When I started Studio West, I was fueled by big dreams, a solid work ethic, and a whole lot of cowgirl grit. I wanted to help businesses harness the power of great design and marketing to tell their stories, grow their brands, and make their mark in the world. But as I sit here in 2025, reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned, there’s one glaring mistake that stands out: not creating passive income streams.

Now, let’s get one thing straight—we’ve worked with some incredible businesses over the years, many of which had healthy budgets and big ambitions. And while we’ve loved partnering with them, I’ve realized that in focusing solely on custom, high-ticket services, we’ve unintentionally boxed out a huge portion of the small business world—the dreamers on a budget who deserve access to quality tools and guidance just as much as anyone else.

For years, our agency operated under the philosophy that our services needed to be custom, hands-on, and premium to deliver value. While there’s no denying the impact of personalized strategies and tailored campaigns, it’s also clear now that this approach came with a downside: it left us vulnerable. Our revenue relied entirely on the hours we could dedicate to client work, which meant there was no wiggle room when life threw curveballs—and as a mom, those curveballs come often.

The result? Stress. Burnout. Missed opportunities. And perhaps most importantly, a gap in how we were serving our community. We weren’t showing up for the scrappy, passionate entrepreneurs who couldn’t afford to book a big-ticket package but still needed guidance to grow their brands.

So, this year, we’re changing that. 2025 is the year we saddle up and do things differently. 

Here’s how:

Launching Low-Ticket Design Templates

One of the easiest ways to level the playing field is by offering affordable, high-quality design templates. These templates will be created with the same care, creativity, and strategy we put into our custom work—only they’ll be available at a fraction of the price. Whether you’re a boutique owner who needs a stunning Instagram feed or a fitness coach launching an email campaign, these templates will give you the tools to shine without breaking the bank.

Hosting Free Workshops

We’re also rolling up our sleeves to share what we know—for free. Our team will be hosting workshops designed to help small business owners tackle common marketing challenges, from building a brand identity to mastering social media. These workshops will be practical, no-fluff sessions where attendees walk away with actionable tips and tools they can implement immediately.

Passive Income MATTERS

Creating these passive income streams isn’t just about diversifying our revenue; it’s about making our services accessible to everyone. It’s about empowering the business owner who’s staying up late after tucking her kids into bed, working on her dream with whatever resources she has. It’s about remembering that not everyone starts with a big budget—and that doesn’t mean they don’t have big potential.

By creating low-ticket offerings and free resources, we’re aiming to bridge the gap between “can’t afford help” and “can finally take that next step.” It’s about making our expertise work harder, not just for us but for the people we’ve always wanted to serve.

The Fail The Lesson

Looking back, I’ll admit it: not building passive income streams sooner was a failure. But failures are just lessons in disguise. They’re the trail markers on the dusty road that remind you to pause, reflect, and adjust your course.

As a mother, a business owner, and someone who’s walked this entrepreneurial journey with both triumphs and stumbles, I’m excited for what’s ahead. And I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve more of the small business community in ways that feel authentic, impactful, and sustainable.

So here’s to 2025: a year of growth, grit, and giving back. If you’re a small business owner looking for affordable tools or just some good ol’ fashioned encouragement, stay tuned—we’ve got you covered.