Today we’d like to introduce you to Charisse Collette.
Charisse , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve worked independently and taken on leadership responsibilities from a young age, long before I ever thought of myself as an entrepreneur. By 19, I was managing my own workload while juggling college, leading on-site product promotional teams, and representing national brands. That early experience required discipline, communication, and accountability, and it taught me how to earn trust and perform in fast-paced environments.
After graduating from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication and a minor in Marketing, I stepped into a business development role, where I was responsible for driving growth initiatives. As the business expanded, I played a key role in helping transition operations from traditional sales to eCommerce, leading internal strategy, developing digital campaigns, and scaling the online product catalog by thousands of SKUs. That work gave me a practical foundation in systems, scalability, and long-term growth.
Following the sale of the company, I applied that experience within a newly relaunched creative agency during a period of rebuilding. I took on responsibility for growth and digital strategy and began intentionally developing my design skill set. Through hands-on practice, I taught myself web design, social media strategy, and SEO while also navigating marriage and early motherhood. Much of that work happened late at night, learning in real time and building a portfolio through consistency and effort.
Eventually, I decided to build something entirely my own so I could work with greater intention and alignment. I launched Collette Collabs from a small corner of my bedroom and grew it steadily over time. My work today is rooted in lived experience, self-directed learning, and a clear understanding of what it takes to build something meaningful from the ground up. Because I’ve gone through that process myself, I’m able to support startups and growing businesses with empathy, clarity, and practical guidance they can trust.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve navigated seasons of uncertainty and long hours, often while juggling major life changes at the same time. Learning how to grow something sustainably, without burning out, was a lesson that took time and intention.
One of the more formative challenges was learning how to trust my own judgment. Building a business requires making decisions without constant feedback or reassurance, especially as a mom balancing ambition with family life. Over time, I learned that meaningful progress often comes from quiet consistency rather than external validation.
Those experiences taught me how to stay grounded, believe in my abilities, and stay focused on my purpose even when progress felt slow. They shape how I show up today, not just as a business owner, but as a mentor and partner to other women who are building businesses alongside real life and learning to trust themselves in the process.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Collette Collabs is a branding and web design studio built to support entrepreneurs through thoughtful, collaborative design. I specialize in strategy-first brand identities and Wix Studio websites that are designed not only to look beautiful, but to function intentionally and grow alongside the businesses behind them. My work often includes brand strategy, logo design, visual identity systems, messaging clarity, and custom website design that helps businesses show up confidently online.
I believe building a brand and website should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Every project begins with clarity, where clients are actively involved in defining their messaging, positioning, and goals before design ever begins. This approach ensures their website becomes a tool that works for them, rather than something they have to fight with or feel disconnected from. As a certified Wix Studio web designer and internationally recognized Wix Partner, I bring deep platform expertise to building flexible, scalable website systems clients can confidently manage and grow over time.
In addition to custom branding and web design services, I create premium Wix Studio website templates and digital products that allow business owners to launch quickly and affordably without sacrificing quality or strategy. These templates are built with real business needs in mind, including clear structure, thoughtful layouts, and the flexibility to grow as a brand evolves. This is one of the parts of the business I am most proud of because it removes a major barrier for entrepreneurs who want a professional online presence but are not yet ready for full custom design.
At its core, Collette Collabs is built on collaboration. I want every client to feel seen, heard, and genuinely excited about what they are building. My goal is for the process to feel empowering and fun, so my clients can walk away not just with a strong brand or website, but with confidence in themselves and their business moving forward.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Adaptability, grounded in resilience. Technology, platforms, and expectations are constantly evolving, and staying curious and willing to learn has been essential to my success. Building a business while navigating major life changes meant figuring things out without a clear roadmap, which pushed me to continuously adapt and teach myself new skills as the work demanded it, from web design and custom code to SEO, accessibility, and digital product development.
That adaptability has allowed me to grow alongside my clients rather than fall behind the tools. Along the way, I earned certifications in Wix Studio and web accessibility, not as a finish line, but as part of an ongoing commitment to staying informed and capable in a changing digital landscape. I’ve learned that the moment you stop being a student is the moment your work stops serving people well.
What ultimately makes my work successful is that I don’t approach projects as one-time design exchanges. I see each client as a brand and a long-term partner. I work alongside them as their business evolves, helping them define their messaging, understand their audience, and communicate with clarity and confidence over time. That partnership-driven approach allows me to build work that is not only functional and current, but meaningful, strategic, and sustainable.
Pricing:
- Custom branding and Wix Studio website projects typically range from $2,500 to $7,500, depending on scope and functionality.
- Wix Studio website templates and digital products are available at more accessible price points, generally ranging from $99 to $499.
- Ongoing support, strategy sessions, and add-on services are offered based on client needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.collettecollabs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collettecollabs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collettecollabs
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charissecollette
Image Credits
Forever Young Photography, Leslie Fernandez Photography
