In this episode of The Designated Designer, I’m joined by Jesse Heebner of Heeby’s Surplus and American Door Products for a conversation that goes way beyond brochures and branding!

We dig into what it really means to design with intention; where it becomes directional instead of just decorative. Jesse shares what it’s like growing a family business, navigating expansion, managing people, and making strategic decisions in an industry that doesn’t always get the spotlight.

We talk about understanding your customer’s journey, why consistency matters more than constant change, and how design, cleanliness, and organization quietly shape trust long before a sale is ever made.

If you’ve ever wondered how design fits into real-world business growth, this episode is a grounded, honest look at what happens when strategy leads and design follows with purpose.

In this episode of The Designated Designer, I sat down with mortgage & lending expert Jim Gillespie to traverse a topic most creatives would rather sidestep: money, mortgages, and the financial systems that quietly shape our lives.

Jim breaks down the evolution of the mortgage industry, from the predatory lending that led to the 2008 crash, to the guardrails created by the Dodd-Frank Act. He explains how today’s lending standards actually work in plain English.

Together, we explore why so many creatives feel unprepared when it comes to home buying, what credit scores really measure, and how self-employed entrepreneurs can position themselves for approval.

Whether you're dreaming of buying a home, repairing your credit, or simply trying to build a healthier financial foundation, this episode gives you clear steps, grounded wisdom, and a much-needed crash course in financial literacy for the creative mind.

Perfect for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and anyone who wants their money self to finally catch up with their creative self!!

What does it really take to build a brand that commands attention and earns trust, right from day one?

In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Scott, owner of Roofing Army, to unpack how powerful design and clear messaging can completely reshape how a business shows up in the world.

We talk about the early days of building his brand from the ground up, the importance of collaboration in the creative process, and how staying patient (even when it’s tough) pays off in the long run. Aaron shares how branding gave his business confidence, clarity, and momentum—and how that foundation continues to fuel Roofing Army’s growth today.

If you’ve ever wondered how to take your business from blending in to standing tall, this one’s for you! 🪖🐜

In this episode of The Designated Designer, I’m joined by the lovely Vickie Moore from Design Some Moore! She's a fellow creative spirit navigating the wild world of freelancing, design education, and community building!

We talk about the messy middle of figuring it all out — from leaving the 9–5 to embracing self-discovery, learning the business side of design, and finding your creative rhythm along the way. Vickie opens up about how hosting co-working calls positively impacted her career, what design school didn’t teach, and why meaning matters more than just making things pretty.

If you’ve ever felt alone on your design journey or unsure of your next creative step, this one’s a reminder that we’re all figuring it out together! One project, one client, and one breakthrough at a time 💖✨

This week, I sat down with Gareth; a seasoned UK-based designer whose story is as much about resilience as it is about design. From the early days of chasing creative work, to backpacking across Australia, to facing the ripple effects of Brexit and COVID in his business, Gareth’s path has been anything but straightforward.

We talk about why networking is non-negotiable, how rebranding his business to Graphic Studio simplified everything, and why trusting your gut is one of the most underrated tools in business. Gareth also opens up about mental health, pacing yourself to avoid burnout, and why growth often comes from stepping way outside your comfort zone.

If you’ve ever felt like your creative journey is full of detours, setbacks, and second guesses — this conversation is proof that those twists and turns might just be leading you somewhere better. ✨

Remember that episode I did where I tried to tackle finances as a creative? Well, after posting it I felt like I didn’t fully answer my listener’s question the way I wanted to. Why? Because I’m not a financial professional (shocking, I know 😅). So I decided to fix that.

In this episode, I brought in financial expert Mike Braun to really dig into the money side of being a solopreneur. We talk QuickBooks vs. FreshBooks, invoicing, payment terms, how to avoid check headaches, banking choices, payroll, taxes, and all the unglamorous but totally necessary stuff that makes running your creative business actually sustainable.

If you’ve ever felt like money management is the missing puzzle piece in your business, this one’s for you. Think of it as the follow-up episode you didn’t know you needed—but your bank account will thank you for.

In this episode of The Designated Designer, I sit down with my client-turned-guest, Dan Ehlman.

Dan has a fascinating story—he started out in graphic design before moving into the junk removal industry, and along the way, he’s picked up some big lessons about business, branding, and collaboration.

