Meet Shayla Parker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayla Parker.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Shayla. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was my first client! Designing my own wedding invitations sparked my love for ALL THINGS PAPER.

I spent my first few years designing invitations for family events, friends weddings, and small social parties, which allowed me to further develop my skill. Volunteering my services at no cost to land design opportunities helped boost my portfolio while gaining community exposure. Past clients continued to refer me to new clients and I eventually decided to trust my gift and take a leap of faith. I debuted my first collection at a bridal show and received a great response from trade show patrons and interested couples.

Over time (and with lots of hard work) my network and client circle grew and I’ve been creating wonderful works ever since…tag lining my packages with “something beautiful awaits”. I can’t wait to dream up what’s next!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The journey is never smooth because there are certainly rough patches along the way. As a freelancer, you find yourself becoming the jack of all trades. From Courier to Maintenance, Designer to Accounts Receivable – it’s all on you! Juggling business tasks and a personal life can be tricky.

Although rewarding, it’s easy to become incredibly overwhelmed when long days turn into late nights. Every time I feel this way I remember the reason WHY I started pursuing my passion.

My advice to others on their startup journey is to always remember…YOUR WHY! It will be the driving force that wakes you up in the wee hours of the morning, keeps you up late at night and helps you persevere through the hard times. Obstacles will come and LIFE will HAPPEN, but it is important to keep your WHY at the forefront of your thoughts at all times.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m a freelance graphic designer. I work with clients to construct one-of-a-kind print and web designs that fit their needs, persona and event/business vision. Although I create for all event types and business needs, I specialize in wedding stationery. I’m a hopeless romantic, so working with blushing brides and debonair grooms make my heart swoon.

Each time I begin working with a new couple I find myself captivated by their love story and spend hours pondering over the tiny details to create a perfect invitation for the smitten pair. After all, it’s the invitation to the rest of their lives!

I pride myself on staying true to my clients by offering them my most honest advice and professional guidance throughout my design process. My clients are like family!

What were you like growing up?
Much of my childhood was spent dreaming and creating! From zany inventions to hand-painted murals, I was never too far from my next imaginative project. My parents were always supportive of my ventures, often times completely surprised at what I had fabricated.

I took part in all sorts of extracurricular activities from skate lessons to swim lessons, gymnastics to cheerleading and even modeling. I was an eccentric kid with an eye for flair. I was self-confident, recognized my personal goals and wasn’t afraid to GO FOR IT! My childhood experience and supportive upbringing certainly molded me into the creator I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shaylaparkerdesign.com
• Phone: 912.534.2420
• Email: shayla@shaylaparkerdesign.com
• Instagram: shayla parker design
• Facebook: shayla parker design

Image Credit:
Shot by Somi, Nicholas Miller as NDM Images

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