Female Disruptors: Rochelle Ratkaj Moser Of Ratkaj Designs On The Three Things You Need To Shake Up Your Industry
An Interview With Vanessa Morcom
“You’re not alone: You’re part of a community that supports you. Lean on them when you need help, but remember to give back whenever you can. When you face tough decisions, your community can guide you. There are those who have already walked your path and know the way.”
As a part of our series about women who are shaking things up in their industry, we had the pleasure of interviewing Rochelle Ratkaj Moser.
Founder of Ratkaj Designs, blends 20 years of design expertise with a marketer’s mindset, creating visually stunning and mission-driven solutions for top brands. Since founding Ratkaj Designs in 2015, initially as a solo venture, the agency’s growth has been remarkable. Beyond numbers, Ratkaj Designs prioritizes forging meaningful connections and delivering impactful solutions, aiming to revolutionize how brands utilize the power of design.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?
Hi there! I’m Rochelle, the founder of Ratkaj Designs. With nearly two decades of experience blending design expertise with a marketer’s mindset, I’m dedicated to crafting visually stunning and highly functional solutions for clients of all stripes.
I’ve tackled branding challenges for a diverse array of clients, from fledgling startups to nationally recognized nonprofits. I thrive on complexity, approaching each project with boundless enthusiasm and a keen eye for unlocking its full potential.
In 2015, I took the leap and founded Ratkaj Designs. A creative design agency driven by the power of mission in design. Starting as a solo operation, its growth has continued unabated, with sales doubling every year for the past three years.
Ratkaj Designs isn’t just about numbers — it’s about forging meaningful connections and delivering impactful solutions that propel brands to new heights. With Rochelle at the helm, Ratkaj Designs is poised to revolutionize how brands utilize the power of design.
Can you tell our readers what it is about the work you’re doing that’s disruptive?
Ratkaj Designs is an acclaimed, full-service visual branding agency, renowned for its commitment to creating impactful and approachable brand identities and communications. Driven by mission, we specialize in brand identity, website development, and print design, Ratkaj Designs is dedicated to ensuring organizations stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Rejecting the traditional, slow-paced agency model, Ratkaj Designs embraces a nimble, collaborative, and transparent approach. Recognizing that effective branding extends beyond mere logos and taglines, the team works tirelessly to craft immersive brand experiences that captivate audiences and drive results.
With a firm belief in the power of storytelling and design, Ratkaj Designs empowers brands of all sizes — from startups to established enterprises — to make their mark in the digital landscape. Clients can trust Ratkaj Designs to amplify their voices, elevate their presence, and command attention in an ever-evolving market.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Thinking I could do it all myself. I’m not invincible and while I may have boundless energy and enthusiasm for the work I do, there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get it all done sometimes.
When I started I felt like I had to have my hands on all the work, the processes, the invoices, the communications, EVERYTHING. Before I knew it, I was resentful of my business and severely burnt out. I needed to take a step back, breathe and find a better way.
By bringing in staff that did what I did, I was able to focus on the business in a different way. I was able to spend time developing systems and finding ways forward instead of working on every single project that came in. I eventually let go and found trust with my team and the process which allowed me to be my best self.
We all need a little help along the journey. Who have been some of your mentors? Can you share a story about how they made an impact?
The women right beside me. Business ownership is hard, and without those other women in the trenches with me, I would lose sight of the amazing work we’re accomplishing. It’s the fellow business owners who show up every day despite obstacles, time constraints, and obligations. It’s the women on my team who continue to push me to be the leader they deserve. It’s the clients who believe in the work we do and allow us to keep pushing forward to create amazing things every day.
In today’s parlance, being disruptive is usually a positive adjective. But is disrupting always good? When do we say the converse, that a system or structure has ‘withstood the test of time’? Can you articulate to our readers when disrupting an industry is positive, and when disrupting an industry is ‘not so positive’? Can you share some examples of what you mean?
Without change, there’s no growth. Disruption brings fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to familiar tasks. It carves out new paths, offering a renewed outlook on the world. Disruption is essential.
Yet, some disrupt merely to create chaos. Their aim is to dismantle and regress, causing irreversible harm. Intentions matter. Just as growth is driven by purpose, so is disruption.
Our clients, committed to bettering the world, disrupt in ways that uplift and create opportunities. They break cycles of oppression through education and job opportunities, offering new options to those striving for more. Their efforts create ripple effects, opening doors not just for the few but for everyone.
Conversely, those with malicious intent only look backward, dragging us into the past. They erect barriers, stifling the progress others have fought for. They strip away rights and opportunities from those who need them most.
True disruption paves the way forward, fostering growth and creating a brighter future for all.
Can you share 3 of the best words of advice you’ve gotten along your journey?
1. “You’re not alone: You’re part of a community that supports you. Lean on them when you need help, but remember to give back whenever you can. When you face tough decisions, your community can guide you. There are those who have already walked your path and know the way.”
Shifting from “ME” to “WE” was daunting. I didn’t know what to do or how to do it. Having a team seemed like a distant goal. But by leaning on my community and seeking mentorship from those who had already made the journey, I found my way and streamlined the process. My community shared their own ups and downs, successes, and missteps. With their guidance, I made informed decisions, avoiding many pitfalls.