We talk about what it’s really like to work together as designer and client, why revisions aren’t failures but stepping stones, and how trust shapes the entire creative process.

Dan also opens up about networking, keeping momentum through slow seasons, and the power of branding to make a business truly visible. This one’s part design talk, part business wisdom, and part behind-the-scenes peek into what collaboration can look like when it’s rooted in curiosity and confidence.

What’s it really like to run a business before you’ve even tossed your graduation cap?

In this episode, I sit down with Thomas (a web designer, entrepreneur, and yes, high school student) to talk about the ups, downs, and unexpected lessons of starting young. We get into everything from pricing with confidence (no matter your age) to navigating teen hustle culture, finding balance, and building a supportive community that actually gets you.

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting to dream up your first side hustle, Thomas’s story is proof that it’s never too early, or too late, to go after what you love!

If the money side of business has ever made you wanna scream into the void—welcome, friend. 👋🏻

In this episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on how I’ve been managing (and learning through) the financial side of entrepreneurship. From my love-hate relationship with QuickBooks to finally finding a bank that works with me (not against me), I’m sharing the systems, hiccups, and real-deal strategies that have helped me keep things afloat. No fluff, no shame—just the kind of honest convo I wish someone had with me when I started.

In this solo episode, we're diving headfirst into the quiet burnout that so many creatives face behind the scenes and the inner work it takes to begin to recover from it.

From the pressure to perform on social media to the guilt that sneaks in when you rest, we're unpacking all the tough but necessary lessons of reclaiming your time, your peace, and your priorities.

I'll be sharing some honest reflections on what it means to care for your creative self without losing your ambition — and how small acts of self-kindness, from workspace makeovers to offline connection, can help reignite your spark. This episode is a soft reminder that the path to a fulfilling business starts with a balanced, well-supported you.

For the burnt-out creatives, the overthinkers, and anyone learning to treat themselves with the same grace they give their work — this one’s for you. ✨

What if the secret to unforgettable client experiences wasn’t more automation, but more personality?

In this guest episode, I sit down with my fellow creative and alumni from Kutztown University: Xander to unpack the idea of Unreasonable Hospitality and how going just a little further than expected can completely change how clients remember, trust, and refer you. We talk about the power of personal touch, how small moments can leave a big impact, and how systems (like Notion!) can help you create experiences that feel custom without costing your sanity.

We also get into why branding isn’t just about standing out, it’s about creating something that can be felt. This one’s for any designer or creative who wants to lead with more heart, serve with more intention, and never lose the magic that makes our work matter.

You can find Xander:

https://alexspanglerart.wixsite.com/alexander-spangler-d

https://www.instagram.com/xanders_illustrator/

linktr.ee/XanderS_Illustrator

Dear listener:

This one’s a little more raw, a little less polished, and just a real check-in from me to you. It’s been a whirlwind lately: the business picked up in ways I never expected, I took on some big, exciting projects (including Stankin’ Good’s first full service, local, commercial vehicle wrap!), and… I kind of burned myself out in the process.

In this solo episode, I’m catching you up on everything that’s been going on from the good, the bad, and the in-between. From finding flow in my systems to fumbling through creative burnout, I’m sharing it all. Because growth doesn’t always look like perfectly planned launches or shiny social media wins. Sometimes, it looks like dragging yourself to the mic when you’d rather hide, and fighting to find your spark again in the process.

Thanks for being here. It means more than you know. 🫶🏻

Big love always,

Jenn

My first ever guest episode is here!! And it’s a Stankin' Good one.
I brought on my high school bestie turned fellow business owner, Shelby Berger, to unpack the beautifully chaotic mess that is Year One of running your own thing. From the highest highs to the “wait what the hell are we doing?” moments, we’re spilling it all.

We also dive deep into what it was like to brand her business together—what worked, what didn’t, and why knowing yourself and your business is crucial before hiring a designer (ask us how we know 👀).

If you’re in your first year, headed into it, or just love a good behind-the-scenes convo on creativity, chaos, and clarity, this one is for you. 💫

Ever wonder what your first real vacation feels like when you’re your own boss? In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of a totally unfiltered weekend away, burning rubber at a car event, and trying not to panic about the emails piling up.

This wasn’t just a trip, it was a huge lesson in trust, rest, self-care, and letting go. I talk through the fears I had before taking time off, how I set boundaries with clients, and how the time away gave me a whole new perspective on business, creativity, and what really fuels the work I do.

