Reyna Dashefsky
Web Designer / Developer / Co-founder of Hello-World
San Diego, CA
reynadashefsky.com / hello-world.studio
instagram @reynadashefsky / @hello_world.studio
Q What do you do?
“I give others the opportunity to launch their projects into the digital world by transforming ideas into unconventional Squarespace and Shopify websites. ”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I started my career in the fashion industry, working for corporate companies such as Levi’s and smaller independent brands. While I didn’t always love the work, the experience was invaluable because it developed my eye and exposed me to the inner workings of a creative environment.
At one point, I worked for a start-up fashion brand in L.A. that needed a website. Being the only full-time employee at the time, I was asked to help create it. I enrolled in ilovecreatives’ first ever Squarespace course (IRL at the time!) and immediately felt like a door to a magical world had opened.
From there I took multiple web design courses on the side, while working full-time, for about 5 years. Slowly, but surely, my client base organically grew and I could say bye-bye to corporate life.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Imagination, a strong visual sense, problem-solving skills, and responsive communication.
Q What are you working on right now?
Developing and creating a strong community around Hello-World, a playful/experimental web design studio, I co-founded with Joy Yiu. We’ve put so much time and love into our studio. It’s been really fun to see it develop visually, and have clients seek us out specifically because they resonate with our work.
Q What’s your style?
Modern with touches of whimsical quirk. I love to create mini-magical-moments for the user; surprising and playful twists.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Becoming a Figma wiz! It would be great to have more time to dedicate to learning all the shortcuts and handy tips to create wireframes with more speed.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Currently I’m putting off some necessary admin work like filling out a vendor form. Our studio will be speaking at an upcoming Squarespace Circle Live event and there are a few forms I’ve been staring at for weeks.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Marketing efforts! It would be amazing to have someone help us with press outreach and submitting our work to various design platforms.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Confidence and expertise take time to cultivate. Be patient, don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire, and stop worrying so much.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
So many things, but business-wise I’m really curious about developing my mindset as an entrepreneur. The pivot from working corporate to small business owner can be jarring and uncomfortable most days. It would be helpful to actively work with someone to shift deep-rooted beliefs and mentally set myself up for long-term success.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m most inspired by businesses rooted in fashion, art, and culture.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I’ve had a long collaborative working relationship with the brand MEMOR. Maxine, the owner, is such a kind, authentic, and focused creative. She is a true dream client! She knows what she wants, but ultimately trusts my vision and skills to bring her projects to life.
Q What is your rate?
Our studio projects typically range from $5k-$25K+. It’s a broad spectrum, but we’ve had clients that just need a simple 1-3 page website and also clients who need a more robust Shopify build. We can typically come up with resourceful solutions that fit our clients budget or even suggest other studios/designers/developers that might be a better fit. I encourage anyone to reach out if they need a website because we can help lead you in the right direction.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
They can fill out this inquiry form or send an email to me directly.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
"I’ve always been inspired by my brother, Michael Dashefsky who has singularly pursued his passion for the arts throughout his life. He currently teaches virtual voice lessons and is such a talented and passionate individual.
I’m also inspired by my business partner, Joy Yiu. She works insanely hard, is curious, and growth-oriented, but doesn’t take herself too seriously. She brings lightness and fun to our business and I consider myself lucky to get to work with her everyday.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
New experiences and time with close friends always refresh my perspective.
This member profile was originally published in June 2023