Bio

I started Charlotte’s Web Design Studio about a year ago because I really like computer graphics and web design. I’ve been around design and colors ever since I was able to walk since my parents owned a paint and wallpaper store. When it was time for me to go to college, I’m pretty sure I would have gone into web design, but there was no such thing back then. So, instead I got a degree in Elementary Education and taught middle school for 18 years. In 2008 I went back to school and took web design classes which led me to where I am now.

I live in Charlotte, MI with my husband and our brood of rescued cats. Our kids have all grown up and moved on to their own careers. My favorite pastime when I’m not on the computer is playing the piano and visiting my two daughters in Chicago. I love the outdoors, animals and photography. One of these days I’d like to get a good camera and make a photography website for myself.

Why do you use WordPress?

I use WordPress because I like the open source idea behind it and the WordPress community is phenomenal.

When and how did you start using WordPress?

When I was designing websites for a company in I worked for, they decided that they were going to use WordPress for the websites we made. At first I thought, “Oh, great, just one more thing I have to take the time to learn on top of everything else I was working on.” But it was the best move ever because it wasn’t hard to learn and it was really fun using WordPress.

What would you tell someone to convince them to attend a WordCamp?

Besides it being the best WordPress information you can get in one or two days and for a very low price, the people attending WordCamps are just awesome and fun!

Tell us about something awesome you’ve experienced at a WordCamp in the past.

Something I found out about myself and others that I didn’t know existed was “The Impostor Syndrome” I learned about it at the 2015 Dayton WordCamp. Just knowing about it and slowly learning how to combat it is empowering.

Give an example of a cool WordPress project you have worked on recently.

Well, I haven’t started the project yet, but I just gave a proposal to a hotel company who wants to showcase their area. The website I proposed would have interactive maps in it which I think will be really cool to design.

What is your favorite part of WordCamps?

My favorite part of WordCamp is meeting people who are all there to better themselves in the WordPress world, who have different strengths than myself and I can learn from them and share what I’ve learned with others.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to start or grow a WordPress based business?

The best advice I got when I wanted to start my WordPress based business was to network, network, network. So that’s the advice I would pass on. Also, take advantage of all the free webinars, podcasts and blogs about WordPress.

Tell us something awesome about yourself that is not WordPress related.

I love to play the piano and am pretty darn good at it.

Name someone in the WordPress community who inspires you.

The person who has inspired me the most would have to be Kyle Maurer with his selfless and dynamic contributions to the WordPress community. He also has been a fantastic source of encouragement for me in learning WordPress and starting my own business.

What has been your biggest WordPress related accomplishment to date?

My biggest accomplishment to date would be acquiring some paying clients.

How have WordCamps impacted you and your business in the past?

WordCamps have greatly affected my knowledge about WordPress and internet issues. There is no other way to learn a lot of great information in such a short time.

Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you __________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp”.

If you are unsure about stepping out of your comfort zone to pursue a whole new career.

What should someone learn before attending your talk at WordCamp Ann Arbor?

No previous knowledge required.

What is your favorite WordPress related resource?

My favorite WordPress related resource would be Dustin Hartzler’s “Your Website Engineer” webinars and podcast episodes.

Where can we find you online?

http://charlotteswebdesignstudio.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviscarol
@CLDavisDesigns