Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Courtney Rutledge. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Courtney, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
Growing up, I was afraid of almost everything. Riding a bike, swimming, and even speaking up in class were my personal Everests. The fear of failing or stepping out of my comfort zone kept me from trying new things for a long time. I wanted to stay in my safe place. What eventually pushed me out of that place was as simple as watching others around me do things fearlessly and realizing, “if they can do it, I can do it too.”
So I got comfortable taking risks and going against the grain. I started to chase this high I’d get when trying something new or doing something that created a meaningful impact, and made it a point to surround myself with others going after that same feeling.
But I quickly realized that not all risks and opportunities are worth taking. As someone who eventually became a serial “yes woman” in early adulthood, I’ve taken on far too much at times, leading to scattered focus, lack of direction, and eventual burnout. This is where I learned the importance of “vision”. To me, it’s not just about having the courage to take risks—it’s about discerning whether the risk aligns with your ultimate vision. Will this get me closer to where I want to be? What are the pros and cons? Is it truly worth my time and energy?
Visualization is hands down one of the most powerful tools for leveling up, in business and in life. It’s not just picking one vague goal and hoping it all works out. It’s mapping out the big picture and regularly checking in to make sure you’re still on track. I’m a firm believer in dreaming big but also planning with intention. That means asking yourself the questions often: Where do I want to be in 1 year? In 3 years? In 10? It’s as much about the milestones as it is the destination.
What I love most about visualization is how it forces you to think outside the box. When you set big, bold goals, you give yourself permission to expand your vision of what’s possible. So while others like to play it safe, I like to ask, “what could I achieve if I really went for it?”
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m the founder of Palmetta, a boutique brand and web design studio based in the heart of Atlanta. We specialize in unshakable brand identities and websites for high-end, heart-led businesses that are either just starting out or are in their growth era. To me, good branding is like a power outfit. When you’re dressed in something you feel good in, you feel unstoppable. The same goes for your brand. Once your look no longer aligns with who you are or where you want to go, things begin to feel flat and insecurity settles in. You might find yourself feeling embarrassed when someone asks for your website, or maybe you’re trying to break into a more affluent market, so you come to us for a makeover! Or what we like to call, The Glow-Up.
At Palmetta, we help people and brands stand out in crowded spaces with original, high-quality brand and web design that breathe life back into your brand. We pride ourselves on delivering agency-level work with the personalized attention of a boutique studio, all at a price that won’t break the bank. From comprehensive brand discovery and development to responsive website design to custom social templates and print materials, your brand’s best days are ahead of you with Palmetta.
For those just starting out and maybe don’t have the resources to go all in on our signature branding package, we recently launched a streamlined, essentials-only service we’ve coined, The Mini Glow-Up. We’re also launching a template shop this year full of digital goods for brands who may not be ready to invest in custom design and for other brand designers hoping to grow their own studios. We’re excited to continue expanding our offerings to help businesses look their best wherever they’re at in their journey.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Curiosity: Constantly searching for new ideas and inspiration makes you and your work better. Be attune to other perspectives and ideologies to stay ahead.
Personability: The ability to make people feel seen, valued, and comfortable goes far in business. People want to work with and support people they feel connected to. Be approachable, relatable, and genuine in every interaction.
Confidence: Entrepreneurship requires putting yourself out there, taking decisive action, and having unwavering trust in your instincts, and no one else can give this to you but you!
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
To truly establish and differentiate yourself as a business owner, I believe you have to be intentional about who you partner with. My ideal clients are people and businesses who believe that high-end branding doesn’t have to be boring or predictable. They know their brand should have personality and flair to create an authentic and memorable connection with their audience.
As a self-proclaimed girls’ girl, women-owned businesses are my bread and butter, and I definitely gravitate toward kind, down-to-earth, and aesthetically-driven people who know what they want and go for it. I love working with creative individuals like photographers, authors, and influencers, as well as wedding professionals, high-end beauty brands, and the hospitality industry.
Ultimately, my ideal clients value the finer things and are building something truly impactful and original.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.palmetta.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bypalmetta/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/palmetta/
Image Credits
Sarah Lessley Photo
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
