I Didn’t Plan to Be a Website Designer. Then Life Happened
I didn’t grow up dreaming about websites….
I didn’t take design classes or plan to be someone’s go-to tech gal.
Honestly? I spent years trying to force myself into the version of business I thought I was “supposed” to build.
I started as a photographer. Then a Showit website designer. Then I became a coach. Then a designer again, sort of by accident. And somewhere between building other people’s dreams and trying to hold my own together, I hit a wall.
Cue the burnout spiral.
The orgin story
At the time, I was tired. I was a new mom to a 3 month old daughter and found out I was newly pregnant right around when I said. I need to swtich this up.
As someone who worked so hard to build a photography business for so many years, switching gears felt “wrong”. Like I was giving up, but it was simply time to pivot. To start a business that supported where my life was at now, and where I wanted it to go.
And those thoughts paired with a friend giving me the push to give into showit website design after helping her with her site.
I listened.
Enter: The new era of being a Showit website designer entered and stayed in the chat.
And suddenly, I felt that familiar spark again.
I became booked and busy FAST. YAY, until….
I Didn’t Need a New Hustle. I Needed a New Way to Work.
Then I got burnt out and hit a wall.
I started to look for someone… ANYONE to help me out. I invested in coaching that ended up taking me down a new path.
A path of of doing what I thought I “should.”
Selling offers that didn’t light me up.
But here’s the thing: I didn’t need to reinvent my purpose. I just needed to reconnect with what I actually loved. And find a way to make that work while being a mom to 2 kids under 2.
So after a full 3 years of going in circles and being in touch with my designer side without going all in, I came back. Now 3 kids in and it’s been the best move I could’ve made.
Coming back to what I knew
The path I went down was a photographer coach ( like whyyy did I do that), consultant, podcaster, mom entrepreneuer.. tbh idek what I was doing with that, and back to design.
I truly knew deep down that I needed to find my way back to design. Knew it like the back of my hand, i was most confident in that version of me, so why the heck did I listen to the noise.
I started offering websites again. Nothing big. Nothing flashy. Just following the breadcrumb trail.
And before I knew it, I realized:
This isn’t “just something I do.”
This is the thing I want to be known for.
and I went all in, and havent looked back.
I Found My Zone , And I Stayed There
Since then, I’ve built a business around Showit website design, but not just to make pretty sites.
I design for wedding pros, service providers, and creative entrepreneurs who are so done trying to DIY something that doesn’t fit.
Because I’ve been there.
I know what it’s like to feel stuck with a website you’re low-key embarrassed to share.
I know what it’s like to pour your energy into all the wrong things.
And I know how life-changing it is when your brand finally feels like it’s working with you, not against you.
Not Just a Pivot — a Realignment
This isn’t the business I thought I’d have 10 years ago.
But it’s the one that lets me work with people I adore, do work that challenges me in the best way, and help others come home to their brand in the same way I did.
That’s what geting into Showit website design gave me.
Not just a new skill, but a new way of doing business. A slower, smarter, more sustainable way.
And I’m never going back.
But Before You Go…
If we haven’t officially crossed paths yet… hey, hi, hello! I’m Michaela, a designer and strategist for wedding industry professionals who are so ready for a brand and website that actually pulls its weight.
If you love real talk, thoughtful strategy, and the occasional “let’s cut the fluff” moment, you’re gonna feel right at home here.
Here’s how we can make magic together:
→ Need a website that finally matches the luxury experience you actually deliver?
I design Showit websites that don’t just look good—they book better clients. My sites are crafted to reflect your expertise, elevate your brand, and guide inquiries straight to your inbox.
[Explore my Showit design services →]
→ Just need something polished + professional like, yesterday?
The Bite-Sized Website is your one-page wonder: perfect for venues, stylists, planners, or photographers who need a streamlined, high-converting site fast.
[Peek the Bite-Sized Website offer →]
→ Want to DIY but crave a solid (and gorgeous) starting point?
Showit templates made specifically for the wedding industry are coming soon. Because your business deserves beauty, strategy, and simplicity, even without the custom price tag.
Stay tuned!
→ Loving this post? There’s more where that came from.
From tips on attracting aligned clients to design insights that’ll make your brand shine, the blog is packed with goodness.
[Catch up on the latest here →]
Still not sure what you need? Or just want to say hey?
I’m just a DM away on Instagram or you can email me at thedunndesignco@gmail.com. I’d love to hear what you’re building.
Talk soon,
Michaela