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 reflects you — effortlessly. One that feels considered, showcases your work with intention, and attracts clients who already value the experience you offer.
That starts with understanding the heart of your brand and business. I blend strategy, creativity, and intuition to design websites that feel beautiful, work seamlessly, and guide people toward connection with clarity and ease.
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 offers, showcased my specializations, educated potential clients, and pre-qualified the people who truly valued expertise over convenience.
So I built one — learning as I went, spending late nights refining, testing, and rebuilding until it felt right. That (arduous) process showed me firsthand how powerful a well-designed online presence could be, not just aesthetically, but strategically.
When the travel industry came to a standstill in 2020, I leveraged my passion and experience and invested in branding and web design courses. What started as a necessity evolved into Birch & Bud Design Co. — a studio dedicated to helping TAs and wellness brands create websites that are beautiful, credible, and aligned with the businesses they’re building.
squarespace circle member
Working together is rooted in collaboration + partnership
You know your business better than anyone. My role is to bring that knowledge, passion, and vision to life online — pairing your insight with my experience to create something thoughtful, strategic, and aligned.
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 feel clear and supported, creating space to explore your brand more deeply and share the heart of your business with confidence.
I’ve refined my client process to include everything we need — and nothing we don’t. Through intentional questionnaires and dedicated 1:1 time, I gain a clear understanding of your goals while keeping you involved every step of the way, so your website feels considered and cohesive from the very beginning.
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
Guides & 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