Rochester, NY
DesignByElley
Etsy
branding | design
DesignByElley began as a creative outlet during the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming into a small stationery business online and in-person. Fueled by a love for illustrating and making, the goal was simple: to do what I enjoy, build something of my own, and sharing my interests through stickers and prints.
55.8%
INCREASE IN EMAIL CLICK RATE
35%
IMPROVED VISUAL ACCESSIBILITY
20.9%
LIFT IN ONLINE PURCHASES
01 challenge
Combatting burnout while seeking inspiration posed a significant hurdle in the early days. Learning how to run a business, from ideation to packaging to sales, was all new terrain, demanding resilience and adaptability.
02 approach
I used sketching and illustration tools like Procreate, Figma, and Silhouette Studio, to bring my creative ideas to life. This hands-on process allowed for flexibility and experimentation, helping me rediscover joy in creation and push through creative blocks. I also embraced small-business learning by studying best practices, registering your brand, and evolving my packaging and presentation step by step.
03 results & reflection
What started as a therapeutic project amid uncertainty grew into a real business—DesignByElley now has an online presence, confidently selling handmade goods on Etsy (soon to move to Shopify), and even participates in in-person vending events. More than a brand, this project stands as a testament to following passion, overcoming creative inertia, and building something meaningful that brings joy to both myself and my customers.
