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What happens when you hand the mic to ChatGPT and say, “Ask me what you think my audience would ask”?

You get one of the most honest, unscripted episodes I’ve ever recorded.

From Canva hacks and creative ruts to the not-so-glam parts of balancing mum life with business, this episode is equal parts strategy and story.

No polished script… just real, unfiltered answers from me, Jacqui.

Let’s dive into the highlights, shall we?

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How to Pull Yourself Out of a Creative Funk

You know that moment when you’re staring at a blank Canva doc, the cursor blinking, your coffee going cold, and your brain feels like it’s buffering? I’ve been there, more times than I’d like to admit.

What I’ve realised is this: creativity doesn’t disappear because you’re “not creative enough.” It disappears when you lose clarity.

When you don’t know who you’re designing for, or why, or what outcome you’re aiming for.

My biggest tip? Step back. Ask yourself:

• What is this for?
• Who am I speaking to?
• What feeling do I want to create?

THEN start designing. Oh, and remember, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.

Use Canva templates. Browse Pinterest. Let existing creativity spark your own.

Creativity flourishes when you have boundaries and rules to play within

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My Unexpected Fave Canva Feature

Okay, this one might surprise you… it’s Canva Sheets.

Wait, spreadsheets? In Canva?

YES.

And they’re not just functional, they’re kind of beautiful too.

I recently used them with a client to map out her entire monthly Instagram content strategy inside ONE Canva file. The front page is a spreadsheet with post types, dates, captions, ideas… and the next pages?

All the visuals. All the actual content.

The power of this? Everything lives in one file.

You’re not bouncing between Google Sheets and Canva tabs and notes on your phone. It’s streamlined. It’s visual. It’s strategic.

And it’s made possible by Canva’s new multi-page, multi-size updates.

It’s like a digital HQ for your content… and I am obsessed.

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Design vs Messaging: Can You Pick One?

I get this question a lot: “Is design more important, or messaging?”

And honestly, I don’t think it’s a question you can answer with a one-word response.

Design is the eye-catcher. It’s what stops the scroll, what creates that instant impression. It says, “Hey, look over here!”

But then messaging swoops in and carries the weight. It builds trust, connects emotionally, and makes your reader say, “Yes, this is for me.”

But here’s where it gets even more powerful…when your design and your messaging are saying the same thing, in the same tone, with the same energy?

That’s when someone doesn’t just glance, they linger. They feel it. And they remember you.

That’s the sweet spot we’re aiming for: design that looks like your message feels.

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Let’s Talk Mum Life + Biz Boundaries

I’m still figuring this one out. I work during nap times. Evenings. Little stolen moments when the kids are happy playing. It’s messy.

But I’ve also had to learn where to draw the line. One of the biggest shifts for me was embracing the idea that rest is part of the work.

I now take a full Sabbath off each week… no social media, no emails, no to-do lists. Just rest. And it’s changed how I show up the rest of the week.

And there’s the ‘digital ‘brick’ I use. It’s a tiny device I tap my phone on to lock down distracting apps when I want to be present with my family. I can’t override it without going back to the device, which means fewer “accidental” scrolls and more playtime with my kids.

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What My House Looks Like (And Why It’s Not On-Brand)

You’d think a designer’s house would look exactly like their brand, but not mine. My business brand is bright, bold, punchy, and playful.

But my home? It’s calm, warm, earthy. Think terracotta tones, wood grains, and cozy corners.

Why the contrast? Because I believe your brand is for your audience.

It’s a visual tool to attract and connect. But your home is your sanctuary. That’s for you.

And for me, after showing up boldly online all day, I need my space to feel soft and grounding.

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If I Had to Start Over…

There’s so much I’d do differently if I was starting my business from scratch today. First? I’d start building my email list immediately. I waited way too long to prioritise that, and it’s one of the best ways to nurture your audience.

I’d also pick a niche way sooner. I spent too long being “a designer for everyone,” which sounds noble, but really just makes your message fuzzy.

And lastly? I’d stop trying to create a brand I thought people wanted. You know… the polished, Pinterest-perfect one that didn’t actually feel like me.

As soon as I shifted to a brand that felt aligned, that reflected my personality and my values, things clicked. The right clients started showing up. My confidence grew. The snowball started rolling.

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Biggest Takeaway?

You don’t need a perfectly polished brand to start showing up. You need a true brand. One that evolves as you evolve. One that gives you permission to be seen before everything feels “ready.”

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WORK WITH JACQUI:

// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb

// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub

// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

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