Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma.
Hi Emma, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I had always been creative growing up. I started college like most people not knowing what they want to do so I decided majoring in business would be safe bet. A graphic design course was recommended to me from one of my advisors and I instantly found my passion. I dove into my school projects not knowing what work outside of college would look like. I began working at different sign shops after college, but always found freelance branding work outside of my 9-5 as a creative outlet for me. I loved working with small business owners and helping them follow their own passions.
2022 was a turning point for me. I had been working at a sign shop and designing branding work in almost all of my free time to build my portfolio. I found out I was pregnant with my first child and it kind of hit me. I felt the pull to make a decision. Once my son was here, I was going to bet on myself. Quit my 9-5 and build my business at home while raising my son. Becoming a mother changed me so much not only as a person but as a business owner. I found deeper ways to connect with my clients with the goal of helping them bet on themselves, just like I did.
Fast forward 4 years, I now have 2 beautiful babies that I have been able to raise on my own time and terms and hundreds of amazing and passionate clients that I’ve been able to create branding, websites and social media strategy for.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I believe there are no smooth roads. There were tons of ups and downs along the way. When I first met my husband right out of college we really had no plan and really nothing to our name, staying on his sisters couch for a while. From that point on we both decided where we wanted to go in our life and the kind of childhood and opportunities we want to build for our family.
Together we have put our heads down and simply put in the work everyday. Learning as we go and always trying to find ways to improve not only in our careers but in life in parenthood. Balancing this new freelance phase of my life where I had the flexibility to be my own boss but also becoming a new mother and trying to balance the two was hard, and it still is. As I have gotten more busy over the last couple of years I have decided that I can’t do it all by myself like I once thought I had to do to be a good mother. I found that having help from amazing people with my kids so I can FULLY dive into my work and my craft has not only made my work grow, but makes me a less stressed and happier mom.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Studio Twenty-Two, we create authentic, intentional branding and websites for small businesses and passionate founders who want their work to truly reflect who they are. We specialize in brand identity, web design, and visual storytelling, helping our clients clarify their message, elevate their presence, and connect more meaningfully with their audience.
We’re known for designs that feel both refined and personal. Every project starts with listening. We take the time to understand the heart behind a business so the final result doesn’t just look good, it feels right. What I’m most proud of is the trust our clients place in us and the long-term relationships that grow from that. Many of our clients come back to us again and again as their businesses evolve.
What sets Studio Twenty-Two apart is our ability to match each client’s unique vibe and style while still creating strategic, high-quality work. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all design. Instead, we create brands that feel lived-in, confident, and true.. brands that grow alongside the people behind them.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think without risk you leave a lot of room for regret.
Again, looking back at myself fresh out of college in and meeting my now husband. A couple years later we were living in Sioux City, Iowa and unsure what our future would look like and I had felt the pull to move back home to the Kansas City area. We really had no plan or stable jobs but we made the leap together and have been back here the last 6 years. We have dedicated this time to working hard, learning every day and building our future. We now have a beautiful family and successful careers that we have worked SO hard for. But it didn’t come with a lot of risk.
Studio Twenty-Two wouldn’t be here today if a first time mom with a dream to do what she loves and raise her kids on her own terms didn’t take a risk and bet on herself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://studio-twenty-two.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiotwentytwocreative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StudioTwentyTwoCreative
