Meet Lauren Rich: Brand & Web Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Rich and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
From an early age, I knew that I would end up working in a creative field. I have always been passionate about music and art and participated in as many art opportunities as possible growing up.

After graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a bachelor’s degree in Illustration and Communicative Arts, I found it challenging to find stable work in the industry. I ended up going straight into a desk job at a local insurance agency, where I daydreamed about the career I’d have one day. About a year after starting the job, my husband and I welcomed our first child, and it rocked my world. I knew immediately that I never wanted to sit behind a desk and work for someone else again, so I resigned and became a full-time stay-at-home mom.

Shortly after my son’s first birthday, I began daydreaming again. I was missing having a creative outlet in my life, so I decided to take my skills and start a business that would allow me to work from home for myself. In April of 2016, I officially formed my company as a freelance illustrator and sign maker. Finally, I was able to explore my creativity again while still being a full-time mom.

Over the years, my business has evolved into a full-fledged brand and web design studio focusing on stand-out design and strategy for photographers and creatives. Today I’m so fortunate to have a growing team of women as part of our studio who share the same dream of not choosing between their passions and motherhood. I’m so excited to see what the future holds for my business, and I hope to encourage other moms out there to go for it!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
We are a women-owned brand and web design studio that serves photographers and creatives. Our mission is to create a strategy and design that sets our clients apart while fully representing themselves and their business. We specialize in branding, Showit web design, copywriting, and illustration.

I’m most excited about seeing how our work can build up others. Not only do we get to cheer on our clients with their success, but I also get to help other women be successful and have the freedom to create a better balance between work and family.

Getting to the point my business is at today was no easy road. There have been many pivots throughout the journey and several days where I almost threw in the towel. But through everything, my business has continued to be sustainable and is thriving more than ever. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to give myself grace. Owning a business isn’t easy, and I think there can be some misconception about that. There are times where I’ve had to sacrifice time with my loved ones to move the needle in my business, so I don’t want to mislead anyone on that aspect. But knowing that a perfect balance is actually unattainable, I’ve given myself so much credit along the way.

I want the world to know that you can both be a boss and a mom. You are wildly capable and worth every sacrifice to make your daydream a reality.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Being a born and raised Georgia girl, Savannah has my heart. From the lively downtown scene to the sun and sand of Tybee, there is so much to do and see in my hometown. I would definitely recommend checking out Plant Riverside District downtown—so many fun shops and restaurants. If you like spooky things, you would probably enjoy the plethora of ghost tours and haunted spots Savannah has to offer, too!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are too many people to count that have supported my business. But first and foremost, my husband and my entire family have been my greatest supporters. They have never questioned my decisions, and they’ve always been there every step of the way. This business would not be what it is today without each and every one of them.

I would also like to shout out my very best friend and business colleague, Sarah Crook. She is the main reason my business has evolved into what it is today, and I’m eternally grateful for her mentorship, friendship, and unwavering support.

Website: https://laurenrichcreative.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenrichcreative/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenrichcreative/

Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/laurenrichcreative/

Image Credits
Maggie Ricketts Photography