Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Seagraves
Hi Amber, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am the owner of Studio Seagraves, an eCommerce agency specializing in Shopify and Shopify Plus web design for fashion, home, and beauty brands. I founded Studio Seagraves in 2015 while living in Los Angeles, and in 2020, I relocated back to my hometown of St. Louis. This journey into the world of eCommerce was an unexpected pivot in my career, occurring after a long career as a fashion designer.
My career began in the fashion industry, where I had the privilege of working with prestigious brands such as J.Crew, Ralph Lauren, and Guess Jeans. I spent 14 years in New York City, refining my skills as a fashion designer with a focus on menswear and athleisure. After my time in New York, I moved to Los Angeles to design for Guess Jeans. Unfortunately, after just a year, I faced the unexpected challenge of being laid off. Instead of returning to New York, I chose to remain in Los Angeles and took on several freelance design projects.
In 2015, I launched my own home decor company, Lasso Abode. Leveraging my extensive experience in fashion, I designed my Shopify website and branding, which resonated with the stores and interior designers I was selling my product to. They appreciated the aesthetic and functionality of my site, leading to my first web design clients.
As my reputation grew, I transitioned from a home decor brand to consulting and designing Shopify sites and branding for luxury interior and product-based companies. After 15+ years as a fashion designer, I never envisioned myself owning an eCommerce agency. However, as referrals began to flow in, I quickly established my agency, focusing on Shopify and Shopify Plus web design and helping premium brands thrive in the digital landscape. My clients value my consulting services, where I not only enhance their digital presence but also draw on my experience as a fashion designer and former manufacturer.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has certainly had its challenges. Transitioning from a full-time corporate design position to becoming self-employed and managing two businesses—one a product-based company and the other a web agency—was initially quite daunting. Balancing the demands of both ventures required a significant adjustment period.
However, as I focused my efforts and began to grow my eCommerce team, things started to become more manageable. I now work as the creative director and have built a fantastic team that includes graphic designers, developers, a project manager, and a copywriter. We’ve been collaborating for several years and have developed a strong rhythm that enhances our productivity and creativity. I’m incredibly grateful to have found the right people to support our vision.
Additionally, working from home made me realize that I didn’t need to be in a large city for my business to thrive. After being away for 20 years, I decided to move back to St. Louis to be closer to family, and I was fortunate to make this move just before the pandemic. This decision has not only provided me with a supportive network but has also allowed me to achieve a better work-life balance. While the road hasn’t always been smooth, these experiences have ultimately shaped my journey, and I love that I embraced an unexpected career change.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Studio Seagraves, we specialize in eCommerce web design and development, focusing on Shopify and Shopify Plus for fashion, home, and beauty brands. Our mission is to create visually stunning and highly functional websites that drive sales and enhance the online shopping experience.
What sets us apart is our unique blend of design expertise and industry experience. With a background in fashion design and a deep understanding of eCommerce dynamics, I bring a creative perspective that resonates with our clients’ visions. We pride ourselves on our personalized approach, working closely with each brand to tailor our services to their specific needs and goals.
I’m particularly proud of the relationships we’ve built with our clients over the years. Many of them have become long-term partners, and their success stories are a testament to the impact of our work. We’re known for our ability to not only design beautiful websites but also to provide strategic consulting that helps brands navigate the complexities of the digital landscape.
I want readers to know that at Studio Seagraves, we are committed to empowering brands to thrive in the eCommerce space. Whether it’s through innovative design, effective branding, or comprehensive support, we are here to help our clients succeed and stand out in a competitive market.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least about our city?
What I love most about St. Louis is the abundance of nature and outdoor spaces, which help me maintain a healthy work-life balance while working from home. On weekends, you can often find me enjoying the trails at Queeny Park or Castlewood. Living near my family adds a sense of support to my life, and I truly appreciate the quiet and tranquility that Chesterfield offers, where I’m surrounded by nature and can enjoy a peaceful lifestyle.
I’m excited about the development of Wild Horse Village and Downtown Chesterfield, especially as they integrate nature into the community. The ease of running errands here is a refreshing change from the traffic in Los Angeles, and I love exploring the diverse architecture and neighborhoods—there’s truly something for everyone. While I appreciate the tranquility of Chesterfield, my favorite places to explore, shop, and dine are in Webster Groves, Clayton, Shaw, Lafayette Square and the Central West End.
Originally, I thought I might move to Nashville, but my love for St. Louis has convinced me to stay and embrace all that this city has to offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://studioseagraves.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/studioseagraves
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/studioseagraves
- Other: intro.co/amberseagraves
