We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shannon Pruitt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Shannon, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
Oof, the haters and nay-sayers, right? Here’s the thing—if you’re going to do anything bold or different, not everyone is going to clap for you, and that’s fine. I don’t persist despite the haters; I persist because of the people I serve.
When I started Sunday Muse Design, my goal wasn’t to please everyone—it was to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses through strategic branding and design. At the end of the day, I’m not here for the people who don’t “get it”; I’m here for the people who do, who see the value in what I bring to the table and want to work with me because of that.
So I stay focused on serving the people who matter and let the rest roll off. Let’s be real—if you don’t have a few haters, you’re probably playing it too safe.
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 of Sunday Muse Design, where I help entrepreneurs and creative businesses build brands and websites that are not just beautiful but functional and strategic. My services span brand strategy, SEO, and custom web design—all the things that make your digital presence both impactful and effective.
What sets Sunday Muse Design apart is that we don’t just focus on making things look pretty. It’s about building a foundation that actually works FOR you, so your brand and website do more than just look good—they convert, attract the right clients, and showcase your value. I’ve been in the creative industry for years and know the struggles entrepreneurs face when it comes to branding and website strategy. That’s why my goal is to simplify the process and make it feel doable, no matter where you’re at.
One of the things I’m really excited about right now is the Creative Kickstart. It’s perfect for entrepreneurs who don’t have the time or budget for a long, drawn-out branding project but need a strategic roadmap to get started. The Creative Kickstart is a 90-minute, no-fluff strategy session designed to help you map out your brand or website with clear, actionable steps. Whether you’re bootstrapping or just need some direction before diving into a full design overhaul, the Creative Kickstart is like hitting the reset button.
I’m also expanding my SEO services to help clients get found more easily online—because what’s the point of a great brand if no one can find you? Plus, I’ve got some new resources in the works, like educational tools and guides, to help entrepreneurs take charge of their own brand and SEO while they grow. So keep an eye out, because there’s a lot of exciting stuff on the horizon!
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?
Looking back, I’d say three qualities really shaped my journey: resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking.
There’s no getting around the fact that running a business comes with setbacks and curveballs. Whether it’s a client who didn’t quite “get” the vision or a project that went sideways, resilience is what keeps you moving forward. My advice to anyone starting out is to develop a thick skin—but not in a way that makes you numb to feedback or failure. Let setbacks teach you, but don’t let them define you.
The world of design, branding, and digital marketing is always changing. If you want to stay relevant, you have to be willing to pivot, learn new things, and try new strategies. Early on, I realized the importance of keeping up with industry trends and evolving my services. So, whether it’s learning new design software or embracing shifts in social media algorithms, being adaptable will keep your business growing. My advice? Stay curious and never stop learning.
Strategic thinking has probably been the most impactful for me. It’s not enough to just create something beautiful—you have to know why you’re creating it and how it fits into the bigger picture. Strategic thinking allows you to see the long-term impact of decisions you’re making today. I’d suggest people early in their journey really focus on learning how to create and implement strategies that align with their goals. Whether it’s mapping out a brand strategy or planning an SEO roadmap, having a strategic mindset will set you apart.
For anyone starting out, I’d say this: Be resilient when things get tough, stay flexible when the landscape shifts, and always keep the bigger picture in mind. If you can focus on those three things, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
The entrepreneur who’s ready to take their brand or website seriously and understands the power of strategic design. They’re driven, creative, and passionate about what they do, but they also know when it’s time to bring in a pro to help them level up. Whether they’re bootstrapping and looking for direction or they’re established and in need of a brand refresh, they’re committed to making sure their business truly reflects their vision and values.
Characteristics that make someone a dream client for me? They’re collaborative, open to feedback, and excited to dig deep into the strategy behind their brand. They aren’t just looking for something pretty—they want a design that truly connects with their audience and supports their goals. They’re also willing to do the prep work, knowing that thoughtful planning on their end will result in a brand or website that’s aligned with where they’re headed.
And , probably most importantly, my ideal client understands that good design is an investment in their business. They’re ready to work together to create something that not only looks amazing but also drives real results.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sundaymusedesign.com/
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/sundaymusedesign
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sundaymusedesign
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.