Thankful
We have had so much fun launching the brand and that is due to your encouragement and support! Living in community is such a treasure!
So much time, effort, and hard work has been put into making this possible and we cannot go any further without acknowledging those that helped us get to this point. Each person is so gifted in their area of expertise and we are so thankful that they have stepped into their calling and use their gifts to serve!
Logo: One of the first contacts that I made was to Vaughn Donahue as I knew a logo should be complete before anything else. But guess what? I wasn’t sold on a name when I contacted him! I came to him with ideas and we discussed how each name felt and before long I was loving the name Align Creative Design Co. Vaughn did an excellent job of listening to me, my vision, target market, and style. Besides all of that he is also a professor at Dordt University. Thank you for your patience with me Vaughn as I processed this big change!
Photography: I knew going back to past projects to gather photos was going to be a big project. I didn’t have one picture of any of my projects, not even on my phone. I knew this was likely one of the most important parts of launching, so you could see my past projects. When I discovered that one of Jessica Bonestroo’s primary focuses is branding I knew that I needed her. Jessica is a dream to work with, which is such a blessing as we spent long days together capturing many past projects. We didn’t photograph all of them but we have hundreds of images for you to enjoy. If you have a business, I’d encourage you to book a branding session with Jessica. And I should mention that her other primary focus is newborn photography, it’s obvious she is a baby whisperer too ;)
Website: I was sitting down late one night searching how to build a website and I kept thinking how I did not want to know how to build a website but instead stay in my lane. I had followed @KatetheSocialite for a while and knew she was my answer. Kate found her niche in marketing and building websites for home industry professionals, and we are singing her praises. Thank you, Kate!
My right-hand-gal: Ok, this one cannot go unnoticed any longer, though her behind-the-scenes work is simply amazing. Jennie Droog has been instrumental in getting this launch off the ground and without her I would be gasping for fresh air. Actually, Jennie has been my right-hand gal for the last oh, I don’t know, 10+ years?! She and her sisters have watched our children forever! And I mean doing life with us, speaking truth into my children, and meeting us right where we may be on any given day. I told a friend a few years ago that I was hoping to have Jennie work for me once I was able to refocus my business. That sweet friend beat me to Jennie, but no hard feelings ;) Jennie said yes to working for me as well! She does great work with @drtanyarowenhorst as well, give them a follow, you will thank me later ;) And on top of this, she works full-time at Dordt University convincing your children that they will love it there, and she’s not lying. I could go on and on about Jennie, and believe me, she deserves every word of it, but I’ll stop here and text her asking to meet for coffee (just for fun and no work talk this time;) because, wow do I love doing life with her.
The best clients: My corner of the world is filled with great people, for sure, but I am not sure how I have been so blessed to have every one of my clients be so amazing. The faith that my clients have put in me and my work humbles me to no end. The time that is spent and communication that happens between a client and designer throughout a large project is a lot. I love all things design but what I love even more is connecting with my clients. I have been in a meeting when my client received a call with the news that a loved one passed away, I have listened to many hard stories of what my client is going through (on top of a remodel or new build), and many of my clients walked with my family during our adoption journey and celebrated with us when our littles came home after being in process 3-½ years. When a project is finished I miss my clients, it’s like I have lost a friend … which makes it all the sweeter when they call for my design services on their next project! I owe a huge thank you to my clients that allowed me to come into their homes and businesses to take pictures for the website. I know it was a big ask and I am so grateful for their support.
My family: Of course I have to include my family, they see the best and worst of me and love me the same. My husband Matt has been in my corner for 20+ years and I could not, nor would I want to, do this life without him. His selfless acts of service and love encourage me to serve and love better. Matt steps in to help with accounting, deals with (puts up with?!) with so many sample and product deliveries, and sometimes needs to be my IT guy when I’m in a bind. And my kids, all six of them, give me unconditional love in the most stressful of weeks, bring me joy, and bring me to my knees. God’s gifts are good, and He gave me six of the most precious blessings. And lastly, my parents, who encouraged me on this journey. The most difficult part of my profession happened before any of it started with the decision to transfer from Dordt to SDSU to pursue a degree in interior design. I am thankful for the future that they could see and the encouragement they gave and continue to give!
Whew … thank you for making it through all of those thank-yous with me! It is so clear that God is good. He is who this space and profession belong to, and I look forward to seeing all He has in store for me through this calling. We love that you are here joining in the journey of this community!