Summer State Studio

The not-so-glamorous parts of building a business, from a woman in her 20’s.

On top of building a business (which, don’t get me wrong, has been the most rewarding yet challenging journey I’ve ever signed up for) I’m building a life: a house, a marriage, fur babies, the kind of life I actually wanted. The one that little Becca dreamed of.

But what’s taken longer to learn is that I only have 100% to give. I thought I’d be able to give 100% into all of the buckets of my life, and wow was that a miss. My energy is split everyday. Momentum doesn’t always look “fast” and consistency is harder than it would be if I had nothing else going on.

But here’s the thing: that’s fine. It’s normal. It’s LIFE!

The truth is, building something you’re proud of rarely looks like a highlight reel. It’s quiet, it’s a rollercoaster, it’s full of trade-offs.

And if you’re like me (someone who thinks in big picture + long-term) these quieter seasons are exactly what create the foundation for the kind of growth that matters.

You show up, you keep going, and you actually build something that lasts 💜

[small business owner, brand design, brand identity, brand design strategy, marketing, Jacksonville, Florida, brand design agency]

You think your problem is your Instagram, your offers, or your content… but it’s really that your brand isn’t set up to convert the people you’re dreaming of working with.

Sooo here’s how I’d turn all that awesome effort into a brand that actually sticks 👇

~ deep dive into your dream clients. Not just age and income, what keeps them up at night? What micro-moments trip them up daily? What would their perfect day look like if everything clicked? Knowing all this means every decision hits exactly what they need.

~ uncover your founder story. Beyond the obvious, the untold moments and themes that make you feel expert-level legit AND relatable at the same time. This is what turns browsers into loyal fans.

~ clarify your core messaging. Platform-specific examples so what you say lands with your dream clients every time - helping your programs, courses, and coaching practices grow seamlessly.

~ map the customer journey. I’m experiencing your offer as your client so we can spot awkward points, celebrate what’s working, and upgrade your experience so it’s not just good but it’s magnetic.

💾 Save this as a blueprint for building a brand that doesn’t just show up, it STICKS.

Some of my favorite ways to recharge my creativity from simple to a lil extra 🤌

I’m so so thankful for the simple little routines that make up my life. Snuggling my pets, reading on the couch, morning walks… it’s such a dream to have a home and life that actually works for me.

And being in Florida is a total bonus I’m not gonna lie. Beaches, dope coffee shops, and the occasional cruise (I may or may not have 2 coming up…) I just love this life and the freedom I’ve intentionally built for myself and especially this agency.

What about you? What’s your go-to reset when you need a creativity recharge?

One of the biggest mistakes I made when I first started designing was skipping a questionnaire 😬

My first client was amazing, but I missed a lot of the nuances of their business and jumped to assumptions instead. Yikes.

We eventually got to a great result, but it took WAY longer than it should have. And looking back, I wish we’d synced up from the beginning.

That’s exactly why this is a non-negotiable now.

From day one, we dive into your story, your goals, your audience, and the opportunities you might not even see yet.

This allows us to make intentional, strategic choices that are truly built around *you*

There’s no guesswork, no missteps, no wasted time.

Your brand isn’t just “nice to look at”… it’s built to reflect your expertise, connect with the right people, and actually move your business forward.