Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Winebrenner.
Hi Melissa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a suburb outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in a family that always encouraged my creativity. From a young age, I was drawing, crafting, and coming up with ideas, and my parents made sure I had the space to explore them. I majored in Journalism and minored in Business at Indiana University, and while it might seem surprising, that’s where I found my way into design.
When I applied for a position at the school newspaper, the Indiana Daily Student, I designed an ad. They didn’t have a writing position open, but they liked my design and hired me in the art department. That’s where I learned graphic design and started using Adobe programs I still rely on today. I’ll never forget my boss, Matt, showing me how to scan a drawing I made of a cartoon oil drop for an oil change company, then edit it in Photoshop to add shading and bring it to life. Seeing him jump off the page was magical and sparked my love for design.
After college, I moved to Atlanta and worked as a Website Data Administrator for Post Properties. Two months before getting married, my fiancé was relocated to Overland Park, Kansas. My boss refused my resignation and said I could work remotely as long as I had a high-speed internet connection. In 2000, broadband wasn’t widely available, and we ended up living at a direct competitor of my company. I kept my job and became the company’s first remote employee, which taught me discipline and self-motivation long before remote work was common. After that, I moved into design management roles in both nonprofit and corporate settings.
When we decided to start a family, I chose to be a stay-at-home mom and step away from the corporate world. But when I missed being creative, I began consulting for my previous employer. One day, a friend encouraged me to start my own business, saying, “You’d be great at it.” She was right. In 2006, I launched Winebrenner Designs, building the business around my kids’ schedules and gradually taking on more clients as they became more independent.
Since then, I’ve worked with hundreds of small to medium-sized businesses on everything from logos and book covers to marketing materials. As the industry shifted to digital design, I taught myself HTML and website design, and in 2011, I started building client websites. Today, I still work remotely, creating websites and branding that help business owners show up professionally and connect with their customers.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building a business from the ground up hasn’t always been easy. Early on, I learned that vague proposals could lead to misunderstandings or extra work outside the original plan. Learning to write clear, detailed proposals taught me how to protect both my clients and my time while keeping projects running smoothly.
I also discovered that, as a solo entrepreneur, you wear a lot of hats. I started getting bogged down in administrative tasks and missing the fun of creating designs. That’s when I realized the value of documenting my processes and finding ways to automate repetitive tasks. At first, it felt tedious. But creating systems and workflows has completely changed how I work and boosted my productivity. I now have more time for creative problem-solving and can focus on delivering real results for my clients.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Winebrenner Designs helps small to medium-sized businesses grow confidently through clear, beautiful design. I specialize in website, branding, and graphic design projects.
What sets me apart is my signature process, the W-Design Method, and how I work with clients. I listen carefully, stay patient, and really make an effort to “get it”—their goals, their challenges, and their vision. Combined with my step-by-step process, this helps me create designs that speak directly to a business’s dream customer, look professional, and guide potential clients to take the next step.
I’m most proud of seeing the transformations in my clients and their businesses. There’s nothing better than watching a business owner light up when they see their new brand or website and realize how professional, confident, and capable they now look. It’s more than design. It’s a turning point where they start believing in the next level of their business. Moments like that are why I started Winebrenner Designs.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is building lasting relationships with my clients. I see myself as a trusted partner and advocate for their business, guiding them through the creative process with clear communication, thoughtful strategy, and practical expertise. My goal is to create meaningful connections while delivering work that’s professional, effective, and truly supports their growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.winebrennerdesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winebrennerdesigns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winebrennerdesigns/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winebrenner-designs
