but the freedom and creativity remote work allows make it 100% worth it.

So, yes, my team (which is just me!) can work remotely. And if you need me, I’m probably responding to emails from a mountaintop or planning my next workday adventure.

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.

Hi there! I’m Sierra, a branding and web designer with a knack for turning entrepreneurial dreams into cohesive, scroll-stopping realities. I run Sierra.Creative, a design studio where I help creative entrepreneurs build brands and websites they’re proud as hell to call their own.

How did I get into this world? Honestly, it was a mix of curiosity, creativity, and a little bit of rebellion against the corporate 9-to-5 grind. I’ve always loved design, but what I REALLY loved is Marketing & Strategy. I was fascinated by how brands connect with people—not just visually, but emotionally—and I realized that great design alone isn’t enough. It’s the strategy behind the design that makes it work. So, I took my marketing expertise, paired it with a flair for design, and launched a business dedicated to helping entrepreneurs feel confident and connected to their brand.

Here’s the gist of what I do: I create thoughtful, unique branding and web experiences that help small businesses stand out in their industry. From designing a visual identity that feels like an extension of my client’s personality to building websites that work as hard as they do, I focus on the whole package. It’s not just about making things look pretty (though we absolutely nail that); it’s about building something functional and strategic that resonates with their audience.

The problems I solve? Let’s talk about the overwhelm so many entrepreneurs feel when their brand doesn’t feel aligned, or their website isn’t bringing in the leads they want. I help them connect all the dots—branding, messaging, functionality—so they feel confident showing up in their business. Whether it’s creating e-commerce integrations, setting up systems for scheduling, or even auditing their current website to see what’s missing, my goal is to help them feel proud to share their brand with the world.

What sets me apart? I bring equal parts heart and strategy to every project. I’m not just creating “pretty designs”; I’m building tools that work for my clients’ businesses long after launch. Plus, I keep the process personal and fun. (We’re basically besties by the end of a project.) I also like to educate along the way—so my clients walk away not just with a finished product, but with the know-how to keep growing their business.

What I’m most proud of? The transformation my clients experience. There’s nothing better than seeing someone go from feeling stuck and disconnected from their brand to feeling so in love with what we’ve created. That confidence and clarity are priceless, and it’s why I do what I do.

If you’re reading this and wondering if we’re a match, here’s what I want you to know: I’m here to help you create something you’re genuinely excited about. Your brand and website should feel like home—inviting, personal, and a true reflection of who you are. And together, we can make that happen.

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 of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn is this: You don’t have to be an expert, and you don’t have to have all the answers.

It’s okay to say, “I don’t know.” As long as you follow it up with, “But I’ll find out,” you’re golden.

For the longest time, I thought being a professional meant having all the answers, all the time. I felt like clients expected me to be an expert in everything—and let’s be real, the pressure to seem like I knew it all was real. So, early on in my career—when I was an Online Advertising & Social Media Manager for an agency— a client asked me about TikTok (back when it was still the new kid on the social media block), I panicked. I didn’t know much about it, but instead of admitting that, I cobbled together a response based on half-baked insights and instinct. Spoiler: I was absolutely winging it, and the client could tell.

Later, my mentor (bless his wisdom) gave me a reality check. He told me that whenever he doesn’t know the answer to something, he just admits it—plain and simple. And you know what? That little piece of advice changed everything for me.

Now, I never try to fake my way through something I’m unsure about. Instead, I confidently say, “I’m not 100% sure, but let me dig into that and get back to you.” It’s such a game-changer because it’s honest, and clients respect that. Plus, it plays to one of my biggest strengths: I’m resourceful as hell. The moment a call ends, I’m in full-on research mode, finding the answers, getting the data, and figuring out the best solution.

Unlearning the idea that I needed to know it all has been so freeing. It’s also made me a better business owner. I’ve built trust with my clients by being transparent, and I’ve saved myself from the awkwardness of trying to backtrack on bad advice. So now, when I say I’ll figure something out, I mean it—and that’s become one of my superpowers.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele? Without a doubt, it’s making sure the clients I DO have are absolutely over the moon. Referrals are everything, especially in the beginning. When you create an experience so amazing that your clients can’t stop talking about it, word-of-mouth becomes your superpower.

For me, it’s all about connection and going above and beyond. I take the time to really get to know my clients—not just their businesses, but their goals, dreams, and challenges. I focus on under-promising and over-delivering, sprinkling in little moments of excitement and delight throughout the project. Think unexpected surprises or thoughtful touches that make them go, “Wow, she really gets it.” I make notes of small things they mention, and I make a point of following up on them! Those are the things they’ll rave about to their friends and peers.

I also make it easy (and fun!) for my clients to promote their progress & results on social media. For instance, I’ll tag them in stories throughout the project with updates or sneak peeks, which gets them excited to share with their own networks. Not only does it create buzz, but it also builds anticipation for their final reveal. By the time we launch, they’re so hyped that they naturally want to shout it from the rooftops—and that enthusiasm brings in new clients who are already warmed up and ready to work with me.

At the end of the day, the best marketing strategy is a happy client who feels seen, supported, and thrilled with the results. That’s what keeps the referrals rolling in—and honestly, it’s so much more fun than traditional advertising.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sierracreative.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sierra.creative
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sierramendonsa/
• Other: https://g.page/r/CajO2HXLIg3LEAE/review

Image Credits

RachlPhotos