Jhoanna Marissa
Jhoanna Marissa
Web Designer / Founder, Willa Creative
Los Angeles, CA
www.willaca.com
instagram @jmarissa
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am the Founder of Willa Creative Agency.”
As a whole I work as a digital brand strategist, but my area of expertise is website UX/UI + front-end web development.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I interned and always continued to grow my skill set through extension courses and workshops. I always strived to be a good collaborator.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
Making sure to make their portfolio and web presence the best it can be. If you are selling design or website design - make sure you show case that. It's the hardest thing to spend time on your brand and not always put the client timeline first. But it will benefit you more in the long run.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
A few great things - but one I'm really excited about is an Travel App we have been incubating here for the last year called TRABO and it will launch in march. And then we have a website for a new made-to-measure shoe concept, in store only, called AMANU by stylist Anita Patrickson. I gush over it every-time I open up my Sketch file to work on its design. It will launch in late march and just cant wait to share.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I would say airy, bright and clean. My Willa website, and the projects shared there, I think all show the connection between my style and design aesthetic.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Website design and development
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
How I want to do everything , instead of focus on only one thing. Im sure thats not the worst thing in the world, but i find myself feeling spread to thin and sometime overcommitting. Working on it.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
My team is currently holding down the Willa fort - so I'd have to say PA work. Im considering hiring a personal assistant to help me feel more caught up with personal errands. And so that my office coordinator doesn't have to fill in when I'm swamped.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
"Your job and title doesn't define you - make sure to make time for relationships and experiences outside of work." I didn't do much of that when i was just starting out and trying to race to the top.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I think it's time we brought on a business advisor. We are in an interesting place currently where we either decide to scale or not. And as we scale what's the best practice with financials , business set up etc. I feel like I could use some major insight and feedback from someone there.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
We love e-commerce - its where we thrive. More specifically e-commerce that really tells a story.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
A client who has such passion for what they are doing, a strong vision for what they are doing and trust in what we do to help guide them along the way. I would say my favorite client partnership to date is B-low The Belt. We worked together for about 2 years and really grew together.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Hourly rate is from $125-$200/Hour
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Check out my site and go to our contact page and shoot us a message. I want to hear what you're working on or how we can collaborate.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Finding inspiration through travel & art
This member profile was originally published in March 2018.