Meet Rachell Smith

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rachell Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rachell below.

Rachell, we can’t begin to explain how much we appreciate you sharing about your PPA experience, but we can say that so many in our community are suffering from or have suffered from postpartum issues including postpartum depression and so you sharing your story and how you overcame it might help someone who is going through it right now or in the future. What can you share with us about how you overcame PPA? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

When my first daughter was born in mid-March 2020, the world was in lockdown. My husband had just lost his job, and all the community support new moms usually rely on—mommy groups, in-person check-ins—vanished overnight. Virtual calls felt empty; I didn’t even know what questions to ask.

With the outside world spinning out of control, I retreated into a hyper-controlled environment at home. Lists, schedules, and perfection became my comfort. In that space, I started sharing five years of my design work on Instagram, not to grow a business, but as therapy and a way to put something beautiful into the world.

To my surprise, people responded. Inquiries started coming in, and in 2021, I won the Best Invitation Designer in San Luis Obispo from California Wedding Day, an award I’ve now received four consecutive years. For the first time, I thought, Maybe I could work from home and be present for my family.

Even then, I didn’t realize I had postpartum anxiety until one day I found myself crying on the phone over something I can’t even recall. The person gently suggested it might be PPA. That was my first turning point.

I began weekly therapy, learning to recognize my triggers and process the worries as a new mom. When my second daughter arrived during another Covid spike in December 2021, I tried to balance caring for an 21-month-old, a newborn, and a growing business. My anxiety soared. I thought if I could control every list, deadline, and detail, I could manage it all.

By the time she turned one, I broke. The pressure, the pace, and the perfectionism were unsustainable. I returned to consistent therapy, cut out nonessential tasks (housekeeping, yard work, and even side contracts), and focused on my family and business while trying to give myself permission to slow down.

Relying on one income, my own, is terrifying. But it has forced me to have faith in myself and prioritize what truly matters. Now, I still see my therapist twice a month. I’m learning that strength isn’t about doing everything; it’s about knowing what’s worth doing and letting the rest go.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the founder and creative director of Rachell Rae Designs, a boutique studio crafting intentional experiences through design-driven artistry. We specialize in bespoke wedding stationery and signage that blends functional beauty with heartfelt storytelling with pieces that inform, organize, and become treasured keepsakes.

From save-the-dates to day-of details, I serve as a trustworthy guide, anticipating priorities and creating those “It’s Real” moments couples remember forever. Our modern romantic style, bold typography, and meticulous attention to detail have earned multiple California Wedding Day Best Invitation Designer awards.

This fall, in honor of my clients celebrating their diamond wedding anniversaries (10 years+), I’m rebranding and launching a new website—an exciting chapter that will showcase our work in a fresh, elevated way. Alongside that, I’m expanding our portfolio, streamlining processes, and introducing three curated collections to make high-touch, heirloom-quality design more accessible without sacrificing the white-glove service my clients value.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three qualities that shaped my journey most are creative problem-solving, adaptability, and relationship-building.

Creative problem-solving came from years of working in both design and events, where things rarely go exactly as planned. Learning to anticipate challenges and find elegant solutions became second nature.

Adaptability was honed by saying yes to free internships, volunteer projects, and opportunities outside my comfort zone. Each experience added to my skill set and helped me pivot between roles seamlessly.

Relationship-building has been the foundation of my business. Networking with intention, treating every collaboration as a partnership, and delivering on promises have led to referrals and industry recognition.

For those early in their journey, my advice is: take every chance to learn, paid or unpaid, because the experience is worth more than the title at the beginning. Stay curious, be open to feedback, and nurture genuine connections. Over time, your reputation will speak for you.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

For me, I have been a Jill of all trades while identifying and honing the strengths that set my work apart. I have worked in retail, advertising, editorial design, marketing, business consulting, sales, account management, event planning, program direction, and fundraising, each role adding skills I now bring to my design business. For those just starting out, take every chance to learn, paid or unpaid, because the experience is often worth more than the title. Stay curious, welcome feedback, and build genuine connections. In time, your reputation will speak for you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rachellraedesigns.com
• Instagram: @Rachell_Rae_Designs
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Rachell-Rae-Designs-100089001343811/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachellnewburnsmith/
• Other: https://californiaweddingday.com/rachell-rae-designs

Image Credits

Photo 1: @aliciawood.photography
Photo 2: @jen_rodriguez
Photo 3: @leanamyraphotography
Photo 4: @slotownstudios
Photo 5: @ashleyraestudio
Photo 6: @kelseaholderphoto