Meet Christine Goodrich | Owner + Creative Lead

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

Hi Christine, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I had been a designer working in the 9-5 world for about 8 years when I had become unhappy at my current job. I had always been a go-getter and had been freelancing on the site outside of my full time design role. When I found myself with 2 solid, steady freelance clients I decided to follow my dream of starting my own business–taking the leap in to entrepreneurship— and that is how my agency, Kona Made, was born. I didn’t know what to expect going out on my own—not knowing if we would fail or thrive–but it has been the best decision I have ever made and the business has grown exponentially over the past 2 years.

What should our readers know about your business?
Kona Made is a branding and website design agency hailing from Austin TX. I think what truly sets us apart from other agencies is our working partnership with our clients. Our clients work directly with our designers and copywriters–cutting out the middle man of an account executive—providing them with a 1-1 collaborative working relationship. We really take the time to get to know our clients–from a business and personal perspective–and listen to them as we bring their vision to life to help their business thrive.

As a new entrepreneur, stepping in to a business forward mindset definitely took some time to wrangle. I now had to wear all of the hats, not just the “creative” ones. Taking on all of the added responsibilities of running a business is no joke. However, over the past 2 years, we have put numerous systems in place for a smooth workflow–from a business and client facing perspective.

Our name “Kona Made” is reflective of my own personal brand as a business owner that stems in to our overall mission and values. “Kona” is actually Hawaiian for “female”. Growing up, the beach has always been my serenity and an environment that brings me eternal happiness. And as a female, taking a leap in to starting a new business, that specific word seemed to fit just right. Adding on “Made” to our business title reflects what we do–we make our clients creative vision a reality. Kona Made always strives to partner with professionals who are excited about their business ventures and that will find the joy in the creative process, as we do every day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
El Alma: for margaritas and tacos Meanwhile Brewing Co: for live music and craft brews
Barton Springs: to take a dip and check out a true ATX staple
South Congress: to go shopping
Fredericksburg: to venture a bit outside of the city and hit the wineries

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I definitely have to shout out to Kim Lincon and Kelsey Lawrence—two badass ladies who also quit their 9-5 and started their own creative agencies. Their journeys and success definitely inspired my own. I also have to thank my amazing husband, Matt, for supporting me as I took a leap of faith in starting my business and being best the best support system anyone could ever ask for,

Website: https://www.konamade.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/kona_made

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kona-made-creative

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/konamadecreative

Image Credits
Brand photography by https://jessicarockowitz.com/