1191: The truth about WEBSITE TEMPLATES... and why STRATEGY is the missing ingredient in design & creativity w/ Kelsey Hart
Kelsey Hart, founder and CEO of Creative Honey Badger, joins the show to share how she turned her creative passion into a thriving design and digital strategy agency. In this episode, Kelsey breaks down the difference between just building “pretty” brands and building powerful, strategic ones. Her journey from graphic design student to multi-faceted creative entrepreneur offers priceless insights into branding, web development, and launching a business with intention.
Listeners will walk away with a new appreciation for the power of strategy, the reality of entrepreneurship, and how to "fail forward" with confidence.
💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business
- 🧱 Why building a business without strategy is like opening a shop without a foundation
- 🎯 How to align your brand and website with the audience you're truly trying to reach
- 🧠 Why self-awareness is one of the most underrated business strategies
- 💻 The real reason your DIY website might be hurting more than helping
- 💡 How to evolve your brand identity without losing authenticity
- 🔄 What it means to “fail forward” and why it’s the key to sustainable growth
- 🛠️ How AI is transforming web development, design, and entrepreneurial efficiency
📝 About Kelsey Hart
Kelsey Hart is the founder and CEO of Creative Honey Badger, a creative and design agency. Her passion for design began in high school and evolved into a decade-long career spanning freelance design, digital marketing, and web development. After years of building her side business and gaining industry experience, Kelsey launched Creative Honey Badger to help startups and small businesses grow through strategic branding, web design, and digital marketing. Combining creativity with tech-savvy execution, she’s committed to helping clients build strong, effective online presences that drive real results.
🎯 Kelsey’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs
"Choose your hard. Starting a business is hard. Staying stuck is hard. You get to pick which hard you want."
Key takeaways from Kelsey's advice:
✔ Don’t quit—failure is part of the journey, but it’s how you respond that defines your success
✔ "Failing forward" is better than standing still—momentum matters
✔ Faith over fear: choosing growth requires courage and intention every single day
📢 Memorable Quotes
- “Every business has a different audience. Templates don’t come with strategy.” – Kelsey Hart
- “You have to build a brand with purpose—pretty design without strategy is just decoration.” – Kelsey Hart
- “You don’t have to figure it all out alone. That’s why Creative Honey Badger exists.” – Kelsey Hart
💡 Actionable Takeaways
- ✅ Start with strategy—don’t build a brand or website without a clear roadmap
- ✅ If you're using DIY platforms, know your limits and when to bring in a pro
- ✅ Treat your website like a storefront: it should speak directly to your ideal customer
- ✅ Consider your brand message just as much as your visuals
- ✅ Use AI to enhance—not replace—your creative and strategic process
🔗 Links & Resources
