Meet Rachel Sheffield

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

Hi Rachel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The original plan behind starting my business was to work in the graphic design industry for two years. I wanted to learn all the ropes — how to reach clients, market myself, handle projects efficiently, and understand how the business operation worked — especially since I didn’t have hands-on experience in this field. The goal was to gain confidence before opening and running my own graphic design company.

However, the pandemic happened, and my goals took a swift detour. While waiting for my final grades before Graduation Day, I was battling depression and recovering from food poisoning. I was disappointed that I wouldn’t experience walking across the stage to receive my diploma after earning my Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and certificate in Visual Communication of Graphic Design.

During that time, I spent most of my days sleeping — until one thought came to mind: “Instead of stressing over whether or not you’ll pass your classes, use that energy for the next 14 days to prepare each school project and get them ready to share on your business social media pages.” The idea was to send out my links once I officially knew I passed my classes and ask my family and friends to follow my accounts. This way, I could begin building my platform and community while working in the industry for those two years.

But God had other plans. Not long after I sent out the links, a former coworker reached out the same day requesting birthday designs for her soon-to-be one-year-old son. I was scared to take on the request. I had just learned that I passed all my classes and officially earned my degree and certificate — but I wasn’t prepared. I hadn’t set my prices, connected with local print vendors, or even created a business plan. I simply wasn’t ready.

Still, the saying came to mind: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” That’s exactly what I did. I launched my graphic design business on May 15th — just six days after what would have been my Graduation Day. I took a leap of faith, knowing that any mistakes I made would become lessons for the next client. I believed that real-world experience would be the best teacher.

Five years later, I’m so glad I didn’t take the traditional route. Instead, I allowed God to guide me His way on this entrepreneurial journey. I’ve learned so much along the way — and I still lean on Him every step as I continue to navigate and grow in this industry.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Getting to where I am today has been a journey of faith, creativity, and perseverance. Nothing about it was easy, but every challenge became part of the story I now get to share with others.

My creativity actually started when my mom, Dorothea Sheffield, put me on punishment to reflect on my actions. What could’ve been a quiet moment turned into my first spark of imagination. I began wondering if I had talent like my big sister, Evelyn, and started drawing — and that sense of expression never left me. Today, that spark has grown into Rachel Designs, a brand that celebrates creativity, happiness, compassion, storytelling, and authenticity.

Professionally, I’ve evolved into a graphic designer, storyteller, and 3x Awarded Brand Ambassador who uses art and humor to connect with people. Through content like The RD Show on YouTube, RD Motivational Monday, and RD Gems that focus on entrepreneurship, I use my platforms to uplift and inform — mixing purpose with personality. Whether it’s designing custom apparel on Redbubble, creating for clients and customers, or documenting eventful outings that excite me to join, I always lead with passion and joy.

It hasn’t always been easy. I’ve faced doubt, detours, and seasons of uncertainty — but my faith kept me grounded. God has continuously shown me that timing is divine, not delayed. Every obstacle was preparing me for something greater.

I’m most proud that Rachel Designs is still standing five years later after being launched in the middle of a pandemic. What started as a vision during one of the hardest times in our world has grown into a business with purpose, impact, and community at its heart. That longevity is a blessing and a testament to resilience, creativity, and staying consistent even when the odds were stacked against me.

What excites me most right now is continuing to merge my love for art, storytelling, and community into something even bigger. I want Rachel Designs to be a global reminder that purpose and creativity can coexist beautifully — and that joy, humor, and hard work will always make room for you in the world.

My brand is not just about design — it’s about resilience, faith, and believing that no dream is too bold when you stay true to your purpose and make God your agent in your career.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am definitely an itinerary kind of best friend — I create an eventful one every time someone comes to visit me! When my besties fly into Texas, I make sure their trip is full of good food, laughter, music, and unforgettable memories.