Oh, and somewhere in between the campfires and port-a-potties, I got the sweetest message from a designer across the country that reminded me why I show up every week, even when I feel awkward or anxious about it all.

If you’re a creative entrepreneur wondering how the heck you’re supposed to take a break without the world falling apart—this one’s for you. 💫

This week’s episode didn’t go as planned—because growth rarely does.
After accidentally filming an entire 30-minute podcast with no audio, I almost didn’t come back to re-record. But then I remembered: progress isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence. So here we are, messy, unscripted, and real.

In this episode, I share an unexpected lesson in resilience through my attempt to save a dying braided money tree and how that journey mirrored the ups and downs of running my business. From failed propagation attempts to unseen forces (and nearly quitting everything), this story is about trusting the process, even when it’s ugly. Especially when it’s ugly.

So if you're in a season where nothing seems to be working, this one's for you. Because sometimes the roots grow in the dark, and the breakthrough comes right after you almost give up.

Link to reel mentioned in this episode: Credit to Chris Do

Season 2 of The Designated Designer kicks off with a heart-to-heart.

In this vulnerable episode, I'm reflecting on my first full year running in business, celebrating the gritty wins, unpacking the missteps, and embracing the weird, wonderful transformation that comes when you fully commit to your path.

This isn’t just a recap; it’s a reset. From navigating burnout and redefining success to learning how to lead with intention, here's the moments that cracked me open and helped me evolve—not just as a designer, but as a human. If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to grow a creative business from the ground up (spoiler: it’s not always cute), this episode is for you.

Whether you're a fellow designer, an entrepreneur in the thick of it, or a curious soul craving real talk—this journey’s for you.

In this week's episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing some real, raw reflections on what it actually feels like to grow a business—and yourself—at the same time. 🚀 I’m talking about finally writing a real intro (only took me forever), the messy beauty of starting before you’re ready, and the wild identity shifts that come with chasing your dreams.

I’m diving into why it’s normal to feel like you’re outgrowing old environments, questioning long-held beliefs, and sometimes wondering where the heck you even fit anymore. This one’s for the creative misfits, the late bloomers, and anyone holding on through the hard parts.

Spoiler alert: you are getting better at this—and your breakthrough might be closer than you think. ✨

Tune in, buckle up, and let’s grow through it together.

Feeling stuck in neutral?

Overwhelmed? Burnt out? Ready to throw your laptop out the window even though you JUST finished paying it off? Same. In this unscripted, from-the-heart episode, I share my latest creative high, the inevitable social media spiral that immediately followed, and the simple ritual that’s helping me find balance amidst all the chaos. From overwhelming passion projects and business stress to blue jays and perspective shifts—this one’s a heckin' journey. So buckle up, and let’s talk about it.

In this episode of The Designated Designer, we get real about rejection. We’ve been there, done that, and learned that sometimes a "no" is the universe telling us to forge our own freakin' path. After getting a polite rejection from a widely popular design podcast, we drop some truth bombs about how even the design world can be subject to a popularity contest—one where only the "cool kids" get a seat at the table. Spoiler alert: it's all BS.

In this episode, we're also calling out the industry for putting more weight on likes and views than real creative value. We say it loud and clear: stop designing for the algorithm and start designing for what actually matters. It’s time to create for us, for our clients, and for what feels true—not for the endless scroll or empty engagement.

If you're tired of playing the neverending game on social media, this episode is here to help you stop chasing validation and start creating work that lights a fire inside you.

Rejection isn’t the end—it’s just the universe redirecting us to something better. Let’s get real, stay creative, and stop letting algorithms control our creativity.

Ever feel like leaving something half-done is the worst thing you could possibly do? Like, the thought of walking away from an unfinished task makes your skin crawl? Yeah, same. But one of the most unexpected lessons I’ve learned as a business owner is that sometimes, pressing pause is the smartest move you can make.

In this episode, we’re diving into the art of strategic stopping—learning to embrace unfinished work without guilt and understanding why forcing yourself to power through everything isn’t always the key to success. I’ll break down why taking breaks actually keeps you moving forward, plus a metaphor about road trips and gas stations that might just change the way you see productivity forever.

Because real talk—success isn’t about doing everything all at once. It’s about making sure you don’t run out of fuel before you reach the finish line. 🚗💨✨