Hey, I’m lara
the DESIGNER behind birch & bud design co.
former travel advisor, interior design consultant, email and marketing assistant, and currently; your trusted web designer
where beauty x function intertwine
You want a website that actually reflects your business. One that showcases your work and attracts clients who already get what you do.
We get there by understanding your brand and business. I combine analytical thinking with creative solutions to design websites that look good, work well, and actually convert.
how it all began
When I was a travel advisor, I quickly realized that standing out from online booking sites — and even other advisors — required more than great service.
I needed a space of my own.
A website that legitimized my work, showcased my expertise, and pre-qualified clients who valued knowledge over convenience.
So I built one — learning as I went, spending late nights refining, testing, and rebuilding (over and over) until it felt right. That process showed me how powerful a well-designed website could be. It wasn't just about looking good. It was about strategy.
When the travel industry came to a standstill in 2020, I invested in branding and web design courses to go deeper into something I was already loving. What started as a necessity became Birch & Bud Design Co. — where I help travel advisors and wellness brands build websites that work.
squarespace circle member
Working together is rooted in collaboration + partnership
You know your business better than anyone. My job is to bring that to life online, and I pair your insight with my experience to create something that works.
I also understand that planning a website can feel overwhelming, especially when tech isn’t your comfort zone. My goal is to make the process clear and manageable, so you can focus on your business while I handle the design.
I've refined my process to include everything we need and nothing we don't. Through questionnaires and 1:1 time, I understand your goals and keep you involved. Your website feels right from the start.
my butterfly effect
my butterfly effect
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![travel advisor on the beach in cuba]()
2002 - 2013
After taking Geography at uni, I joined Flight Centre & opened the very first local shop as a Travel Advisor for the brand. We expanded and I worked at 3 branches, became Manager, enjoyed 2 mat leaves and then decided it was time for something new.
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![lara ellis sitting on white couch at design studio]()
2013 - 2018
One of my other loves (besides travel), is interior design. I pivoted to a Design Consultant role at a high-end furniture retailer, eventually transitioning to Sales Admin. I taught myself the ins and outs of Shopify to manage the online presence of the store which planted the seed for web design.
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![lara ellis sitting on a stool in front of a map]()
2016 - 2020
I missed travel and the Independent branch of Flight Centre was getting started. So back to travel I went, as a side gig to start. In 2018 I spent endless hours learning Squarespace, branding, copy and all the things to DIY my travel website. We all know what happened to travel in 2020. It was time for a shift and I enrolled in design courses.
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![lara ellis web designer on a sofa writing in notebook]()
2021 - Present
With a new love of web design and a desire to make the internet prettier and websites easier to navigate, Birch & Bud Design Co. was born. Since then, I’ve invested thousands in exceptional design courses to learn and develop my skills to offer you the best outcome possible on your investment.
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