Eight years ago, I was sitting at my desk, writing lines of code for my very first website, fueled by a passion to create something meaningful. Today, I look back with a deep sense of pride and gratitude as Little Island Design celebrates its 8th anniversary. What started as a solo mission has turned into a full-fledged digital marketing studio, helping businesses tell their stories online. It’s been a wild ride filled with lessons, challenges, and some pretty incredible wins along the way. Let’s take a look back.

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The Beginning: Where Passion Meets Code

In 2016, I took the leap. I taught myself how to code because I knew websites would be the cornerstone of modern businesses. Back then, I was literally writing every line of code from scratch. It wasn’t glamorous, but I was hooked. What I lacked in experience, I made up for in sheer determination to learn. Fast forward to today, and while I’ve transitioned to platforms like Webflow, which offer more flexibility and scalability, there’s still a part of me that misses those late nights spent deep in the code.

One thing I’ve loved seeing over the years is how more women have entered the tech and creative space. When I started, there weren’t as many female voices in web design. Now, we’re seeing a shift, and it’s been empowering to be a part of that change.

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Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way

Eight years in business has a way of teaching you things you didn’t even know you needed to learn. Here are a few lessons that have shaped me and Little Island Design over the years:

  • Never Stop Learning: In this field, staying still means falling behind. I’ve made it a priority to stay ahead of the curve—whether that meant moving from WordPress to Webflow or diving deep into the latest design trends. The digital world is constantly evolving, and so are we.
  • The Path Isn’t Linear: I’ve learned that the journey to success is never a straight line. There have been incredible highs and some tough lows. But through it all, I’ve come to realize that setbacks are just setups for growth. It’s all part of the process.
  • Redefining Success: For me, success isn’t about hitting certain financial goals or growing a massive team. It’s about creating a life where I can start my mornings slowly with a cup of matcha, travel when I want, and build genuine relationships with my clients. My definition of success is making people happy and exceeding their expectations, time and time again.
  • Knowing My Worth: One of the most pivotal moments in my career came when I raised my prices for the first time in six years. A client let me go, and it stung. But instead of seeing it as a setback, it became the moment I truly understood my worth. That experience taught me to value my work, my time, and the expertise I bring to the table.

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Overcoming the Hurdles

The road hasn’t always been smooth. In the early years, I dealt with scope creep, underpricing my services, and even working for free—mistakes that many entrepreneurs know all too well. I lost leads, dealt with self-doubt, and had to learn the hard way about setting boundaries. But every stumble has shaped me into a better business owner and a stronger advocate for my worth.

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Why I Do What I Do

At the heart of Little Island Design is my genuine desire to help people bring their dreams to life. There’s nothing quite like showing a client their mockups and seeing their vision come to life. Whether it’s a new website or a complete digital marketing strategy, I thrive on turning hard work and passion into something real and tangible for my clients. I love being the person people turn to when they want to make their ideas a reality.

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Looking Forward

As I celebrate 8 years of Little Island Design, I’m filled with excitement for what’s next. This milestone isn’t just a reflection of the past, but a celebration of what’s to come. I’m more committed than ever to continuing to evolve, create, and deliver exceptional results for my clients. The journey isn’t over—it’s just getting started.

Thank you to every client, collaborator, and supporter who has been part of this journey. Here’s to many more years of growth, innovation, and success!