Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Paddison.
Hi Tracy, 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 currently help private and group practice owners develop their brand strategy and create their websites, but I actually got my start in web design by accident. During a college internship, I was randomly asked to build a website, and I fell in love with it. I loved the way it challenged both sides of my brain: the creativity of design paired with the problem-solving of coding. That project sparked a passion that has stayed with me for more than 15 years.
After graduation, I married my husband and became a military spouse, which meant moving often. Our first move was to Oklahoma, where I worked as the web designer for the county hospital. I developed several websites for them, including a complete redesign of their main site onto a new platform, which saved the hospital money while adding new features. I also loved the way the role connected me to the community. Our marketing team organized races to raise money for cancer research and encourage people to get active again.
When we moved again and I had our first child, I turned to freelancing so I could continue working no matter where the military sent us. I built up a small client list, including several marketing agencies. Freelancing was rewarding, but I found myself wanting more freedom to create, strategize, and connect with clients directly.
That’s when I launched Tracy Mak Studio. Today, I specialize in working with health and wellness practices — primarily mental health therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. I help practice owners with their brand strategy and build websites that don’t just look beautiful but also give them more time to do what they do best: serve their clients.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to grow my studio and support more practice owners both here in Metro Detroit and across the U.S. My mission is to make it easier for practice owners to connect with the people who need their services most, while building sustainable practices that thrive online.
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?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of my biggest struggles has been learning to work with my ADHD. When you’re your own boss, there’s no one checking in to make sure you’re staying on task, and things like invoicing, contracts, and project management can easily slip through the cracks. For me, that was really tough at first.
But over time, I realized that the same ADHD that made admin tasks difficult also pushed me to find creative solutions. I started building systems, streamlining, and automating as much as I could so I could spend less time in the weeds and more time doing the creative work I love. That process of simplifying and organizing became a strength and it’s something I now bring into my client work. When I’m designing websites for health and wellness practices, I’m always asking: how can we make this easier? Can we streamline onboarding, reduce back-and-forth emails, or set up automated systems so practice owners can focus on their clients instead of paperwork?
So while the road hasn’t been perfectly smooth, the challenges have shaped me into a stronger entrepreneur. One who’s passionate about finding better, simpler ways of doing things, both for myself and for the people I serve.
As you know, we’re big fans of Tracy Mak Studio. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Tracy Mak Studio, I specialize in helping health and wellness practices, particularly mental health therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, bring their brands to life through strategy and web design. What sets me apart is that I don’t just build a logo or a website and call it done. I start with brand strategy workshops where I really dig into what a practice stands for, their values, and their vision for the future. From there, I translate that into visuals and a website that feels like them. Clients have told me it’s like I pulled the picture straight from their mind, and that’s the best compliment I could ask for.
I also care deeply about making websites feel manageable, not overwhelming. I love creating websites that are easy to update, like adding a single checkbox that ensures a therapist shows up in multiple places when they’re accepting new clients. I spend time training my clients and even create tutorials so they feel confident making changes on their own. For those who prefer not to think about their site after launch, I offer Website Care Plans where I handle updates, security, and monitoring, and they can submit requests whenever they need changes.
Another service I’m proud of is my Website Review & Roadmaps. This is where I take a deep dive into someone’s online presence – looking at SEO, branding, HIPAA, and accessibility – and give them a clear roadmap, with tutorials, to improve their website. It’s all about empowering practice owners to feel more in control and less stressed by their online presence.
At the heart of my brand is the belief that websites should make life easier, not harder. I want practice owners to spend less time wrestling with tech and more time serving their clients. That’s what drives everything I create at Tracy Mak Studio.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
For me, the best networking has always happened in person. Early on, I went to professional conferences in web design, which helped me sharpen my skills and connect with people in the industry. These days, I’ve found a lot of value in attending local networking events here in Metro Detroit. There are so many people building really interesting businesses, and you never know when a casual conversation will turn into a great collaboration or referral.
I’d also say — don’t underestimate the value of a business coach. Finding the right coach, someone whose personality and approach click with yours, can make a huge difference. My coach has helped me stay focused, see blind spots, and keep moving forward when I might have gotten stuck. Having mentors, peers, and coaches in your corner really reminds you that you don’t have to build a business alone, even when you’re a solopeneur.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tracymak.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracymak.studio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracymakstudio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tracymakstudio/
Image Credits
Tracy Mak Studio
