hello@melissadesignstudio.nl
© melissadesignstudio_
Based in the Netherlands,
working with clients worldwide
We are a brand & website design studio that helps service providers, product brands, and local businesses position themselves strategically, build visual credibility, and create user experiences that actually convert.
who we are
Perception shapes everything. I learned that at 16.
HOW WE START
When I was 16, I started selling plush toys online. It became a success, not because I was the only one selling them or had the biggest budget, but because I accidentally created a brand that felt serious and trustworthy. People didn’t know a teenager was behind it. They just knew they could trust what they saw.
That early win taught me something most businesses miss: how people perceive your brand matters more than how hard you work or how much you know. Your expertise doesn’t speak for itself. Your brand positioning does.
Fifteen years later, after studying architecture, working in the field for six years, and trying different business ideas (with varying levels of success), I kept noticing the same pattern. Every time I launched something, a travel blog, a side project, a small business, people would believe that I was a serious business because I looked professional.
They were reacting to the perception I’d created.
During the pandemic, I finally gave myself permission to pivot. I did an internship as a graphic designer at a marketing agency in Canada and spent four years there, learning the technical side of what I’d been doing instinctively all along. But eventually, I got tired of working on projects that didn’t excite me.
So I built Melissa Design Studio, a place where strategy and design work together to position businesses the way they deserve to be seen.
Your price doesn’t define your value. Your perception does.
What I believe about branding (that most people miss)
You can be the most knowledgeable person in your industry, but if your brand looks like a hobby, people will treat it like one. If your website feels piecing together, rushed, or unclear, clients will assume your business is too.
There’s a fine line between modern and messy. Between cool and unprofessional. Between standing out and looking like a collage notebook.
Most businesses stay stuck not because they lack talent or effort, but because their brand positioning doesn’t match their ambition. They’re undercharging, undervalued, and overwhelmed, not because they aren’t good enough, but because nobody can tell how good they are from the first impression.
Melissa was incredible from the sale to the delivery! I was beyond impressed with her fun and friendly style (which was what I was going for) and then when I saw the 5-star organization on her client portal through Notion, I knew I was in the right hands.
★★★★★
– Heather
Holistic & Wellness Coach and Center
This is the investment I needed to make for my business because I can now share my website with pride knowing that my message, my purpose, services & offerings are clearly presented and beautifully displayed. Thank you Melissa!
★★★★★
– Kyla Clark
Nervous System & Mindset Coach
If you’re looking for a website/branding facelift, I can’t recommend Melissa Design Studio enough! Melissa is so talented and detail oriented and brought the perfect touch to elevate my website design and user experience. I look forward to working with her again in the future!
★★★★★
– Mel Grauds
CEO Melrose Training
Through her branding support, she dives into my brain and untangles the visions and dreams I have for my business.
Melissa has this jaw dropping ability to take what’s trendy and cool but apply it to your brand in unique ways that make you feel so special, SEEN and Understood.
★★★★★
– Erika Eileen
Confidence Coach | Social Media Manager
Melissa is the best designer! She is authentic and very professional. She listens to you, asks the right questions, and truly understands your expectations. She carefully analyzes everything and delivers the rebranding you’ve always dreamed of. I love her work and I’m so happy with the results of my new brand.
– Lourdes
Nurse | Dermoaesthetic
★★★★★
I’m Melissa
A bit about me
I’m Peruvian, based in the Netherlands, and working with ambitious entrepreneurs worldwide. When I’m not designing brands or optimizing user experiences, you’ll find me solving puzzles, binge-watching series, dancing around my kitchen, building Lego sets with way too much focus, or cooking Peruvian food with my partner.
I believe in doing work that excites me, building brands that last, and helping business owners feel proud of what they’ve created.
Over the past 5+ years, I’ve supported 50+ women-led businesses with brand positioning, visual identity design, and websites that convert. My background in architecture taught me how to think spatially and systematically, skills that translate surprisingly well into user experience and brand strategy.
If you’re ready to stop being overlooked and start being chosen, let’s talk.
Ways to work together
BRANDING STRATEGY & DESIGN
WEBSITE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
E-COMMERCE
