What’s your backstory — how did you end up starting (or joining) an agency?

I’ve always had a creative mind and a love for helping others grow, especially small businesses. Starting my own agency came naturally once I realized I could blend design, marketing, and strategy to help passionate business owners bring their visions to life. I feel blessed to be with my family, work closely with other small business owners, and be part of such a strong community. Getting to do what I love every day is the best part.

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What was your first entrepreneurial moment as a kid or teen?

Honestly, I was always that kid trying to turn hobbies into hustle. Whether it was selling handmade crafts, organizing events, or helping others with design projects before I even knew it was “branding,” I’ve always looked for ways to create something meaningful — and make it sustainable.

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What’s a belief you’ve changed your mind about in the last 3 years?

That everything has to be perfect before launching. I’ve learned that progress is better than perfection — and sometimes just starting opens more doors than waiting until things are “ready.” The clarity comes in the doing.

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When do you feel most energized at work?

When I’m collaborating with passionate business owners, bouncing around ideas, and watching a concept come to life. There’s nothing like seeing someone’s dream become real. I also feel most grounded and grateful when I take a second to realize how blessed I am to do what I want every day while being close to my family and community.

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What’s a day in your life really look like (no filters)?

It’s a little messy, a little chaotic, and a whole lot of heart. I juggle client meetings, design projects, baby cuddles, coffee refills, creative sessions, and the occasional last-minute deadline. I might go from a branding brainstorm to a school run to troubleshooting a website in the same afternoon. But at the end of the day, I’m blessed to be surrounded by family, working with people I believe in, and doing work that truly lights me up.

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What’s a personal ritual or habit you credit for your success?

I live by my lists. Every day starts with a handwritten list of goals, deadlines, and what needs my attention — both in work and in life. It helps me stay grounded and intentional. Also, checking in with myself and reminding myself that I’m blessed to choose this life and work with people who inspire me… that mindset shift is everything.

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What’s one mistake you made early on that taught you something lasting?

Trying to do everything alone. I used to feel like I had to wear every hat — designer, strategist, bookkeeper, you name it. It taught me that building a strong network and asking for help is not weakness — it’s smart. Community is everything, and I’m so blessed to be part of a strong one now.

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What’s something people get wrong about you?

People often think I’ve got it all figured out because I stay busy and keep things moving. But the truth is, I’m constantly learning, evolving, and navigating challenges just like everyone else. I just choose to lead with gratitude and keep showing up for my family, my clients, and myself.

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What do you do to recharge outside of work?

Spending time with my family is my reset button — every time. Whether it’s a beach day, a messy art project with the kids, or just quiet moments at home, I feel the most grounded and recharged when I’m surrounded by love. I also love connecting with my community — it keeps me inspired.

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What’s your definition of “success” right now?

Success, for me, is being able to do what I love every day, support my family, uplift small businesses, and still have the freedom to be present in my life. It’s not about perfection or profit — it’s about alignment. I’m blessed to be living it every day.

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What makes your agency different from others in your space?

We’re not here to churn out cookie-cutter solutions. MPR Designs is built around real relationships with our clients — especially small businesses that need someone who actually listens, understands their vision, and delivers with heart. We don’t just design; we collaborate in real time, stay flexible, and treat your business like it’s our own. I feel blessed to work side-by-side with people who truly care about what they do.

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What type of clients or projects are a 'no' for you?

We say no to clients who don’t respect boundaries, expect overnight results without effort, or treat creative partners like order-takers. I’m all in for clients who trust the process, value community, and care about their brand’s impact. We’re not for everyone — and that’s okay.

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What’s a principle or value your agency lives by?

People over profit. Always. Whether it's building a site, launching a brand, or crafting a strategy — we lead with empathy, honesty, and respect. We believe good work comes from strong relationships, clear communication, and staying grounded in gratitude.

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How do you hire? What do you look for in people?

I look for passion, accountability, and humility. Skill can be taught, but heart can't. I love working with people who are flexible, self-driven, and care deeply about the work they’re doing. Bonus points if they have a great sense of humor and can juggle a little chaos with grace.

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How do you foster creative thinking on your team?

