We recently connected with Cynthia Akita and have shared our conversation below.
Cynthia, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive in two ways: through intentional practice and intentional pause.
First, I stay creative by continuously exercising my craft. Whether I’m designing, planning a new concept, or simply studying other designs for inspiration, I’m always feeding my creative muscle. I don’t just look at things for how they appear—I ask myself how they were created and why they work. Then I challenge myself to recreate that essence with my own twist. That process deepens my skills, sharpens my eye, and reveals new possibilities I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. You can’t wait for a client project to help you grow; you have to take your growth into your own hands and push yourself to become a force in your industry.
But creativity also needs rest. After deep periods of creation and consumption, I intentionally take a step back. I don’t think it’s realistic to completely “turn off” your brain, but I do believe in giving it room to breathe. Sometimes that means going for a walk, enjoying nature, or doing something that has nothing to do with design at all. Those moments of stillness are where new ideas often sneak in uninvited.
Both discipline and downtime are necessary. Practicing keeps my creativity sharp; pausing keeps it alive.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m the Founder of The Design Firmacy™ — a brand strategy and education studio that takes a pharmacy-inspired approach to helping brands heal and thrive. It’s where creativity meets clarity, and where business owners come to get the brand relief they’ve been craving. We like to say we don’t just build brands — we prescribe the cure for inconsistent branding.
The idea for The Design Firmacy™ came after years of working with entrepreneurs on their visuals and strategies. I realized so many were creating beautiful things without truly understanding how to position themselves, build authority, or craft a brand that speaks when they’re not in the room. I wanted to change that. I wanted founders to have the tools to build brands that could rival corporate giants — ones that personify their biggest dreams and leave a lasting impression long after the first interaction.
What makes The Design Firmacy™ so special is how we combine strategy, storytelling, and creativity in a way that feels approachable and empowering. Every framework, resource, and experience is designed to help you understand your brand’s health and take intentional steps toward building something that people remember.
Right now, I’m really excited about our growing community, Personify My Brand™ — a space where entrepreneurs and creatives can learn how to build human brands that connect, communicate, and convert. Members get access to expert insights, brand-building resources, and our signature Brand Vitals™ Assessment completely free. The assessment is like a full check-up for your brand — helping you identify what’s working, what’s weak, and what needs a little more care.
If you’re ready to bring your brand to life and give it the voice it deserves, join the community at personifymybrand.com/group. That’s where your next brand breakthrough begins.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
If I’m being honest, one of the most impactful traits I’ve had throughout my journey is stubbornness — and I say that with love. I definitely got it from both of my parents, and it’s been an incredible tool. That stubbornness has kept me fighting when most people would’ve given up. It’s pushed me to move forward even when others doubted me or didn’t understand my vision. It’s also the reason I can stand firm as a thought leader in an industry that often just follows trends. That unshakable resolve allows me to show up as me — unapologetically — and that authenticity spills over into my work at The Design Firmacy™. It helps my clients build brands rooted in truth, not imitation.
The second is doing. Experience truly is the best teacher — whether it’s your own or someone else’s. Too often, we wait for the “perfect” moment to act, but perfection is a myth. The real growth happens in the doing — when you post that flyer, launch that workshop, or send that offer out to the world. Every action gives you data: what works, what doesn’t, what to improve. That’s how refinement and confidence are born. So don’t cheat yourself out of the lessons that only come from doing. Just start.
And finally, discipline. Discipline forces you to move even when motivation fades. Life will always bring distractions and challenges, but the people who succeed are the ones who stay consistent through them. Building that discipline muscle means showing up for yourself even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable. It’s what separates wishful thinking from real progress.
For anyone early in their journey, work on developing these three traits as soon as possible. Learn to stand your ground and believe in your vision, even when it’s unpopular. Experiment often, collect data, and form your own opinions. And most importantly, stay disciplined — because showing up consistently for your dream is how you turn it into something real.
How would you describe your ideal client?
At The Design Firmacy™, we work with founders and entrepreneurs who are ready to graduate from simply running a business to building a brand. Our ideal clients are ambitious, forward-thinking leaders who’ve already created some momentum but have realized that surface-level marketing and quick visuals are no longer enough. They’re ready for something deeper — a brand that looks, feels, and operates with intention.
They come to us because they’ve outgrown the DIY stage. Their work deserves a brand that matches their credibility, communicates their value, and leaves a lasting impression. These are visionaries who understand that branding isn’t just an expense — it’s a strategic asset. They’re seeking clarity, confidence, and authority, and they’re ready to invest in a framework that transforms how they show up in the world.
What I love most about our clients is that they’re both visionary and action-oriented. They value authenticity and originality, and they thrive in spaces that are professional yet still personable and fun — which is exactly what we’re all about at The Design Firmacy™. They respect structure and strategy, but they also want creativity and soul.
Typically, our clients come to us during key turning points: they’re preparing to launch something new, stepping into a CEO role, pivoting their direction, or finally ready to be seen as the authority they truly are. They’ve reached a place where inconsistency or confusion just won’t cut it anymore — and they’re ready to get their brand “diagnosed” and back to full health.
In short, our ideal clients are dreamers who do. They know who they are, they know where they’re going, and they trust The Design Firmacy™ to help them get there with a brand that speaks powerfully when they’re not in the room.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thedesignfirmacy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedesignfirmacy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designfirmacy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-akita
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignFirmacy
- Other: Skool Group: http://personifymybrand.com/group
Image Credits
The image of Cynthia Akita was taken by Studio Eveliz.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
