Today we’d like to introduce you to Teresa Brandsted
Hi Teresa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up on a hobby farm in rural Minnesota, I learned early on that life is a balance of hard work and imagination. My days were filled with chores—picking rocks, baling hay, and chopping wood to heat our home through the winters. But in between, I’d escape to the outdoors, exploring fields and forests, and building forts that sparked my creativity. That combination of grit and wonder shaped who I am today.
Even as a child, I found beauty in the details: the way sunlight filtered through trees, the subtle movement of animals, and the vibrant colors of a sunset. I started sketching what I saw, turning those moments into art. My small-town school nurtured my budding talent, and my art teacher became my first mentor. By the time I graduated, I had taken every art class available and earned a scholarship from the Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) to pursue an art degree.
At Alexandria Technical and Community College, I honed my skills in Communication Art & Design. I discovered a passion for clean, minimalist design and the way small details could tell powerful stories. I dedicated myself to learning as much as I could and graduated among the top four in my class. But even then, I knew I wanted to do more than just design; I wanted to help others tell their stories. That’s how Inspire Design Studio was born in 2014.
Building Inspire Design Studio wasn’t easy. I worked full-time at various companies—a print and apparel shop, a marketing firm, and even outside the art and marketing industry—while growing my business on the side. Each role taught me something valuable, from design layout and production to business management and strategy. These experiences not only strengthened my creative skills but also gave me the confidence to run a business.
During the 2010s, I had a strong feeling that social media was about to transform how businesses connected with their audiences. I threw myself into learning everything I could about this ever-evolving platform, experimenting with strategies, and adapting as trends changed. It was challenging, but it gave me the tools to stay ahead and help businesses thrive in a digital world.
Just this year, in 2025, I took the leap to make Inspire Design Studio my full-time focus. My goal wasn’t just to create beautiful designs but to help small businesses like mine succeed. I believe that every business—no matter its size—deserves inspiring strategies that reflect its values and aspirations.
Looking back, I see how each piece of my journey fits together: the work ethic I developed on the farm, the creativity I nurtured as a child, the skills I gained in school, and the experience I built working for others. They all led me to this moment, where I get to help others dream big, make bold moves, and write their own inspiring stories.
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?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I grew up in an environment that wasn’t always the most encouraging or nurturing, especially when it came to pursuing a career in the arts. I often felt like I had to carve my own path, relying on my inner drive and love for creativity to push forward.
One of the toughest periods in my journey came in 2016 and 2017 when I went through a divorce. It was a deeply challenging time—both financially and emotionally. Suddenly, I found myself starting over in many ways, piecing together what life would look like on the other side. But looking back, I can see that those moments of struggle taught me resilience and clarity.
In the aftermath of those challenges, I realized that one constant in my life had always been my determination to create something meaningful—not just for myself, but for others. That’s when I doubled down on my vision for Inspire Design Studio. I wanted to use my skills and experiences to help other small businesses tell their stories, find their voice, and thrive.
The road hasn’t always been smooth, but every bump and detour has shaped me into the person I am today. Those struggles gave me a deeper purpose: to inspire others to rise above their challenges, dream big, and build something they’re proud of.
We’ve been impressed with Inspire Design Studio, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Inspire Design Studio has truly evolved over the years, but at its core, we specialize in helping small businesses shine. We’re known for our marketing, graphic design, logo development, promotional products, web design and maintenance, and social media management—all with a focus on educating and empowering small businesses to grow and thrive in today’s fast-paced digital world.
What sets us apart is our hands-on approach. We don’t just provide these services—we partner with our clients, helping them navigate the ever-changing landscape of marketing and design. We’re here to give small businesses the same standout designs and strategies that big companies have, but with a personal touch. We take pride in creating marketing strategies that not only look amazing but work—driving results and helping our clients reach and often surpass their goals.
We believe in consistency and dedication, refining strategies over time to make sure our clients’ goals are always at the forefront. We also provide detailed reports and analysis, giving our clients a clear view of the numbers behind the scenes so they can see the impact of their investment.
The thing I’m most proud of is how we approach each client—we treat their business as if it were our own. That means dedication, hard work, and, of course, creativity in everything we do. Every project is an opportunity to make something great happen, and we pour our hearts into each one.
At the end of the day, we want our clients to know that we’re not just a service provider—we’re a partner who’s invested in their success. We’re here to help them dream big, take bold steps, and inspire their business—and their audience—to believe in what’s possible, challenge the status quo, and create something that resonates on a deeper level.
We also have an Etsy shop where we share some of our favorite creations! It’s a place where you can find physical wood signs, along with downloadable and printable art that can instantly add a little extra personality to any space. It’s something we love doing on the side—creating pieces that are both unique and meaningful. Whether you’re looking for a custom sign or a quick art download, our shop is a fun way for us to connect with people who appreciate the little details in design.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you’re a small business looking to level up, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re looking to work with us directly, collaborate on a project, or tap into our expertise, we’re here to support your journey. Along with the marketing, graphic design, and social media services we provide, we also offer consulting and advice sessions designed to help you brainstorm, analyze what’s working (and what’s not), and give you a clear path forward. Our goal is to help you feel inspired and motivated to market and promote your business with confidence!
To reach out, visit us at www.InspireDesignStudioMN.com.
You can also show your support by following us on social media—Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. We also share tips, tricks, and inspiration each week through our newsletter, dedicated to helping small businesses navigate the world of marketing, graphic design, and social media. Sign up for our weekly articles delivered straight to your inbox by heading to the BLOG tab on our website: www.InspireDesignStudioMN.com.
We also have an Etsy shop where we share some of our favorite creations! It’s a place where you can find physical wood signs, along with downloadable and printable art that can instantly add a little extra personality to any space. It’s something we love doing on the side—creating pieces that are both unique and meaningful. Whether you’re looking for a custom sign or a quick art download, our shop is a fun way for us to connect with people who appreciate the little details in design. www.Etsy.com/shop/IDSHandcrafted
We can’t wait to connect and help you bring your vision to life!
Pricing:
- Pricing Varies for Services, Please Contact
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.InspireDesignStudioMN.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspire.design.studio.mn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspireDesignStudioMN
- LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/InspireDesignStudioMN
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/IDSHandcrafted
