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

Hi Ronald, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work life balance as a graphic designer has been a complete struggle, but one that I am learning and perfecting. In my first year of business I found myself saying “yes” to just about every project that came in. Eager, excited, and wanting to work I didn’t want to turn down one dollar that was being sent my way. I quickly learned how destructive and detrimental that mindset would be to not just my business but my being as well. I found myself not knowing where work started and beginning as text and calls would come in at all hours, and projects seemed to take me into the early morning hours every day. I WAS BURNT OUT!

Fast-forward, almost 3 years later, the power of NO as well as setting strict boudnaries has changed my entire trajectory. Because a lot of my business came from social media, more specifically my personal accounts – my presence is always seen. This creates the illusion that I am accessible after hours. I’ve had to learn to be very vocal about business hours, and letting people know that its not ok to call or text pass certain times. I’ve also had to learn that not every project is meant for me. A lot of this came when I learned to value myself, my time, and my business.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Ironix Design Suite is a full service marketing firm originally birthed in Atlanta, GA, but is now ready to take Houston by storm. The suite was birthed in one of the most pivotal moments of my lifetime and in the history of this country, the COVID-19 pandemic. Fear quickly seeped into the fabric of our country, and before we knew it we were ordered to stay home. Life as we knew it changed in 2020, and to this day we are still experiencing those changes. When the country shut down many smaller churches in the Atlanta area and various other states were left without options as they weren’t prepared for “virtual church”. Many of these smaller ministries didn’t really have an online platform. Out of this need, Ironix Design Suite was birthed and has sense grown into a well rounded marketing firm offering graphic design, web design, brand strategy, as well as photography.

This journey hasn’t been easy, not by a long shot. I’ve suffered burnout more than I’d like to admit. I’ve gone through seasons of wanting to give it all up. Then I remember that there was a purpose behind this gift that I have as well as the business, and I continue to push on. If there is anything I want to know about Ironix Design Suite, is that perseverance is what this business is about. The same passion and grit that I have maintained to build this company is the same energy that I give to my clients and their work. We are still growing, evolving, and looking to change the image of even the smallest most deserving business, organization, or individual.

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.
I’m typing this, and my best friend is on vacation with me in Houston right now, haha. Friday nights are always a fun starts and what better way to start than a rooftop movie. Being able to experience a movie in a different setting while viewing the skyline is so dope. Saturday, let’s brunch. The beautiful thing about Houston is there are so many spots to explore – honestly it’s all about what look you’re wanting to give for the day. A trip to the Galleria will never disappoint someone coming to town, followed by an evening dinner at an exclusive spot in the city. Sunday, GALVESTON. Let’s hit the beach and stay there, maybe even pleasure pier followed by an amazing dinner.

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?
God has kept and sustained my business in ways I could never imagine, so all thanks to the man above! There are so many people that have played pivotal roles in the development of my business. My mom has pushed and supported me in ways I could never explain, she was the first major investor in me purchasing my MacBook. My best friend, Pastor Tyron Garnett was my first client, and remains a faithful client years later. My friend and mentor Samuel Kingston helped me fine tune my craft, literally sitting on the phone and in-person with me listening to me complain about this line of work. (I’ve come a long way). My friend Gary Rivers, another amazing designer whom I have been able to bounce ideas off of, and has been a consistent voice since the conception of the business. There are so many people and I am grateful for them all.

Instagram: @ironixds

Facebook: Facebook.com/ironixds

Other: For inquiries: info@ironixds.com

Image Credits
Roy Williams (IG: @Pureimagehou)

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