Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Steffen.
Nicole, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Before starting my business, I spent over a decade refining my skills as a graphic designer at the typical long-hour agency jobs and later as an art director at a regional magazine, where I managed photo shoots and designs for more than a dozen publications.
Eight years ago, my life took an unexpected turn when my mom suffered a stroke and needed extra support. It was a challenging time, but it also became the catalyst for a new chapter in my life. I was fortunate to have several freelance opportunities at the time, and I decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship. That decision not only allowed me to be there for my family but also set the foundation for what has become an incredible journey.
Today, I’m proud to run a thriving design business that partners with amazing clients like Goodwill Northern Michigan, Great Lakes Energy, and Traverse City Horse Shows. My work is rooted in a simple yet powerful mantra: Dream. Design. Do. Whether it’s rebranding a company, launching a campaign, or crafting a tailored strategy, my goal is always to help brands connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.
One of the greatest joys of this journey has been the freedom it affords me. I get to spend large parts of the year traveling while working, drawing inspiration from new places and experiences. This lifestyle fuels my creativity and allows me to bring fresh perspectives to every project I take on.
Through it all, my mission remains the same: to help businesses tell their stories, find their spark, and create something extraordinary. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about design—it’s about making a difference.
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?
In the early days, finding clients and establishing a network felt like an uphill battle. I joined groups like BNI to meet local businesses and build connections, and I faced the anxiety of reaching out to old coworkers to ask for referrals.
Some months were painfully slow, and I often found myself saying yes to clients who weren’t always the best fit—just to keep the lights on. Those early experiences taught me some hard but valuable lessons about setting boundaries, understanding my worth, and focusing on the right opportunities.
Over time, with persistence and a lot of trial and error, I began to find my footing. Slowly but surely, I built a client base and started to see consistent growth.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Fractional Creative Director and Brand Builder based in Michigan, and my passion lies in helping businesses elevate their brands through innovative, results-driven design and marketing strategies. I specialize in creating tailored solutions that are more than pretty, delivering results—whether that’s boosting ROI, streamlining creative processes, or connecting brands with their ideal audience.
What sets me apart is my focus on flexibility and partnership. As a fractional creative director, I provide on-demand support, allowing my clients to focus on what they do best while I handle the creative heavy lifting—be it rebranding, seasonal campaigns, or marketing materials. I pride myself on crafting custom strategies for each client, ensuring their unique challenges and goals are met with precision.
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the impact my work has had on their organizations. From modernizing the brand identity of Great Lakes Energy to designing a sponsorship deck for Traverse City Horse Shows that helped attract premium sponsors, I’ve had the privilege of working on projects that truly make a difference. Hearing feedback like “knocks it out of the park every single time” or “perfectly executed” from my clients is what fuels my passion.
Ultimately, my goal is to empower businesses to reclaim their time, master their marketing strategies, and shine in their industries. I’m not just about creating pretty visuals—I’m about delivering solutions that help my clients thrive.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that your work will speak for itself, but the truth is, people hire people they know, like, and trust. That means you need to get out there and meet the people who could become your clients. Go to local business events, community gatherings, networking meetups, and even casual coffee chats. Introduce yourself, ask about their businesses, and listen to their challenges. The more you understand their needs, the better you’ll be at positioning yourself as the solution.
You can’t hide behind your screen and expect opportunities to come to you. The best projects often come from personal connections, not job boards or cold emails. When you meet someone face-to-face, you’re not just a webpage—you’re a person they can trust to help their business grow. That’s powerful.
So, step out of your comfort zone. Shake hands, exchange business cards, and follow up with people you meet. Building a network of business owners and community leaders will not only help you find clients but also give you a deeper understanding of the real-world problems your work can solve. And that’s how you’ll stand out—not just as a provider, but as a partner in their success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nicolesteffen.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleSteffenDesign
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolesteffen/
