It’s not always easy to celebrate your uniqueness. It happens to all of us: we stumble upon a beautiful web design, and we can’t help but think, “Why doesn’t my web design look like that?” At first glance, we may think the web design is beautiful because it’s just beautiful — but when we look deeper, we realize it’s because its owner is practically radiating through every detail. The web design just looks and feels like her. How does that happen?

Over the years, we have been honored to serve many women in business — women who often begin their design process by saying, “I just love so-and-so’s web design.” or “I’d really like for my web design to be like so-and-so’s.” Not only is aligning your vision with another business owner’s vision unethical — it can also be unfair to you, your business, and your designer. Today, we’re excited to share how to celebrate your uniqueness, to create a one-of-a-kind brand and web design! With these tips, our sincere hope is for you to have a web design through which your personality and style shines.

How to Celebrate Your Uniqueness

1. Start from scratch. Try your best to clear your mind (and your browsing history) of any designs you love and admire. Instead, head to Pinterest — not for design inspiration, but for style inspiration. Create a Pinterest board filled with photos, colors, and textures you really love and feel connected with. This is the best way to understand your unique style and vision. We can’t always explain why we’re drawn to something — but Pinterest is really helpful for curating our true preferences!
2. Revisit your values and your goals. Something wonderful about your values and your goals is: they are yours. Each one of us has unique motivations and dreams — and those motivations and dreams are fuel for our business. Think about when you first began your journey as a business owner: why did you choose to become a photographer? Event planner? Stationery designer? Beyond the products and services you offer — what do you value? Keep these values at the core of your business! Then, when you’re making branding and design decisions, you can refer back to your unique vision and ensure your brand and web design are aligned with your unique vision.
3. Celebrate your story. When we compare our story to other people’s stories — business can become overwhelming. The truth is, your story has value and purpose. The journey you have been on as a business owner (starting off as a photographer and becoming an event planner — or beginning your career in education and then becoming a creative entrepreneur) has real, real value. Don’t diminish you story or wish it away. Instead, use it as credibility. Use it as a means of sharing your gifts and talents with your Ideal Client.

Since 2014, With Grace and Gold has provided brand and web design for creative small business owners. Hire With Grace and Gold or shop With Grace and Gold’s pre-made designs and Showit website templates – and come away with an elevated brand and web design for your small business!