Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Audette Connor.
Hi Stephanie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
After earning my BFA in graphic design from MassArt, getting a full-time design job seemed like the right thing to do. I bounced around to a few agencies, but it soon became clear that the fit was all wrong. I wasn’t satisfied coloring inside someone else’s lines. I wanted to define my creative process and see the impact of my work directly. I started designing for a few freelance clients, left my day job, and opened my own studio.
Since 2015, I’ve had the privilege of helping over 260 businesses across New England (mostly in Worcester County Massachusetts) and beyond bring their brands to life with bold, strategic, and empowering design. But as my business flourished, so did my life outside of it—I was not just a designer, but a working mother, balancing my passion for branding with the love and responsibility of family.
Over time, I found myself at a crossroads. My heart urged me to say YES to every visionary entrepreneur who sought my expertise, yet I knew that continuing at my current pace would lead to burnout. There had to be another way—a way to honor my commitment to my clients while also nurturing my own well-being. And then, in 2024, the answer became clear: I needed to expand.
I had already crossed paths with incredible talents—Lucy Glover, Ellie Ellis, and Sam Dahl—through collaborations and internships. Their creativity, work ethic, and passion resonated deeply with me. When I invited them to join forces more formally, their enthusiastic response confirmed what I already knew in my heart: this was the beginning of something truly special.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Naming a business is never just about picking words—it’s about defining a mission, a vision, a legacy. Even before deciding to expand, I felt the pull toward a rebrand, but finding the right name remained elusive.
Outside of design, I had been exploring spiritual and holistic practices, and through a journey of self-discovery—including a Human Design course with Adriana Keefe and energy healing sessions—I uncovered a connection to Druidry. This led me to Awen.
In Druidry, Awen represents intuitive creativity—an energetic flow of inspiration that fuels meaningful creation. In Welsh, it translates to “inspiration” itself. The moment I heard the word, I knew it was meant to be.
Awen perfectly encapsulated the way I had always approached my work: deeply connected, intentional, and transformative. My mission has always been to illuminate the essence of a brand—bringing forth its power and purpose so the world can see and feel its magic.
And the “& Co”? That represents collaboration, the heartbeat of everything we do. It embodies our commitment to teamwork, synergy, and the belief that creative brilliance multiplies when we work together.
Together, we channel awen & co —transforming vision into stunning, meaningful design that makes an impact.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At awen & co, we believe that great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about impact. It’s about amplifying the heart of your brand and sharing it with the world in a way that is bold, authentic, and unforgettable.
Since 2015 Stephanie has offered:
✨ Brand Identity Design
✨ Graphic Design
✨ Web Design
But with our expanded team, we can offer you so much more:
✨ Designers who are energized, inspired, and ready to create their best work.
✨ More availability for retainer clients and faster turnaround times.
✨ A wider range of skills, from hand-drawn illustration to Wix and Squarespace web design.
✨ Stronger outcomes, enriched by four unique design perspectives.
Your brand deserves to shine—to be seen, felt, and remembered. Let’s bring your vision to life in a way that is as powerful as the work you do.
Let’s awaken your brand’s magic, together. ✨
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.awenand.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awenand.co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awenandco
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieaudette/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/stephanieaudette.design/
Image Credits
Tammy Hanley from Boston Branding Photographer