Day 1 – Welcome to Texas, y’all!
As soon as my best friend lands, we’re heading straight to The Breakfast Klub in Houston. It’s the perfect Southern-style welcome — think wings and waffles, grits, and that “taste of home” that reminds me of Eutaw, Alabama. After unpacking and a little rest, we’d spend the evening at The Boardwalk at Towne Lake in Cypress. We’d grab trashy tacos from Torchy’s or have dinner at Ambriza on the patio, sipping big strawberry margaritas (no salt on the rim!) while catching up.

Day 2 – Food, Music & Vibes
We’d start with a chill morning and then head to Prospect Park in Houston. The DJ always has the latest hits spinning — perfect for when I hop on the dance floor after devouring my lemon pepper wings and fries. I’d tell them to try the lemon drops to keep the energy up. The night wouldn’t be complete without karaoke, where I’d perform my favorite Luther Vandross song!

Day 3 – Sips & Street Food
We’d swing by Fat Tuesday to grab souvenir cups (refillable all week, of course!) and then stroll through Taco Park to sample Houston’s best food trucks — tacos, chips, and salsa with a view. The night ends with laughter and late-night conversations over a glass of Stella Rosa Black wine from Kroger — a tradition for my best friends and me.

Day 4 – Roll & Relax
We’d lace up at Fun City Sk8 in Webster for a skating session that’s equal parts workout and fun — loud colors, great music, and lots of laughs. Then, wind down with a relaxing spa day at Gangnam Spa in Houston, where we can experience the soft life we deserve.

Day 5 – City Sights & Shopping
Time to explore The Galleria, one of the biggest malls in Texas. We’d shop, eat, and watch the ice skaters glide around the rink. Later, we’d hunt down some of Houston’s most iconic murals for the perfect photo ops and memories.

Day 6 – Food, Culture & Nightlife
Dinner at Quotes in Willowbrook is a must — good country cooking, soulful vibes, and that Black culture energy that makes you feel right at home. If Turkey Leg Hut were still open, that would’ve been our next stop for those famous turkey legs everyone raves about! To cap off the night, we’d head to Kamp Houston for day party vibes — maybe even spot a celebrity or two.

Day 7 – Chill, Chat & Celebrate
We’d spend our last day poolside, Fat Tuesday cups in hand, swapping wild stories and laughing over our favorite TV shows. If the energy’s still high, we’d end the trip with some friendly competition — bowling, cards, or mini golf before saying our “see you later.”

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a special shoutout to three incredible people in my life — my big sister, Evelyn; my little brother, Dominic; and my little cousin, Donaka.

My big sister, Evelyn Stoner, is the best sister ever. She has supported my dreams and entrepreneurial journey from the very beginning. Evelyn is wise, creative, patient, and always willing to offer advice when I need it most. She lends an ear when I share my wild ideas or when I just need a shoulder to cry on during tough moments in life or business. She makes sure I look fashionable for every public event, invests in my projects when I need it most, and never fails to remind me of my worth. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without her friendship, love, and support.

My little brother, Dominic Sheffield, has been one of my biggest supporters throughout college and my entrepreneurial journey. He’s always there to help however he can, especially when things don’t go as planned. Dominic listens to all my wildest dreams and crazy ideas, and he constantly encourages me to keep going. I truly don’t know where I’d be without his steady presence and support. He’s the best brother ever.

My little cousin, Donaka Ruffin, has been an incredible personal assistant for my graphic design business when I needed her assistance and is one of the most caring people in my inner circle. She was great at what she did — always ensuring I was prepared, organized, and set up for success each day she came over. She’s always down for all my creative shenanigans and is there for moral support in everything I do. She truly deserves her flowers, especially now as she embarks on her journey to motherhood.

These three amazing people have poured so much love, time, and energy into me and my business. I could never repay them for all they’ve done, but I pray that God blesses me tenfold so that one day, I can retire them from their own daily grinds.

Website: https://www.racheldesigns.org

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelsheffielddesigns/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_racheldesigns_

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/designsbyrachels/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@racheldesignsvideos

Other: TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@racheldesigns
Redbubble Art Shop: https://www.redbubble.com/people/DesignsbyRayS/shop?asc=u
Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/Designsbyrays/

Image Credits
Rachel Sheffield
Two3films
Evelyn Stoner