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Creative to Creativepreneur: Transitioning from Employee to Design Business Owner

A conversation with Alyssa Phillips Downey, Meijun Cai, and Estefi Ramirez

Do you dream of leaving the confines of your 9-5? Of waking up every morning excited to work on projects you’re truly passionate about, set your own schedule, and be your own boss?

…And does that dream fill you with equal parts excitement and fear?

On one side: the ability to say “no” to bad fits, work-life balance, setting your own prices, building relationships with your clients, grocery shopping on random Tuesday afternoons.

One the other: worrying if you’ll make enough money, finding clients, working alone, figuring out how to send contracts and invoices…

We’re here to tell you that a) you’re not alone in the struggle, and b) it IS 100% possible to run your own successful design business with confidence.

Join Alyssa of Make Your Design Matter ® and Meijun & Estefi of Take Three Studio for a conversation all about:

  • How to make the jump

  • How to sustain a living as a freelancer

  • Getting over the fears

  • Keeping yourself accountable

  • Working solo vs. with your partner

  • + more!

Whether you're currently in a 9-to-5 job or have already started dipping your toes into the freelance world, this free online event is curated to help you feel more empowered and equipped to build a business that reflects your vision.

Watch the recording:


Meet the speakers:

Alyssa Phillips Downey is the founder of Make Your Design Matter ®, helping ambitious self-employed designers nail their processes, wow their clients, and grow their businesses with confidence.

Along with providing detailed, actionable resources for creatives, she loves flipping the script on common perspectives and examining how to build a business that is sustainable & fulfilling while rooted in integrity & professionalism.

Alyssa is also the owner of Amp’d Designs, transforming businesses through branding and web design crafted with intention, strategy, and style. Outside of design, she loves music, cooking, baking things with chocolate in them, and experimenting in the garden.

Meijun & Estefi (+ Guillermo 🐶) are the founders of TakeThree Studio, a creative design studio based in Quito, Ecuador. Specializing in brand development and website design, their work is grounded in visual storytelling, cultural relevance, aesthetic functionality and inclusivity. They collaborate with clients from anywhere in the world, who share similar values—brands with a mission, with grit, with a soul, and people who care deeply about other humans and the world we live in.

Meijun & Estefi also host an online community called TakeThree Uni, a space where entrepreneurs receive valuable content, tools, advice, support and 2-on-1 creative mentorship. When they’re not “working”, you can find them enjoying quality time on the couch watching their favorite series, playing Overcooked on the PS4, going on food adventures, or exploring nature with their South Korean rescue dog.


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Beyond the Buzzword: What “Stand-Out Branding” Really Means

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September 26

Drop-in with a Designer: Ask Me Anything About Design for Your Business