Rising Stars: Meet Alyssa Walsh of Manhattan, Kansas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Walsh.

Alyssa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Muscatine, Iowa, one generation removed from agriculture. It wasn’t until I got involved in FFA during high school that I began discovering not only what the agricultural industry represents, but also a deep passion for communicating about it.
As a shy, quiet freshman sitting in the back of my Ag 1 class, I never imagined how much that first exposure would shape my life. Learning the FFA Creed gave me both confidence and a foundation of knowledge that sparked a lifelong passion — and eventually, a career. I truly credit those early days in FFA and the investment of my incredible advisors for helping me become the person I am today.
I went on to attend Iowa State University, where I majored in Agricultural Communications with minors in Animal Science and General Business. I knew I wanted to serve the ag industry — I just had to figure out how. I started building creative skills through coursework and took on low-risk, low-pressure projects through clubs and organizations. I’ve always loved art, so graphic design naturally pulled me in. I also became curious about videography and was drawn to its ability to tell compelling, emotional stories.
I’m completely self-taught in both graphic design and videography — I often joke that I attended the University of YouTube. At first, I was just building a portfolio to show a future employer I could bring value. But everything changed when I took an entrepreneurship class in college. I met mentors who showed me it was possible to build something of my own — and that I didn’t have to wait until I had more experience or funding.
After graduation, I took the leap and launched Sweet Briar Creative full time. I moved to Fort Worth, Texas to grow my clientele, specializing in design and videography services for the livestock industry.
Last year, I got married and relocated the business to Manhattan, Kansas, where my husband and I now operate Regal Cattle. Sweet Briar Creative just celebrated its five-year anniversary. In addition to client work, I now offer digital courses to teach others the very skills that have changed my life.
Whether it’s through visuals, video, or education, everything I do is rooted in a love for agriculture — and a desire to help others find their place in it too.

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?
Every journey has its ups and downs, and entrepreneurship is certainly no exception. One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was knowing where to turn for advice. When you’re starting a business from scratch, it can be hard to find people who truly understand the path you’re on. I quickly learned that not everyone — even those who care about you deeply — will fully grasp your vision, and that’s okay. One of the most important lessons for me was learning to seek out trusted advisors and mentors, and to protect certain parts of my journey by keeping them private until they’re ready to be shared.
Another major challenge was establishing myself in an industry where no one knew my name. I didn’t have built-in connections — I had to earn every relationship, every opportunity, and every ounce of trust. In those first few years, I made a lot of cold calls, heard a lot of “no’s,” and got even more no responses at all.
But I kept showing up. I stayed consistent. And over time, my work began to speak for itself. Today, nearly all of my projects come through word of mouth, and I’m incredibly grateful to the clients who took a chance on me early on. Their trust has helped me grow a business that makes a real impact — and that means everything.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Sweet Briar Creative has two main branches: videography and graphic design.
On the videography side, I specialize in high-impact, emotion-driven storytelling. I work with agriculture and livestock businesses across the country — and beyond — traveling to their operations to film and interview the people behind the work. The goal is always to capture the heart of what they do and communicate that story in a way that resonates with their audience.
The other side of the business is graphic design, where I help clients build their brand from the ground up. I work closely with each client to design logos, establish brand identity, and create visuals that help them connect with their ideal audience. It’s not just about making things look good — it’s about making things work strategically.
As the business has grown, I’ve become just as passionate about helping others realize this career path is possible for them, too. I created two digital courses — both go-at-your-own-pace and pre-recorded — to help students of all ages learn the tools and strategies behind logo and ad design. I intentionally cut out the fluff and the complicated lingo to make the content approachable and actionable. In addition, I’ve had the honor of speaking on stages across the country about the power of taking action on your dreams — now, not later.
It’s hard to pick a favorite part of what I do, but I think what sets Sweet Briar Creative apart is our commitment to keeping the customer at the center of everything. Whether it’s telling their story through video or designing a brand that moves the needle for their business, my focus is always on delivering work that reflects their vision, heart, and values.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t be afraid to try, fail, and try again. No matter how polished someone may seem today, everyone started as a beginner — that’s true for creative skills and every other career path as well.
Ask questions. Take on low-risk, low-pressure projects that give you the space to learn and experiment. Seek out inspiration both inside and outside of the agriculture industry, and try to avoid falling into the trap of comparison. Your creative journey is unique to you.
If you ever have questions or need advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at @sweetbriarcreative. I would love to be a resource and cheer you on!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sweetbriarcreative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetbriarcreative/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetbriarcreative/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sweetbriarcreative