Now, I do the same for others. I mentor designers and fellow freelancers, guiding them through solopreneurship and the transition from “ME” to “WE”. By giving back to the community that made my journey possible, I’m helping to create the next generation of entrepreneurs, ensuring the cycle continues.
2. Let go and trust the process. Business ownership can feel like a long, exhausting journey upstream, filled with twists, turns, highs, and lows. There will be moments when you’re unsure of your direction or if you have the energy to continue. Sometimes, you just need to let go and trust the process.
For a long time, I tried to control my business. I was involved in every aspect, from billing and contracts to design and project management. Before long, I was burnt out and felt disillusioned with the very business I was working so hard to create. It felt harder than it needed to be, but I didn’t know a different way.
A mentor once told me that salmon don’t manage every wave; they know where to go and just let go, following their instincts. This struck a chord with me. I was that salmon, swimming upstream, fighting every wave and current. Yes, the journey upstream is tough, but what if I let go and trusted the process? What if I didn’t push myself so hard and relinquished control where I could?
What I didn’t expect was the success and growth that followed. We doubled year over year and built a team that managed various aspects of the business, freeing up my time. We created something lighter, making room for exploration and growth.
Trying to control every situation only leads to burnout and makes things harder. Let go. Step back and breathe.
3. Break free from the shoulds and have-tos: No one knows your business like you do. Those gurus online who dictate what you have to do and should be doing offer one-size-fits-all solutions. It’s okay to break the rules, forge your own way, and do things differently.
If I built my business the way LinkedIn and Instagram gurus suggest, it wouldn’t meet my needs at all. We’d abandon hourly billing, adjust rates for each client based on budget or timeline, and niche down so much that we’d lose many of our current clients. It wouldn’t bring me joy.
By creating a business that fits YOU, you’re building something sustainable. Bill in a way that makes sense to you. Support clients who resonate with you and bring you joy. Run a business that excites you.
Anyone who claims you can’t be successful unless you do “X” is short-sighted. There are countless ways to build a successful business, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.
We are sure you aren’t done. How are you going to shake things up next?
We’re continuously evolving and shaping our path forward. Currently, we’re meticulously defining who our ideal client is, ensuring our efforts align perfectly with those who resonate deeply with our mission. Moving forward, our goal is to elevate powerful campaigns that not only drive positive change but also empower the disadvantaged and amplify voices that are often marginalized. At the same time, we’re at the forefront of new accessibility requirements, ensuring that our designs are inclusive and accessible to all. Our commitment to growth remains steadfast, driven by our belief in the transformative power of design. By leading with innovation and creativity, we aim to set new standards in our industry, making a meaningful impact through every project we undertake.
In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges faced by ‘women disruptors’ that aren’t typically faced by their male counterparts?
There’s a misconception that our personal lives make us weak, that being a parent or spouse distracts us from our goals. In reality, it’s quite the opposite. Being a mother makes me work even harder. I have less time for distractions and indecision, allowing me to move forward with confidence and conviction.
Raising my son has taught me not to second-guess myself. I trust my instincts and take action, uncovering a strength within me that I didn’t know existed.
Mothers and wives aren’t weak; we’re some of the strongest people you’ll find.
Do you have a book/podcast/talk that’s had a deep impact on your thinking? Can you share a story with us?
One of my new favorite podcasts is ‘Hope Survives’ from the Brain Injury Association of America. This podcast has been a constant source of inspiration for our projects and our ongoing partnership with BIAA. The stories shared on ‘Hope Survives’ are truly uplifting and enlightening, providing valuable insights into resilience and overcoming challenges. Listening to the journeys of individuals navigating life after brain injury has deepened our understanding and commitment to supporting similar causes through our work. It’s a podcast that not only educates but also motivates us to make a meaningful impact in our community.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
Collective success over individual gain Collective success is about give and take, and I prioritize leaving my team and fellow business owners better off than I found them. I never gatekeep; when one of us wins, we all win. Achieving success is much harder without community.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller
Helen Keller’s quote, ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,’ perfectly encapsulates my approach to running my business. I believe in the power of collaboration and community, recognizing that collective success is built on mutual support and shared knowledge. By fostering a culture where we uplift each other, I ensure that my team and fellow business owners thrive together. This ethos of never gatekeeping and always prioritizing the growth of others has not only strengthened our business but also created a robust network of partners and allies who are invested in each other’s success.
This collaborative mindset extends to every aspect of our operations. I understand that my role as a mother and a business owner has honed my ability to trust my instincts and act with conviction, making decisive moves that benefit the whole. By leaning on my community and offering mentorship, I’ve navigated challenges more effectively and created a sustainable business model that resonates with my values. Helen Keller’s wisdom underscores the importance of unity, illustrating that our greatest achievements come from working together and supporting one another on the path to success.
How can our readers follow you online?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ratkaj/
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!
About The Interviewer: Vanessa Morcom is a millennial mom of three and founder of Morcom Media, a performance PR shop for thought leaders. She earned her degree in journalism and worked for Canada’s largest social enterprise. She can be reached at vanessa@morcom.media.
