Hey, I’m lara
the DESIGNER behind birch & bud design co.
I design & develop Squarespace websites for travel advisors and wellness brands (and honestly, anyone else that vibes with my style)
Before that, I spent years as a travel advisor — brick-and-mortar to indie, through every shift the industry went through. That history is the reason I build websites differently than most designers.
how it all began
I didn't start in design. I started in travel — and that makes all the difference.
When I was a travel advisor, I quickly realized that standing out required more than good service. I needed a website that legitimized my work, communicated what made me different, and pre-qualified clients before they ever picked up the phone.
So I built one. I spent months learning Squarespace, studying what made people stay on a page and what made them leave, rebuilding sections until they actually worked.
That process taught me more about what a website needs to do than any course could. When travel came to a standstill in 2020, I didn't treat it as a pause. I went all in on design — not just the tools, but the thinking behind it. User psychology, conversion principles, why certain layouts earn trust and others lose it in the first three seconds.
Because if I'm going to do something, I want to actually understand it. Birch & Bud Design Co. came out of that. A web design studio founded by someone who has been on both sides of this — and knows what your website needs to do because she needed it to do the same things.
squarespace circle member
why it matters for your website
Most designers research your industry from a client questionnaire. I spent years inside it.
I know what it's like to quote a trip for four hours and learn they booked it on Expedia. I know what the fee conversation costs you — in time, in energy, in the client who decided it wasn't worth it. And I know what your clients are actually thinking when they land on your page, because for years I was talking to people exactly like them.
That's what I bring to every website I design. Not just the aesthetics, but the understanding of what it actually needs to do. When we work together, you get one project at a time — my full attention, clear communication, and a process that doesn't disappear on you. You'll always know where things stand.
my butterfly effect
my butterfly effect
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![travel advisor on the beach in cuba]()
2002 - 2013
After studying Geography at university, I joined Flight Centre and helped open the very first local shop as a travel advisor for the brand. Over the next decade I worked across three branches, became manager, took two mat leaves, and eventually decided it was time for something new.
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![lara ellis sitting on white couch at design studio]()
2013 - 2018
My other obsession has always been interiors. I moved into a design consultant role at a high-end furniture retailer, eventually transitioning into sales admin — and taught myself Shopify to manage the store's online presence. That was the first time I realized I actually loved this.
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![lara ellis sitting on a stool in front of a map]()
2016 - 2020
I missed travel. When the independent branch of Flight Centre launched, I went back — as a side gig at first, then full time. In 2018 I spent months learning Squarespace, studying branding and copy, and building my own travel website from scratch. We all know what happened next.
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![lara ellis web designer on a sofa writing in notebook]()
2021 - Present
Birch & Bud Design Co. launched in 2021. Since then I've invested heavily in design education — not because I needed a certificate, but because I wanted to actually be good at this. The work keeps getting better. That part isn't stopping.
BEHIND THE NAME
BIRCH
& BUD
birch /bərCH/
Birch trees are symbolic of one who never stops wondering. The bark peels layer by layer much like the rebirths that happen as we evolve and grow, just like the cycle of nature.
A true renewal of the mind, body and soul. I think we all land here at pivotal moments requiring a level-up.
bud /bəd/
to begin to develop or grow and thrive, in business and life.
…and alliteration is my jam.
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![Maine Wedding Photgrapher]()
'This feels like a rebirth and I can't get over how much of a vibe it is! The website just flows...I should charge admission to visit this site!!'
You are SO talented and I am SO thankful to have found you. I am speechless. So blown away. Wow! wow! Wow!
MAT GARBER | MAT & ASH PHOTOGRAPHY
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![travel advisor testimonial]()
'entire process was very collaborative'
I had a very smooth and positive experience working with Lara to build my website for my travel business. The entire process was very collaborative and I felt like my personality and business brand really came through in the final product. Lara was always available to answer questions, provide feedback, and offer support. I would highly recommend working with Birch & Bud Design Co.
CAITLIN SHEEN | TRAVEL DESIGNED BY CAITLIN
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![resume writer testimonial]()
'an incredible parter with strong technical skills'
The walkthrough videos were incredible. I appreciated being sent off with step-by-step instructions so that I understood some of the technical components and also be prepared to make changes in the future! I also loved how responsive you were when I had change requests—if there was a particular element I was unsure about, you had such great alternatives.
MELISSA ORPEN-TUZ | VIVID CAREER SERVICES
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![family and wedding photographer testimonial]()
'knew you would nail everything I had envisioned!'
I genuinely love every part about it. You are truly INCREDIBLE...I knew you would nail everything I had envisioned! I am BEYOND thankful for you and all your hard work. I have nothing but good things to say about you and your business.
MELISSA LANG-NICHOL | THE LIGHTHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY
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'steered us in the right direction while allowing our ideas to come to life'
We worked with Lara on the creation of a new website for Done Right Decks. She did an amazing job bringing our vison to life on all aspects of our site. She steered us in the direction while allowing our ideas to come to life. I would highly recommend Lara to anyone looking to build an online presence.
BRAXTON CARTER | DONE RIGHT DECKS
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![realtor testimonial]()
'really helpful with kickstarting ideas'
Was impressed with Lara’s organization and ability to follow through on each stage of our project. If you need help building out a website, or just don’t know where to start, I suggest you start here. Lara is really helpful with kickstarting ideas and building out design elements.
JOHN BENJAMINS | BENJAMINS REALTY
value-led
What to Expect
✿ Empowerment through Education
✿ Collaboration and Open Communication
✿ Generosity and Kindness
my why
Freedom & Family
the fun facts
In a Nutshell
✿ Glamper, Interior Design enthusiast, Podcast addict, Wellness lover, modern hippie
✿ Manifesting Generator 3/5, Aries sun & moon, Taurus rising, ISTP, Enneagram 8
the give back programs
I believe in being good & doing good.
Embracing sustainability, health and social impact is a core value and giving back is a measurement of my success.
Your support contributes to social & environmental charities through 1% For The Planet and dog rescues like Tyson N Friends who rescue, foster and help end the stigma around Bully breeds in Ontario. Follow my cute bully babe @life_with_nixon
where to next?
Want to dive into some resources? I've got some reading curated just for you
…or let’s get right to the good stuff and connect
explore
Resource Marketplace
My favourite resources for marketing, copywriting, design and business!
shop
Templates & Workbooks
Work through the fundamentals of your business on a budget with accessible digital downloads.
learn
The Journal
Latest tips & thoughts on web design & marketing your business