A Closer Look Into Brand and Web Design with Jackie Burtch
Are you a mama who wants to start a brand and web design business?
Or maybe you are looking to hire a brand and web designer?
Introducing, Jackie Burtch.
Jackie helps female entrepreneurs build thoughtful brands through strategic design. Building a thoughtful brand intentionality behind brand identity creates a memorable client experience. She takes her role as a graphic designer seriously, just like her role as mama, wife, aunt, daughter, sister, and friend.
We interviewed her so that mama’s who want to start offering this service have someone they can connect with because this brand and web design world can be overwhelming without support.
Or if you are looking to hire Jackie, stay tuned to the end of this interview for her links to get in contact with her.
Can you share your journey of transitioning into entrepreneurship while also balancing motherhood? What inspired you to pursue this path?
I started this brand and web design business to create a flexible life for my family, and every year has brought its own unique challenges and growth. In 2020, my first year, I worked from home with my newborn by my side. It made sense, given the pandemic and the surge of new businesses needing branding and web design. In 2021, I prioritized in-person networking whenever possible, investing in childcare a few days a week to focus on client work and grow my business. By 2022, I felt like I’d found my rhythm, consistently booking clients and experiencing significant growth.
In 2023, I was pregnant for most of the year, which shifted my focus toward preparing for 2024 with a new baby on the way. This led me to refine my service offerings and gain clarity on the clients I wanted to continue serving. Throughout this journey, I’ve had many moments of realization and learning. Building this business has been an ongoing evolution, with no set endpoint. Even month-to-month, things can feel different. Some days I’m fully immersed, feeling like this is exactly where I need to be. Other days, I wonder if it might be easier to simply clock in and clock out for someone else.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as a marketer and mother, and how have you overcome them?
I think my biggest challenge is time management. I try to be off when I’m around my kids, but it’s hard not to do a quick scroll, respond to DMs or read emails! Setting more solid office hours has helped me start and stop my work when my kids get home
Can you share any tips or strategies for other women who aspire to be a freelancer while raising children?
Don’t stop learning & growing! Stay humble. I think working with other moms has also helped me to stay accountable and be empathetic in meeting changes
What role has flexibility played in your freelance marketing career, especially in balancing the demands of motherhood?
Sick days feel a little less stressful when I only have a few things to shuffle around. My clients are typically understanding and I’m so grateful for that. I also love that I get to have my boys home a few days out of the week and we get to do some fun, unique activities that we wouldn’t normally do over the weekends. I love that I have the opportunity to attend field trips for my son’s preschool class too!
How do you stay motivated and focused on your freelance marketing projects amidst the demands of motherhood?
I’m honestly really inspired by my clients! They’re usually working mamas like myself trying to pursue their dreams and I love that I get to support them in that journey.
What support systems or resources have been helpful for you in juggling your work and motherhood responsibilities?
I definitely rely on Honeybook to keep me accountable, keep up on my inquiries, manage my schedule and ever-growing task list.
Have you encountered any misconceptions or stereotypes about being a brand and web design expert and a mother? How do you address them?
I think a common misconception is that this is just a side hobby and not a serious career. This stereotype overlooks the skill, discipline, and business acumen required to succeed as a freelancer running a business. We often manage multiple clients, handle financial planning, and adhere to tight deadlines, which I think demonstrate a high level of professionalism.
What advice would you give to women who are hesitant to pursue a brand and web design business due to concerns about balancing motherhood?
I would say build your business around the life you want to pursue. Also, network! There are so many mom groups that will support you and women-owned business groups to connect with – they just get you (far better than a generic networking group).
Looking back on your journey, what are you most proud of achieving as a brand and web design expert and a mother? What lessons have you learned along the way?
Oh! Good one.. And a tough one! I think I’m proud of just sticking to it… each year has thrown a curve ball that’s made me think ‘I can’t keep doing this!’ but I’ve found a way to pivot and have continued to grow my business (not my team – but my client list) and that, to me, feels successful!
Lessons along the way… I would have started working with a financial advisor/freelance CFO as soon as financially possible! She’s been tremendously helpful!
Thank you so much, Jackie, for all your insights.
If you want to work with Jackie, please see her links below.
Shop the templates👇
