Today we’d like to introduce you to Makena Delaney.
Hi Makena, 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’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I was the kid with summer businesses at age seven, “hiring” my friends as employees and dreaming up new ideas before I even knew what the word entrepreneur meant. In high school, when everyone else was trying to decide what career path to take, I already knew I wanted to run my own business …I just didn’t know what kind yet.
After college, I earned a master’s certification in business performance coaching and thought that would be my path. I started attending local networking events to meet other business owners, and that’s when things shifted. I noticed a pattern; so many of the coaches and small business owners I met were incredible at what they did but struggled to market themselves. Their websites didn’t reflect their quality, their branding didn’t tell their story, and many had no idea how to present themselves online.
At the time, I had a background in IT and a side hobby designing planner stickers and graphics just for fun. I realized I could combine that creative eye with my tech skills to fill a real need in the market. So I went home, started a business the very next day, landed my first client, and I’ve been building ever since.
Today, I’m the founder and creative director of Makena Creative, a Nashville-based brand and website design studio that helps solopreneurs, startups, and small businesses build brands and websites that truly stand out. What started as a small side hustle has grown into a full-scale creative studio serving clients across industries, and I still love it as much as the day I began.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road, but I think that’s true for just about every entrepreneur. There have been plenty of challenges along the way, especially as I’ve grown from being a one-woman operation into running a full creative studio.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how to manage the ebbs and flows of business. Some seasons are incredibly busy, and others are slower than expected, especially in the summer months. It took me years to realize that those quiet seasons weren’t failures, they were opportunities to refine systems, rest, and prepare for the next wave of growth.
Another challenge has been managing timelines with clients. As a designer, I’ve learned that projects rarely move in a straight line. People have full lives and busy schedules, and sometimes that means a project that should take a month can stretch into several. Finding that balance between maintaining structure while still being flexible has been key.
Market changes have also played a big role in my journey. I launched just before COVID, which reshaped how small businesses operated online. More recently, the rise of AI has been another shift to navigate. Rather than fighting against it, I’ve leaned into learning how to integrate AI tools into my workflows and even into what I offer clients.
There’s also the emotional side of entrepreneurship; the self-doubt, the imposter syndrome, and the pressure to always be “on.” Over time, I’ve learned that no one has it all figured out. The best thing you can do is stay adaptable, keep learning, and remind yourself that progress, not perfection, is the goal.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Makena Creative?
My business is called Makena Creative, and we’re a Nashville-based brand and website design studio that helps solopreneurs, startups, and small businesses look as professional online as they are in real life.
We specialize in custom brand design, strategic Showit website design, and template customization, and we’re known for creating work that feels both beautiful and smart. Every brand and website we build is designed to do more than just look good, it’s built to help our clients attract their ideal audience, communicate their value clearly, and actually grow their business.
What sets us apart is the way we combine strategy and aesthetics. A lot of designers can make something look nice, but we focus just as much on how it works. Every design decision ties back to positioning, messaging, and conversion. We also put a big emphasis on making the process feel easy and enjoyable for our clients, even if they’re not tech-savvy. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned our systems to walk people through the process step by step so they always feel supported and confident.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that our work is approachable, fun, and still elevated. There’s a warmth and personality to what we create, but it’s always grounded in strategy. We believe DIY brands tend to blend in, and we’re here to help businesses stand out with design that finally feels like them.
For readers getting to know Makena Creative, I’d want them to know that we truly care about the people behind every project. Whether you’re launching your very first business or leveling up an existing one, our goal is to make the design process collaborative, stress-free, and empowering. We want you to walk away not only with a brand and website you love, but with the clarity and confidence to show it off proudly.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Absolutely. I’ve had so many incredible people play a role in my journey, and I’m a big believer that no one builds a business completely on their own.
First and foremost, my clients have been a huge part of my growth. Many of them have become close friends, collaborators, and even cheerleaders who’ve referred me to others and helped my business grow organically. Their trust in me, especially in the early days, gave me the confidence to keep going and keep improving.
I’ve also had mentors and peers in the design community who’ve shaped the way I work and think about business. People like Shannon LeBlanc, my brand photographer and strategic partner, and some Showit design partners have been incredible sources of advice, collaboration, and encouragement. Having peers who understand this unique mix of creativity, tech, and entrepreneurship has been invaluable.
Locally, I’ve had so much support from the Nashville networking community. Groups like Women Connect, The Sapphire Suite, and organizations like Williamson Inc. have been where I’ve met not only clients but also friends who genuinely want to see each other succeed. Those connections are the heartbeat of what I do.
And of course, my family deserves a lot of credit. They’ve supported me through every season of entrepreneurship — the late nights, the busy seasons, and the moments when I was building something that didn’t quite exist yet.
It really takes a village to build a business, and I’m so grateful for the one that’s grown around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.makenadelaney.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makena_delaney
