Working with Brit Morin of Brit + Co and Selfmade

Exactly one year ago, I said “yes” to an opportunity that would change my entire entrepreneurial journey. Let me back up and set the scene for you: It was late 2020. I was recently unemployed and it was starting to look like COVID was going to be around a lot longer than just a few weeks.

I wanted my design business to succeed, but so far, it wasn’t something that could sustain my family on its own. I knew I had to do something, and sitting around feeling sorry for myself was definitely not going to be it.

I was chatting with my friend Lia and she was telling me about a new program she had recently enrolled in called Selfmade, a course for entrepreneurs led by Brit Morin, founder and CEO of Brit + Co. I had been a follower (and fangirl) of Brit + Co for a while, so I was VERY intrigued.

She explained how much clarity she had already received since joining Selfmade, and honestly, I could actually see some of those changes taking place in her business. It was transitioning from a small idea to a big vision, and that was exactly what I needed for my business, too.
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Becoming Selfmade
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After talking with Lia, I knew I wanted to join the Spring 2021 cohort. But, I’m not going to lie: I was a little nervous about investing since I didn’t have a full-time job (or income) to support me. But, I knew that if I didn’t make that investment in myself, no one else would, either. 

Just looking at the line-up of coaches and guest teachers that Brit had gathered together for this program, I knew it was beyond worth it. We’re talking Gwyneth Paltrow, Bethany Frankel, Melissa Bernstein (of Melissa & Doug)... you know, people on *that* level.

Of course, the curriculum is impressive, too. It’s a 10-week program that includes all the topics you need to run a successful business. What I really like is how she includes topics that I never would have thought to teach myself, like fundraising, legal, and press.

You’re supported throughout the entire program by a coach, and you have the opportunity to meet most of the other coaches in the program through group and 1:1 sessions. There’s live weekly calls with Brit where you can actually interact with her and ask questions! In other programs like this, the calls are pre-recorded, which feels a little one-sided. You also get the chance to join small group mentoring sessions with her and she's even available via DM!
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Working With Brit Morin

It was on one of these small group calls that Brit asked if I would be able to help her with some graphics that she needed to promote the program. Of course, I said yes! I tried to play it cool, but I’m sure she could see how excited I was that she had asked me.

If you know the brand Brit + Co, you know how design-forward it is. To be asked to contribute my vision and skills to a brand like that, a brand I’ve been pinning to my “Design Inspo” board on Pinterest for years… it was a HUGE confidence boost at a time when I really needed it. 

I ended up creating a suite of graphics for her, including a set of over 200 ads and stickers to promote the Selfmade program (you can see some of my designs here). I was so pleasantly surprised when they won an American Graphic Design Award!

While I don’t do a lot of this kind of work anymore (I mostly just stick with logos and brand identities these days), it is fun to revisit these projects I’ve done, especially ones that had such an enormous impact on my career. 

I learned so much from the Selfmade program and from working with Brit. She really cares about helping people, and she is always looking for ways she can provide opportunities to people who are in the earlier chapters of their entrepreneurship journeys.

If this sounds like something you need right now, I encourage you to check out the program! If you have any questions, I am more than happy to answer them. I also have a 20% code if you'd like to use it. Reach out to me at karla@karlapamanes.com or message me directly at on Instagram!