Meet Trailblazer Julie Harris

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Harris.

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Julie. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I am a designer by accident. I graduated college with a degree in Entertainment Business, hoping to move into the event planning and catering industry. I was completely happy working for someone else, and running my own online business was the last thing on my mind. But after getting married to an Army soldier and embracing the reality that we would be moving every few years (making it very difficult to build up a stable career at any location-dependent business), I started to look into virtual employment opportunities that would allow me the freedom to build a career I could be proud of with the flexibility of location-independence. During that time, I had some family reach out for assistance with social media marketing and planning some online events. One thing led to another and more and more clients starting reaching out wanting similar services. It was then that I started taking every online design and digital marketing class I could find and began to expand my online service offerings. Becoming a branding and website designer was truly an evolution for me. Despite all my marketing and social media services, the one thing that most clients lacked was a solid brand. So, I decided to devote myself to helping clients build authentic brand identities and engaging online brand experiences.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being a self-taught designer has definitely not been the smoothest road, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I loved college, and if I could go back now, I’d definitely take graphic design or at least design of some kind. But because I was self-taught, every lesson – good and bad – have been that much more impactful. I had to work so much harder to learn and gain experience that it created opportunities that I might not have pursued had I received a formal education in any one particular area of design.

I was also fortunate to have an incredible businesswoman role model in my mother, who owned her own business my entire childhood (and still does today). So, when I decided to start my own business, I don’t think I was as fearful as others because I had seen someone else be so successful at it – and still be an incredible parent. I also have an incredible husband (and how business partner) who has always pushed me to go after the things I want most.

I know there are many women who aren’t blessed with the same kind of support. One of the most significant investments I made into starting my own business was to surround myself with other professional women who had been where I was and that I could turn to for support and guidance. My advice is to reach out to any other professionals who inspire you. Let them know how much their work has affected you and ask them questions. You’ll be shocked by how many are willing to help and support you as you get started. Find your creative tribe and hold on tight. And not just for help when things are rough, but to help celebrate when things are right.

We’d love to hear more about Whiskey & Red.
I am the creative director and lead designer at Whiskey & Red, a small independent graphic design studio that specializes in branding and WordPress website design. We partner with service-based small businesses who have been in business for years, offering their services offline, but are now trying to expand their brands online and create engaging digital experiences for their clients and followers. With my formal background in Theatre and Entertainment Business, I have an extensive education in storytelling and understanding human relationships. It’s this people-focused narrative perspective that inspires my design styles and approach to crafting brand experiences. I believe that this is what differentiates us most from our fellow design colleagues.

As a brand, I am most proud of the education our clients walk away with after working with us. Not only do they receive a beautiful brand or website, but we work very hard to provide our clients with the educational resources they need to not only manage but expand their brands, helping empower them to become the most successful versions of themselves.

Which women have inspired you in your life?
My mother. She built a very successful private music teaching career and was an incredible present and involved parent. She showed me that you can have both – a rewarding career doing something you love, and a beautiful family.

My very first client, Tracy Wright Corvo of Tracy Wright Corvo Photography. She helped me think beyond just what I was able to provide on my own, and instead, explore creative partnerships with complementary brands and small businesses to provide even more value to my clients. To this day, Tracy is a dear friend, personal mentor, and still a treasured client.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://whiskeyandred.com/
• Email: julie@whiskeyandred.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskeyandred/

Image Credit:
Brand Photo Image Credit: Blomquist Photography

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