Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda LaBelle.
Amanda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am the proud founder of Visual Sugar. With over 13 years of professional experience in the design industry, I have had the pleasure of working with small companies to corporate entities. After quitting my corporate design career, I was offered the opportunity to work from home before it became a common trend. This experience prepared me for starting my own design agency.
Initially, I founded Visual Sugar with the intent to design for anyone. However, after a year, I grew weary of being your typical marketer. As a result, I redirected my focus toward designing and printing t-shirts, makeup bags, hoodies, and handmade necklaces. This new venture was quite enjoyable, but my passion eventually faded due to adult ADHD. Consequently, I had to close my shop.
During my hiatus, I faced a mental-health crisis due to the pandemic and I was undergoing therapy to heal. I had to take a break for about a year. When I finally had a breakthrough, I was uncertain if I wanted to continue as a designer because most companies’ marketing schemes felt part of the problem. I felt like I was contributing to societies’ problems rather than helping the collective.
After exploring new careers, such as herbalism and yoga instruction, I realized that I could get as niche as I wanted. I recognized that I didn’t care about being a millionaire or having many clients. My primary goal was to help the clients I had scale their business with great design. As a result, I became more selective of my clientele and began to focus on helping women-led businesses scale their companies. I wanted to be part of the change and work with companies that care about this planet and are trying to make a difference.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As mentioned earlier, it was not a smooth road, I had went through a mental health crisis which lead me wanting to switch careers entirely due to the fact I felt as if I was contributing to the problem.
After I had a breakthrough, I realized I did not have to drop my career entirely as I am very passionate about what I do and I’m damn good at it. I started setting boundaries and I now only take clients who are making a difference.
Also, when starting out it does take a lot of persistence to get clients. You just have to keep going.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a professional web designer, I specialize in branding and have gained a reputation for designing trendy websites. In addition to my love for creating aesthetically pleasing sites with a neutral color scheme, I am currently working on a start-up mental health app design that I am immensely proud of.
What sets me apart from other designers is my unwavering commitment to my clients. My passion for my work often shines through, and I have even been referred to as a “hype girl” due to my enthusiastic approach to every project.
How do you think about happiness?
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is of utmost importance to me, and I firmly believe in not sacrificing one’s life for work. This philosophy was a significant driving force behind the establishment of Visual Sugar. I am not focused on becoming a millionaire but rather on gaining the freedom to live a fulfilling life. As evidence of this commitment, my husband and I are currently converting a school bus to live on the road for a year or so. This kind of lifestyle is what brings me true happiness.
Pricing:
- Web development starting at $3000
- Logo Design $500
- Social media content management starting at $400/month
Contact Info:
- Website: visualsugar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualsugarstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visualsugar
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsugar/
