Founder Interview
Shannon Gross
Start before you're ready, and don't let perfectionism get in the way of progress.
So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.
Hi! I'm Shannon Gross, the Website Alchemist. I'm originally from Tucson, Arizona, but I've lived in Denver, Colorado since I was a teenager.
Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.
One thing I love about Denver is all the hiking! I've hiked the Grand Canyon twice, and though I don't get to do it as often as I would like, there is so much hiking and camping easily accessible where I live.
Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?
Studio One44 is a boutique website design and development studio that helps small business owners turn their online presence into something they're genuinely proud of. We specialize in custom WordPress websites, redesigns, and ongoing website support, with a focus on creating beautiful, strategic, and functional websites that actually work for the businesses behind them.
My background is in graphic design, and I spent more than a decade working in publishing before starting Studio One44 in 2017. I loved the creative side of my career, but I wanted more freedom to build meaningful relationships with the people I was designing for. I also saw so many talented business owners struggling with websites that didn't reflect the quality of their work. I knew I could help change that.
If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?
Start before you're ready, and don't let perfectionism get in the way of progress.
When I started Studio One44, I didn't have everything figured out. And truthfully, a decade later, I'm still learning, evolving, and figuring things out as I go. That's part of the beauty of entrepreneurship. You don't need to have every answer before you take the first step.
What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?
One of the most meaningful compliments I've ever received from a client was when they told me, "You really get me."
It wasn't about how beautiful their website looked or how smoothly everything functioned (although those things are pretty great, too). It was about the fact that they felt seen, heard, and understood.
As a website designer, my job is so much more than choosing fonts, colors, and layouts. I'm taking someone's passion, personality, and vision—often something they've poured their heart and soul into—and translating it into something tangible.
When a client tells me that their website finally feels like them, I know I've done my job.
That's the magic I love most about what I do. Anyone can build a website, but creating something that authentically captures the person and purpose behind a business? That's where the real alchemy happens.
What is the biggest misconception about your industry?
I think the biggest misconception about website design is that anyone can build a website, so why hire a professional?
And technically, that's true! With all the DIY website builders and AI tools available today, it's easier than ever to throw together a website. But there's a huge difference between having a website and having a website that actually works for your business.
A great website isn't just about making things look pretty. It's about understanding your audience, communicating your value, building trust, and guiding visitors toward taking action. There's strategy, psychology, design, and a whole lot of technical know-how happening behind the scenes.
I often tell people that your website is one of the hardest-working members of your team. It's representing your business 24/7, making first impressions, answering questions, and hopefully turning visitors into customers.
Just because you can build your own website doesn't necessarily mean you should. As a business owner, your time and energy are valuable. Sometimes the smartest investment you can make is letting someone else do what they're great at so you can focus on what you're great at.
And that's where I come in. A little strategy, a little creativity, and a whole lot of website alchemy.
What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?
One of my biggest struggles right now, and I think we're all feeling it, is AI. For the last couple of years, I've felt this almost-panic that AI will take over my job. And there's no guarantee that it won't. But right now, I'm dealing with it by targeting bigger businesses that can afford my skills and expertise and trusting that the universe has got me.
What was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?
I was definitely an emo and punk rock girl growing up. Give me some Blink-182, Green Day, Jimmy Eat World, or Taking Back Sunday, and I was a happy camper. I loved the energy, the angst, and the unapologetic individuality of that music. And honestly, I think a little of that rebellious spirit still shows up in my personality and creative work today.
As for athletes, I was much more interested in being an athlete than keeping up with sports. I played on a state-winning softball team in high school and held down the hot corner at third base.
Any shoutouts you want to make?
I have been struggling with the AI issue for a couple of years now, and I finally gained clarity because of an amazing group of women called The Dames!!!
Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?
