This month, one of Desert Rose Design & Photo Co.‘s client website designs will be featured in DesignRush’s upcoming “Best Web Designs” article. DesignRush is a leading B2B marketplace and design awards platform that connects businesses with top-tier agencies. They also use their platform to showcase exceptional creative work. As a web designer in Las Vegas, getting recognized by a platform that has featured major brands like Prada, FIFA, and Fenty is an incredible honor.

The Client Website That Earned Recognition

The website that caught DesignRush’s attention was created for Out in the Sticks Design Co. This small business is a woman-owned, family-operated gift shop in Lewiston, Minnesota. This project perfectly exemplifies what I love most about working with small businesses—having the opportunity to bring passionate entrepreneurs’ visions to life!

My goal was to capture the heart of their business online through their website. I wanted to display that genuine passion for quality, handmade products and the joy they feel when customers discover something special in their store. The challenge was translating their warm, personal touch into a digital experience that would help customers feel that same connection. Experiences like browsing funny sayings, envisioning a piece in their home, or finding that perfect handcrafted item. The website needed to also showcase their expanding inventory options in an organized way while maintaining the intimate, curated feel that makes their brick-and-mortar store special. Most importantly, it had to reflect their core values: handmade, local, hand-selected, and always high quality.

Bringing the Vision to Life

The key to this project’s success was taking the time to truly understand Hailey’s business and vision. She came to me with what she described as a “very VERY basic website that got the job done.” However, she said, “It was such an eye sore that I was embarrassed to even send people there.”

She had big dreams but felt like professional web design was something completely out of reach. Hailey mentioned it “was so over my knowledge and skill level that it was just that – a dream.” Then she found Vivian of Desert Rose Design & Photo Co.

After booking Desert Rose’s professional web design services, everything changed. “I honestly can’t say enough great things about this incredibly skilled and talented web designer,” said Hailey in response to a feedback questionnaire. “I show my website off any and all chances I get. I proudly link the site everywhere. The updated online look and function was exactly what my business needed to gain a professional and established reputation in our community = and farther!”

My Design Process: Beyond Just Making It Look Good

What sets Desert Rose’s approach apart as a web designer Las Vegas entrepreneurs and beyond choose is going beyond surface-level aesthetics. My approach was to get to know not just Hailey’s business. But I also wanted to learn all about her story, her values, and the feeling she wanted customers to experience. Through our collaborative process, I was able to take what she envisioned and translate it into a digital experience that truly represents her brand.

The result? A website that makes her proud to share everywhere she goes. As Hailey put it: “My website feels like ME, in the best way. The way people feel about my website and the ‘tone’ it gives off is exactly the vibe I want my store to feel like when people walk in.”

This is exactly why I love working with small business owners. When you take the time to understand their passion and vision, you can create something that doesn’t just look professional. You can create something that authentically represents who they are and connects with their customers on a deeper level.

What’s Next?

This DesignRush recognition is exciting, but it’s really just the beginning. The take-home message is that when small business owners invest in professional web design, they get solutions. Client’s don’t just get pretty websites (although I’m all for a pretty website, don’t get me wrong!). But they also get a powerful tool that helps them connect with customers, build credibility, streamline processes, and grow their businesses!

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I should probably update my website” or “I keep meaning to finally get a proper website,” maybe this is your sign. You don’t have to figure it all out yourself. That’s what people like me are here for, of course!

And who knows? Maybe your shiny new website will be the next one catching the attention of industry platforms like DesignRush. But more importantly, it’ll be working hard to grow your business every single day.

Ready to create a website that stands out and solves problems you’re facing as a small business owner? I’d love to chat about your project and show you how strategic web design can make a real difference for your business. Leave a comment below or reach out using my website contact form. I look forward to learning about you and discussing how to create online solutions for your small business!