We recently had the chance to connect with Melissa McKenzie and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
Honestly, the most surprising thing I’ve learned about my customers is that what they think they’re buying and what they actually want are two totally different things. Most come in thinking they just need a “pretty” website or a simple copy-paste job, but what they’re really craving is clarity, confidence, and a system that actually works for their business long term.
They don’t just want a site that looks good. They want a site that books them clients, grows their email list, and makes them feel like a legit business owner. And half the time, they didn’t even realize that’s what they were missing or what we did is possible, until we built it.
It surprised me how much relief my clients feel when they realize they don’t have to duct tape things together or figure it all out on their own. I can bring the design, the copy, the strategy, and the tech into one seamless process. When I hear that they have “happy tears” or leads in their inbox never gets old. I’ve literally changed their lives and that feels good.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Melissa, founder of Carbon & Clay Design Co., where I help business owners finally get websites that don’t just sit pretty but actually bring in clients, grow their email list, and make sales. What makes my work different is that I don’t separate the pieces. I bring together design, copywriting, marketing strategy, and tech so everything works seamlessly instead of feeling pieced together.
My own story is a mix of raising five kids and building a business that fits into the chaos of real life. I know what it feels like to need something that works without eating up every spare minute. That’s why I’ve created a process that’s fast, strategic, and actually enjoyable for my clients.
Right now I’m focused on helping established business owners clean up their outdated websites and turn them into tools that match their current level of growth. For me, it’s not about churning out another template site. It’s about creating websites that feel like an extension of your brand and that actually do the heavy lifting in your business.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child I believed that being shy meant I had to stay small and quiet, almost like I shouldn’t take up space. I carried that for a long time, but I don’t believe it anymore. Now I see that being naturally shy doesn’t mean I can’t lead, create boldly, or have a strong voice in my work. It just means I approach things with a little more thoughtfulness, and that’s become one of my strengths.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self, “Keep going. The best is yet to come.” Ironically, I had that exact phrase hanging on the wall of my very first office back when I had no idea what I was doing. It turned out to be true in ways I couldn’t have imagined then.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the web design world is that a good-looking website is enough. Pretty without purpose doesn’t pay the bills. Another lie is that you can just “set it and forget it.” A website should be a living part of your business, constantly working for you and evolving as you grow. And maybe the biggest lie of all is that DIY is cheaper. In reality, most people waste months piecing things together, only to end up hiring a professional anyway.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Motherhood, hands down. The long nights, the endless snacks, the carpool lines, the teaching moments that feel like they go in one ear and out the other. It’s not something you see the payoff from right away. But I know that the love, consistency, and values I’m pouring into my kids today will shape who they become years down the road. It’s the ultimate long game to having young adults that I love hanging out with and love hanging out with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://carbonandclay.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carbonandclay
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