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An Inspired Chat with Anastasia Pava of Miami

We recently had the chance to connect with Anastasia Pava and have shared our conversation below.

Anastasia, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I often lose track of time when I’m immersed in a creative project, whether it’s website design, video editing, logo creation, or exploring new ideas. I get so into the process, trying out new things and experimenting with different concepts, that the hours just fly by. It’s one of those moments where I’m fully in the zone, just having fun with the work. What brings me back is when I realize there are other projects waiting for me. It’s like snapping out of the creative bubble and jumping back into the next thing that needs attention. But honestly, I love that feeling of being so wrapped up in the process – it’s what makes the work exciting!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
With over 19 years of experience and an MBA in marketing, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of businesses, from start-ups to established companies. What began as a Wix website design service has naturally expanded into a full-service digital marketing business. I’ve learned that creating a great website goes beyond just design – it’s about understanding branding, consumer behavior, and staying ahead of the latest trends.

The business specializes in helping companies and individuals build their online presence, offering ‘turnkey’ projects where everything is created from scratch. This includes custom websites, digital marketing strategies, content creation and branding advice. From restaurants to event planners, healthcare professionals to lawyers, bloggers, Effective Marketing & Design has worked with diverse industries to help them stand out in a competitive market.

While most clients initially come for website design, I often introduce them to other services—like digital marketing strategies, branding, and SEO, that help them build a stronger online presence and grow their business.

Many clients have worked with me for years, and that’s something I’m really proud of. It’s about building long-term relationships where I’m not just a vendor, but a trusted partner in their growth. From creating custom websites to offering ongoing marketing guidance, the goal is always to help clients succeed and adapt in the fast-paced digital world. What’s also exciting about the business is its global reach. While the majority of my clients are based in the United States, I have the privilege of working with businesses from all over the world— including the UK, Czech Republic, Spain, Israel, and even Africa. It’s incredibly rewarding to help companies across different cultures and industries grow and thrive online.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I think my earliest memory of feeling powerful was 9 years ago when I first started my business. I had an idea, and I decided to take the leap, even though it meant stepping into the unknown. Building something from scratch and seeing it grow was a huge confidence booster. The feeling of being in control of my future and creating something of my own, alongside learning how to navigate challenges, really shaped my perspective on what’s possible when you trust yourself.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: “You’re doing better than you think you are.” I spent a lot of my early years doubting myself, thinking I needed to have all the answers right away, especially when I first started my business. I wish I could’ve told myself to trust the process more, to have faith in my abilities and the decisions I made, even when things felt uncertain. I would remind myself that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. And more than anything, that success doesn’t happen overnight – it’s a combination of persistence, taking small steps forward, and embracing each stage of the journey with patience and confidence.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that what really matters to me is trust and reliability. I’m someone who takes responsibility seriously – I always do my best to keep my promises, deliver promises on time and follow through on what I say I’ll do. Honesty is also huge for me, both with myself and with the people I care about. I expect the same from the people close to me. At the end of the day, it’s all about creating relationships where everyone feels supported and knows they can count on each other.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I hope it’s more that I’m doing what I was born to do. I’ve never really felt pressured to follow a specific path or choose a particular education. From a young age, I was always drawn to PR and marketing, which is why I decided to pursue it and got my first education – bachelor’s degree in PR. I started working in the field at 19, and while I originally had an interest in politics, I quickly found myself more passionate about business and marketing. When I was 26, I had a moment of realization: I genuinely love what I do, and I want to dive even deeper into it. That’s when I decided to pursue my MBA in marketing, and I haven’t looked back. Marketing continues to be something I find fascinating, and I’m constantly learning and growing in the field. I honestly can’t imagine myself in any other profession.

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