We were lucky to catch up with Tess Welch recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tess thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

Unlike large corporations with dedicated marketing teams, many small business owners don’t have the time or knowledge to navigate online visibility, branding, or SEO effectively. That’s where Lunar Rising comes in.

What sets me apart from the industry standard is my customized, hands-on approach to branding, web design, and SEO/Google Business management. Instead of offering cookie-cutter solutions, I take the time to truly understand each business—its values, challenges, and goals—and develop strategies that align with their specific needs. Every client receives transparent monthly reports to track progress and ensure their investment is generating real, measurable results.

Beyond just strategy, I prioritize authenticity, honesty, and personal relationships with my clients. I work closely with them, ensuring they not only see growth but also feel supported in their journey. Helping small businesses compete with larger corporations and thrive in their industries is my passion, and I take pride in being a trusted partner in their success.

Tess , 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 launched Lunar Rising out of a deep passion for helping small businesses navigate the digital world. My journey started when I became a marketing manager for my father’s small restoration company, specializing in water, mold, and fire damage. At the time, the business was struggling—leads were minimal, and revenue was declining. As I dug deeper, I discovered critical gaps: their Google Business Profile wasn’t verified, their online information was inconsistent, and even their contact details were incorrect—meaning potential customers were literally unable to reach them.

I took immediate action, verifying their listing, optimizing their website, and ensuring they had a strong digital footprint. The results were almost instant—more calls, more leads, and real business growth. That moment was eye-opening. If my father’s business had been facing these issues, how many other small businesses were unknowingly losing opportunities due to digital mismanagement?

That realization led me to build Lunar Rising, a brand dedicated to empowering small businesses with branding, web design, and digital marketing solutions. My services include:

Branding – Developing strong, authentic brand identities, from logos to full brand strategies with marketing ideas, and templates.
Web Design & Development – Custom-built, SEO-optimized websites tailored to help businesses attract and convert customers.
SEO & Digital Marketing – Helping businesses compete with larger companies through Google Business optimization, content creation, and monthly SEO strategies to increase visibility and leads.
Local SEO & Pinterest Strategy – Boosting local search rankings while leveraging Pinterest backlinks to create long-term, organic growth.

What Sets Lunar Rising Apart?
Unlike many agencies that offer generic, one-size-fits-all marketing solutions, I take a highly personalized approach. I work closely with each client to understand their unique business, goals, and challenges, then create custom-tailored strategies that fit their needs and budget. My focus is not just on delivering services but on educating and empowering business owners so they feel confident in their marketing decisions.

Additionally, every client receives monthly reports with clear, trackable data so they can see exactly how their investment is helping them grow. Transparency, authenticity, and integrity are at the heart of everything I do.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I am incredibly proud of the impact my work has on small businesses—watching them gain visibility, attract more customers, and compete against industry giants. Seeing business owners feel empowered, confident, and no longer overwhelmed by their online presence is the most rewarding part of my work.

For those considering working with Lunar Rising, I want you to know that I care about your success just as much as you do. I go beyond just marketing—I become a true partner in your business growth, making sure you have the right strategies, tools, and support to thrive in today’s competitive digital landscape.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Starting my business was a leap of faith, but I knew I needed financial stability while building Lunar Rising. Instead of relying solely on my business for income in the early stages, I worked additional jobs to ensure my basic expenses were covered while dedicating as much time and energy as possible to growing my own brand.

It wasn’t easy—balancing multiple responsibilities, managing long hours, and reinvesting in my business took determination. But this approach allowed me to grow sustainably, without the immediate financial pressure that often forces entrepreneurs to make rushed decisions. By keeping a steady income stream, I gave my business the time, space, and strategy it needed to take off.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. The experience reinforced my resilience and resourcefulness, and today, I’m proud that Lunar Rising was built with a foundation of hard work, smart financial planning, and a deep passion for helping small businesses succeed.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

After college, I stepped into a 9-to-5 career in commercial interior design, working for a fast-paced firm where I traveled frequently and gained invaluable experience. However, I quickly realized that while I loved the creativity and strategy of design, the company culture, negativity, and lack of work-life balance left me feeling unfulfilled.

Then, everything shifted. I experienced a personal loss that forced me to reevaluate what truly mattered to me. It gave me a new perspective on my priorities, pushing me to step away from a career that no longer aligned with my values.The marketing role I took at my father’s business, is where I had a brief but pivotal conversation with a family friend—one that completely changed my direction.

That conversation sparked something in me, and by December 2020—just one month after quitting my job and moving states—I launched Lunar Rising. Initially, it started as a graphic design business, but as I immersed myself in the industry, I refined and expanded my services to branding, web design, and SEO-driven digital marketing—areas where I knew I could make the biggest impact.

This industry is constantly evolving, and I’ve embraced that by continuously learning, refining my strategies, and adapting my processes to provide the best solutions for my clients. That willingness to pivot—not just once, but repeatedly as I grow—has been the key to building a business that is both purpose-driven and effective.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lunarrisingllc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunar_rising_20/

Image Credits

Alex Mabrey Photography