about the designer
Meet the face behind the work
(and the heart)
Behind every powerful brand is a bigger story. This is mine, and how it fuels the creativity behind the work I do for your business.
Where creativity + curiosity collide
I’ve never followed a traditional path, and neither do the people I work with.
I’m drawn to the doers, the dreamers, and the business owners with bold visions and a clear sense of who they are. Whether we’re building a brand, designing a one-of-a-kind website, or customizing a Showit template, the work is always personal, grounded in who you are and created to reflect the layered human(s) behind the business.
Create and Wander is fueled by experiences, not just pretty things (though trust me, you’ll get those too)!
Here’s what you can expect when we work together:
Friendly, upbeat support
I’m part designer, part hype woman, fully invested in your vision. I’ll make sure you feel seen, supported, and genuinely excited every step of the way.
Clear, open communication
No guessing games here. You’ll always know what’s happening, what’s next, and how we’re bringing your ideas to life together.
Fresh, creative thinking
Your business isn’t one size fits all, and your design shouldn’t be either. I approach every project with a fresh perspective so the work feels unique, intentional, and true to your brand.
hey, i'm Micaela!
founder and designer behind THE STUDIO
From a small town girl to a traveling free spirit
I’ve been building things from the ground up for as long as I can remember. I started my first business at seven, raising sheep (and showing miniature horses along the way!). It was hands-on, hard work, and the kind of challenge I didn’t know I’d crave for the rest of my life. I was learning what it meant to lead, to take risks, and to turn ideas into something real. That early version of entrepreneurship shaped everything that came next.
My small-town roots gave me a million memories, but deep down I always knew I was meant to explore more than what I’d always known.
Right after college, I sold my last sheep to fund a one-month solo trip to Europe. My heart was pounding, but that leap cracked my world open. It sparked something in me, a desire to live boldly, trust myself, and follow that pull toward something more.🔥
Finding my way in design (and chasing the West Coast dream)
After that trip, everything shifted. I started freelancing for agencies and studios, putting in long days and learning fast while chasing a bigger vision for my life. A few months later, I packed up everything I owned and moved to California. No job lined up, just a gut feeling, a fresh start, and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. That leap was a turning point. I began landing my own clients, growing a business from scratch, and realizing I didn’t have to choose between stability and freedom. I could create something that felt as good as it looked. Something that let me live fully and work on my own terms.💻
Building a business from anywhere
Because your story matters, and I’m here to make sure your brand does too.
Eventually, I realized I didn’t need to stay in one place to build something incredible. I packed my bags and took my work on the road abroad, exploring new places, soaking in new cultures, and finding inspiration in every corner of the world.🌍
Nearly 70 countries and 7 continents later, I’m still exploring, still learning, and still creating for bold entrepreneurs like you. These days, I’m based back in San Diego, California, no longer fully nomadic (for now!😉), but still deeply rooted in curiosity and creativity. Most days, you can find me designing from my home studio or a local coffee shop with my blue-eyed sidekick, Skye, who takes his role as adventure buddy very seriously by never letting me forget to step away from the screen and get outside.
That mix of freedom and focus continues to shape how I approach my work, with depth, intention, and a whole lot of heart...💙
A few of my favorite things
FAVORITE COWORKER:
My blue-eyed tiny floof, Skye!🐶
Place to wander:
The picturesque mountains of Cape Town, the magic of Bali, or the tiny seaside village of Dahab, Egypt (my home away from homes — yes, plural) 🌴
Go-to coffee order:
Iced oat milk cold brew or a dirty chai☕️
Weekend hobby:
Rock climbing, camping, beach trips, or hopping in the Subaru for a road trip⛺️
Dream collab:
Any brand that’s bold, daring, and not afraid to do things differently🔥
Currently listening to:
Acoustic chill playlists, deep house, or a little country (to get in touch with my roots)🤠
Skye