We recently had the chance to connect with Kelsie Lauck and have shared our conversation below.
Kelsie, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, it’s been our home that’s bringing me the most joy. My husband and I built a house on some acreage just outside Richmond, Missouri, and it’s become our favorite place to be. We’ve slowed down a lot, on purpose, and spend more weekends at home than we do heading into the city. This summer, we discovered acres of wild berries on our property, so we’ve been picking them and finding new ways to enjoy the land. We also cut in hiking trails, which has turned our love of hiking into something we can do right in our own backyard. It’s been fun to watch how the wildflowers change with the seasons and to get a front-row seat to all the little details—bugs, blooms, and everything in between.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the founder of Wayfarer Creative, a branding and marketing studio based just outside Richmond, Missouri. I work with small businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations to help them show up with clarity and confidence through strategic social media, email marketing, SEO-driven websites, and full brand development.
Wayfarer Creative is rooted in the idea that business is a journey. Our branding is inspired by a sense of adventure and forward momentum, and we bring that mindset into every project. What makes us unique is our personalized, community-focused approach. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions. Everything we build is grounded in real strategy, real stories, and a deep understanding of who our clients are and who they’re trying to reach.
After spending over a decade in fashion, event production, and small business marketing, I recently went back to school and earned my degree in digital marketing. That mix of hands-on experience and formal education helps me serve clients with both creativity and clarity.
Right now, I’m especially focused on helping clients grow their online presence through strategic content, SEO-driven websites, and marketing that feels both authentic and effective. I believe good design can do more than look pretty. It can move people, build trust, and make a lasting impact.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
That I could be a leader. As a kid, I always felt more comfortable in the background. I didn’t see myself as someone who could take charge or be the one others looked to for direction. But looking back, I was often in leadership roles without realizing it—whether it was in group projects, school events, or later in life. It wasn’t until my first job at Aeropostale that something shifted. I started to feel confident managing tasks, guiding a team, and making decisions. That experience gave me the push I needed to step into leadership more fully, and it’s shaped the way I approach both my work and my life today.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. I think it’s a constant battle, especially being self-employed. I’ve worked for myself in some capacity for the past 13 years, and there have definitely been moments when client work slows down and I start questioning everything. It’s tempting to think about taking a corporate job, chasing a steady paycheck, and climbing that ladder. But then I remember why I started. I’ve worked hard to build a life with flexibility—the kind that lets me choose how and when I work—and no traditional job is going to offer that kind of freedom. So even when it’s tough, I remind myself what I’ve built and keep moving forward.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Too many smart, capable business owners treat marketing as optional or something they’ll get to later. I see it all the time, people put off investing in their brand or cut their marketing budget first when things get tight, thinking it’s a luxury instead of a lifeline. But if you’re struggling to grow or bring in new customers, the solution isn’t to go quieter. You need to show up even more clearly and consistently.
I understand the instinct to save money or do everything yourself, especially in small businesses or during a slow season. But DIY marketing can only take you so far. Clear, strategic messaging paired with strong design isn’t fluff. It’s what moves people to take action, and it can completely shift the trajectory of a business when it’s done right.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Definitely what I was born to do. I’ve pretty much resisted the “what I was told to do” every step of the way. In high school, the path most encouraged was something practical—business, medicine, law. But instead, I went to art school in Los Angeles to study fashion design. I chose classes that were once a week or online because I didn’t like being confined to a traditional schedule, and that mindset has carried into my career.
I’ve always known I wanted to work for myself. The idea of clocking in and out or asking permission to take time off just never made sense to me. I’ve worked hard to build something that fits my life, not the other way around.
That same independent streak is what helps me serve my clients well. I know how to navigate uncertainty, think creatively, and build something from the ground up—because I’ve lived it. I bring that energy, flexibility, and resourcefulness into every project.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wayfarercreative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wayfarercreativecompany/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayfarer-creative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wayfarercreativeco
- Other: You can find my personal instagram to follow my rural living journey at https://www.instagram.com/thecatalinaestate/
Image Credits
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