How I got here… plus, a few of my favorite things
The first five years:
Five years ago, Burtch Designs was just a spark of an idea that I could craft a life around work instead of working to live my life. I wanted to create something beautiful and meaningful. This month, I’m incredibly proud to hit the five-year mark with my business!
But like any journey, the road hasn’t always been smooth. It’s been filled with learning, adaptation and a whole lot of heart.
My journey into design began long before Burtch Designs came to life. After years in the corporate world, where I honed my skills in print design and layout, I realized something was missing. The creativity and passion that had initially drawn me to design felt stifled, and I found myself wanting something more… Something of my own. Enter Burtch Designs.
In 2019, a month before the due date of my first babe, I took a leap of faith. I declined a full-time corporate position and decided to follow my heart. I started small, taking on freelance projects while balancing the demands of new motherhood. Those early days were challenging, but they were also filled with excitement and possibility…oh, and Covid. In the midst of ALL that, I quickly discovered that running my own business offered the variety and creative freedom I had been searching for.
Navigating the challenges:
Over the past five years, Burtch Designs has evolved from a fledgling business into a trusted partner for entrepreneurs and small business owners. But growth didn’t happen overnight—it was the result of perseverance, adaptability and a commitment to excellence.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of connection. Burtch Designs isn’t just about creating beautiful logos and websites; it’s about understanding my clients’ stories, their challenges and their goals. I believe that every design should be a reflection of the business it represents, and that’s only possible when you truly connect with the people behind the brand.
Throughout the years, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges—from navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship to balancing work with family life. But these challenges have only made me stronger and more determined. I’ve learned to be flexible, to adapt to the changing needs of my clients, and to never lose sight of why I started Burtch Designs in the first place: to bring joy, balance and creativity into my work and my life.
So, what has kept Burtch Designs thriving over the last five years? It’s a combination of passion, persistence and a few key principles that guide everything I do:
Client-centered design: Every project starts with my clients—their vision, their needs and their goals. I’m here to bring their ideas to life in a way that’s authentic and impactful.
Continuous learning: The design world is always evolving, and so am I. I stay up-to-date with the latest trends and tools, always looking for ways to improve and innovate.
Building relationships: Burtch Designs is built on relationships, not transactions. I’m proud to have worked with over 35 entrepreneurs since 2019, many of whom return for additional projects or refer others to me.
Balancing work and life: My family is my biggest inspiration and support system. Balancing motherhood with running a business isn’t always easy, but it’s a priority that keeps me grounded and fulfilled.
Resilience and adaptability: Every entrepreneur knows that things don’t always go as planned. But resilience is about how you respond to challenges. I’ve learned to adapt, pivot when necessary and keep moving forward with confidence.
Looking ahead:
As I reflect on the past five years, I’m filled with gratitude for the journey I’ve been on and excitement for what’s to come. Burtch Designs will continue to grow and evolve, driven by the same passion that sparked its creation. I’m committed to helping more entrepreneurs bring their visions to life, to creating designs that not only look beautiful but also make a lasting impact.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey—clients, collaborators, friends and family. Your support and trust have made Burtch Designs what it is today. Here’s to the next five years of creativity, connection and continued growth!
Find some extra details in a recently published article for Voyage Ohio: https://voyageohio.com/interview/life-work-with-jackie-burtch-of-columbus