We give each other room to breathe. There’s no micromanaging here — just a lot of idea-sharing, client-first brainstorming, and real-time collaboration. We also encourage exploring creative outlets outside of work, because I believe life is where the best ideas come from. And honestly, just being blessed to do what we love every day keeps the inspiration flowing.

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What trend in marketing/advertising do you think is overhyped?

Social media hype without substance. Everyone’s chasing the algorithm — but likes don’t pay bills. I’ve seen too many small businesses pour energy into trends that don’t convert. What matters more is connection, clarity, and showing up where your actual audience is, not just where the noise is loudest.

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What’s a trend you’re betting on long-term?

Authentic, relationship-driven marketing. People are craving realness more than ever. Brands that lead with transparency, community values, and purpose-driven storytelling will always stand out. I’m betting on long-form content, email marketing, and hyper-local engagement to keep delivering value — especially for small businesses.

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What’s one small decision that led to a big result for your agency?

Saying yes to a project I was excited about instead of just the one that paid the most. That one client turned into five more through referrals — and reminded me why I started this in the first place. Being able to work with small businesses I believe in is a blessing I don’t take for granted.

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What advice would you give to someone starting an agency today?

Start with your values — not your services. Know what kind of work lights you up, who you want to serve, and how you want to show up. Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Focus on solving real problems, build strong systems, and nurture every relationship. That’s where the magic happens.

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What’s something you’d do differently if you were starting from scratch?

I would’ve set clearer boundaries earlier — in pricing, timelines, and communication. In the beginning, I tried to overdeliver on everything, but it wasn’t sustainable. Now I know that protecting your time and energy is how you serve your clients best. And truthfully, being able to choose who I work with and how I work is a blessing I wouldn’t trade for anything.

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How do you approach pricing — any rules you live by?

Value over time. I price based on the transformation I provide — not just the hours it takes. I’ve learned that underpricing hurts everyone: the client doesn’t take it seriously, and I end up stretched thin. I also believe in being transparent and fair, especially for small businesses just getting started. I’m blessed to be able to offer flexible options that still honor the work.

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How do you prioritize growth vs. sustainability?

It’s all about balance. I’ll always choose slow, intentional growth over scaling too fast and losing what makes us different. I stay rooted in relationships, clear systems, and consistent client experiences. Growth is great — but sustainability is what allows me to show up for my family, my team, and my clients every day.

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Who’s one founder or operator you really admire — and why?

Steve Jobs. He had a bold vision, high standards, and a deep belief in merging design with function. He wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo — and even when people didn’t “get it,” he trusted his instincts. That mix of creativity, clarity, and conviction is something I deeply respect.

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What software or tool do you swear by?

WordPress. It’s versatile, scalable, and perfect for building custom solutions that still empower clients to take control. I’ve built brands, storefronts, booking systems — all from one platform that works as hard as I do.

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What’s one resource (book, podcast, etc.) that changed how you work?

“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck” by Mark Manson.* That book helped me stop sweating the small stuff and focus on what actually matters — in business and life. It’s a reminder to be intentional with your energy and unapologetic about your priorities.

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Remote, hybrid, or in-office — what’s your ideal setup and why?

Hybrid. I love the flexibility of working remotely — being close to my family, setting my own flow — but there’s something powerful about connecting in person when the moment calls for it. Whether it's meeting a client face-to-face or collaborating with a local vendor, I feel blessed to have the freedom to do both and stay rooted in the community.

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What is your most controversial or unpopular belief?

“Exposure” doesn’t pay bills. Creatives and agencies should stop undervaluing their work for a shoutout or visibility. You deserve to get paid for the value you bring. Period.

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What’s one thing you wish clients understood better about agency work?

That it’s not just design — it’s strategy, research, time, and expertise. We don’t just make things look pretty; we build things that work and actually move your business forward. Trusting that process makes all the difference.

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What’s your favorite thing about being in this industry?

Watching small businesses grow. I feel so blessed to help real people build something they’re proud of, and to play a small role in their journey. Seeing their wins feels like my win too.

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What is one (1) fact or statistic about your industry that most people don't know?

It takes users less than 1 second to form an opinion about a website. That snap judgment affects credibility, trust, and whether someone sticks around. Design isn't just visual — it's psychological.