Meet Shanda Watts | Creative Director

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

Hi Shanda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My motive for starting my own business was born from a deep passion for problem-solving in web design and a desire to help other businesses flourish. I’ve always been fascinated by the challenges and opportunities in this field and the immense satisfaction of crafting marketing solutions that drive business growth.

However, my career in the corporate world was challenging, especially in a male-dominated field. As one of the few women and the only mother in the office, I often found myself balancing my professional aspirations and my role as a mother. This experience was eye-opening, highlighting the need for a work environment that was female-inclusive and flexible enough to accommodate the unique demands of parenthood.

I wanted to create a workspace where I could thrive professionally without sacrificing my family and build a business aligned with my values. I envisioned a company where creative problem-solving in web design would go hand in hand with nurturing a family-friendly work culture. It was about more than just making a living; it was about crafting a life that harmoniously blended my professional skills with my responsibilities as a parent. This dream drove me to lay the foundation of my own business that allowed me to do what I love and provide for and raise my family on my terms.

What should our readers know about your business?
Crushing Pixels is curated from a decades-long passion for web and graphic design, and it stands out for its unique blend of creativity, personal touch, and commitment to client success. Our approach to web design and SEO services sets us apart – we don’t just create websites or optimize search rankings; we craft digital experiences that resonate with our clients’ brand identities and solve their audience’s problems.

We’re passionate about fostering local growth. We commit our skills to helping local small businesses and nonprofits thrive, making a tangible impact on our community.

We value creating bold and unique brands that make a difference. Our purpose is not just to create but to create with intention, purpose, and a lasting positive impact.

I’m particularly proud of how we’ve grown from a one-person operation to a thriving team, managing over 100 clients. This growth was not just in numbers but also in the depth of our expertise and the range of our services.

Building a business is not just about transactions; it’s about fostering connections and creating a network of trust and support.

I want the world to know that our brand is more than just a branding, web design, and SEO agency. It’s a story of turning a passion into a profession, balancing the demands of being a mother with the challenges of entrepreneurship, and never giving up on a dream. It’s about showing that you can create something meaningful and successful with hard work, dedication, and a love for what you do. This journey isn’t just mine; it’s a path that I hope can inspire other women looking to make their mark in business and technology.

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?
I would take them to the Heritage District in downtown Gilbert. We’d visit Gilbert’s hometown staples from Joe’s BBQ and the Gilbert Farmers Market and shop at the quaint boutiques. We’d probably have a few drinks at the Park and watch a movie. Maybe we’d watch a performance at the Hale Centre Theater.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Funny enough, I’d like to give a special shoutout to the DivSpace group from my MySpace era. Being part of this group was pivotal in my career, as it’s where my passion for design and coding truly began to take shape. ExtremeTech even featured our group in the book “Hacking MySpace!” It’s one of the best stories I tell. Who knew hacking MySpace profiles in 2005 would jumpstart my career and land me a job with a web design agency?

I also can’t forget to mention my husband’s incredible support. From the very beginning, he believed in my dream unconditionally. His support played a crucial role in my success. To this day, he has been my number-one cheerleader and supporter. He’s never questioned my crazy ideas and always says, “Let’s make it happen!”

Website: https://crushingpixels.com/

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

Image Credits
Lauren Hansen (Lauren Peachie Photography)