Meet Rachel Powell | Web Designer & Developer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Powell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always been drawn to both the artistic and problem-solving sides of design. My background is in advertising, but I initially went into media sales, which gave me valuable business experience but took me too far away from the creative process. Later, when I started my own eCommerce business, I had to build my own website, which reignited my passion for design and introduced me to the technical side of web development.

Web Design & Development ended up being the perfect blend of creativity and technology for me. It allows me to not only design visual experiences but also tackle technical challenges that keep me learning and growing. I find it deeply rewarding to work closely with clients, understand their vision, and help bring their ideas to life. There’s something really fulfilling about creating something that not only looks great but is also a vital business tool.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business, Juicy Ideas, is all about making web design an easy, creative, and personalized experience. I focus on building unique websites that not only look great but also function seamlessly—without the frustrating, overly complex process that many people experience. What sets me apart is my ability to blend creativity with strategy, so I stay aligned with my client’s goals. I don’t rely on template based platforms like Wix or Squarespace, so my websites are truly unique designs. No cookie-cutters here!

One of the things I’m most proud of is the client experience I’ve created. Many people come to me feeling overwhelmed by tech or unsure of what they need, and I love breaking things down in a way that makes the process enjoyable and empowering. Seeing a client light up when their vision comes to life is the most rewarding part of what I do.

Getting to where I am today has been a journey full of pivots, learning, and embracing new challenges. Coming from advertising and media sales, I had to completely shift both my skill set and mindset when transitioning into this field. Running an eCommerce business gave me valuable insight into the online space from a business owner’s perspective, but building my freelance career required persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning.

One of the best decisions I made was diving into online courses. There are so many options out there, often with very helpful communities. By the end of it, I felt like I had pieced together an advanced degree with world-class instruction. Having an experienced programmer as a husband didn’t hurt either—let’s just say 24-hour IT support has come in handy! But beyond that, the process really opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of learning new, marketable skills. It’s given me heaps of confidence and a hunger for more.

I’ve also grown to absolutely love the platforms and tools I use. Figma and Webflow have proven themselves time and time again, and working with them feels like using truly cutting-edge technology backed by thriving communities and excellent customer support. Having the right tools has been pivotal to my success, allowing me to create high-quality and stylish websites that actually bring my clients’ visions to life.

One of the biggest challenges has been standing out in a crowded market. I’m not a traditional brick-and-mortar agency, but I’m also so much more than just another freelancer on Fiverr or Upwork. I offer a personal, long-term partnership—especially for small to medium-sized businesses that need guidance but don’t know where to turn. The tricky part has been reaching the right clients without spending a fortune on marketing. I’ve had to be strategic, leaning into word-of-mouth, networking, and creating valuable content that builds trust. It’s been a learning curve, but finding and connecting with businesses that truly benefit from what I offer has been incredibly rewarding.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit Fort Collins, we’d spend the week soaking up the best of this town—biking everywhere, hopping between breweries, catching live music, and just enjoying the laid-back, creative energy that makes FoCo special. My favorite Old Town spots are The Neighbor, Social, Penrose and Elliots. I love catching a show at Washington’s and the Mishawaka. And knowing Fort Collins, there’s bound to be some random festival, art market, or weird little event happening—because this town always has something fun and unexpected going on.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give a huge shoutout to Amy Snider—not only was she my first client, but she’s also an incredible friend, mentor, and neighbor. She took a chance on me when I was just starting out, hiring me to design her café’s website (www.cupstafthill.com). That experience gave me the confidence to really step into my career. Working with her reinforced that I could turn my skills into something meaningful, and it deepened our friendship in the best way.

Beyond that, Amy is just one of those people who makes life better—she’s a hardworking businesswoman, an inspirational mom & wife, and the mastermind behind some truly legendary backyard parties. She’s proof that you can build something great while still making time for the people and moments that matter. I’m lucky to have her in my corner, and I’m forever grateful for the role she played in getting me where I am today.

Website: https://www.juicy-ideas.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juicy_ideas_colorado/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-powell-258b3b354/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573912468124