Today we’d like to introduce you to Rona Williams.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I became introduced to the branding industry in the summer of 2019; I was 16 years old. I had just started my personal YouTube channel and needed an intro video made as well as other YouTube-related graphics and decided to make them myself. From there, I began making YouTube intros and banners for others as well. In the fall of that year, I designed my first logo ever for my friend who had just started her lash business. In the fall of 2020, I briefly attended Columbus State University and majored in business marketing. This is where I learned about the basics of business strategy. After realizing college wasn’t for me, I didn’t enroll for my second year but still rented & bought books off Amazon focused on strategy and graphic design. Up until this point, I was designing off of my phone or my iPad in programs that were beginner-level friendly. This is when I decided to invest in my business and skills and enroll in adobe illustrator classes taught by industry professionals. To this day I continue learning more and more about the branding and marketing industry the same way – reading books, watching other professionals (whether it be via Youtube videos or paid classes), and practicing any time I can with passion projects.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Not at all. My biggest struggle would have to be my first big rebrand after upgrading my equipment, education level and skill set. My previous clients were used to only paying $100 max for a single logo. And since I did all of my learning behind the scenes, when I came out with a new, more professional style and packaged my services to include brand strategy, it was difficult getting my audience to see the worth and value in my new offers. I knew it was time for me to raise my audience with me and pivot.
Plus being a black woman who’s only 20 trying to break into the branding industry when the majority of the people in it are the exact opposite of me was another challenge. It was difficult both externally and internally for me to be perceived as a true professional worth industry prices and for myself to believe I was one.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Maries Masterpiece Branding?
I’m currently going through my second rebrand to reposition from just offering 1-on-1 services to becoming a full-fledged resource for other black and brown women entrepreneurs that includes courses and other educational digital products that make building our brands easier.
I specialize in brand strategy and design including logo and identity design, print collateral & packaging design, creative direction, website design, and digital collateral/social media design.
I’d say as a designer I’m known for my colorful and unique approach to what “professional designs” look like.
I’m most proud of the way that I’ve been consistent and dedicated to not only advancing my skills and knowledge in the industry but also helping other business owners just like me, get a better understanding of what branding is and how they can elevate their brands.
I’d want the readers to know my mission in this industry revolves around my community. As black women, we are the highest-growing demographic of business owners in the country but less than 3% of us are running mature businesses. One of the biggest reasons is due to lack of resources. Most of us spend less than 40 hours a week on our businesses, meaning we have other obligations such as work, school, or kids. And the reality is unlike the stereotypical businessman who starts multiple businesses based on what’s making the most money, the majority of us start businesses based on what we actually have passions for and with the goals of providing financial freedom to our families and finally living lives that can be peaceful and stress-free.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I’d define success as being happy and helping others to be happy as well. I believe life is such a precious thing, and we all only get one soul. Feeding our souls by living out our passions or leaving positive impacts on others is the greatest form of success I could imagine.
Pricing:
- Brand Strategy: $2,500 USD
- Identity Design: $2,500USD
- Web Design: $500+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/mariesmasterpiecebranding
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariesmasterpiecebranding/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0-xgWmbbp7dEKk064j8uxw
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariesmbranding?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Image Credits
Personal branding photo – Jordyn Ari Photography Stock photos in mockups – Pexels.com
