Meet Justine Vargo | Brand Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justine Vargo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justine, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Oh, work-life balance—the phrase we all hear, but honestly, does anyone ever really figure it out? As a mom of three babies under three (yes, you read that right, three under three), and the owner of a creative design business helping women entrepreneurs and small businesses build their dream logos and websites, balance feels more like a daily dance than a set routine.

Before motherhood, I worked full-time, fully immersed in my creative world. I could pull late nights on projects, answer emails at any hour, and let my coffee go cold five times before microwaving it again. But now? My days are a mix of diaper changes, snack negotiations, and squeezing in design work during nap times (when they actually happen) or after bedtime when the house is finally quiet.

But here’s the thing—becoming a mom didn’t make me less passionate about my work. In fact, it made me more intentional about how I work. I’ve had to set boundaries, prioritize tasks that truly move the needle, and (this one’s hard for us perfectionists) let go of the idea that everything has to be done right now. I’ve learned to ask for help, outsource where I can, and focus on quality over quantity.

To my fellow moms reading this: I see you. Balancing your passions with motherhood is not easy, but it’s worth it. And to the entrepreneurs out there looking for someone who understands the juggle of wearing multiple hats—whether it’s in business or in life—I’m your girl.

I’m proud to run a business that not only helps women entrepreneurs elevate their brands but also sets an example for my little ones about what it means to chase dreams, work hard, and create something meaningful.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business helps female entrepreneurs unleash their brand’s true potential through logo design and website design. What sets us apart is that we don’t just focus on making things look good; we focus on strategy and results. We work to capture businesses’ dream clients, stand out in a crowded market, close more sales, and launch with confidence.

But let me be real—getting here wasn’t easy. I started out working late nights in nightlife until one day, my boss unexpectedly threw me into a design position. I had zero experience and zero formal education in design. I had to teach myself everything from scratch. It was intimidating, but I fell in love with the process and built a career out of pure determination, passion, and countless YouTube tutorials.

And then came motherhood. Three pregnancies and three babies under three years old. At first, it felt like a setback—like my business and dreams would have to be put on hold. But honestly? It turned out to be the greatest setup for a better future. Motherhood gave me clarity, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose. It forced me to become laser-focused on what truly matters in both my work and my life.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and my brand, it’s this: hard work and passion can get you exactly where you’re meant to be. Dreams don’t always unfold the way you expect them to, but they’re always worth chasing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I currently live in the Sacramento area and one of the best things about living here is how close I am to so many incredible places. We’d start with a day trip to Napa Valley for wine tasting—because, honestly, how can you not? Next, we’d head up to Lake Tahoe for some snowboarding and those dreamy mountain views. Maybe even swing by Reno for a little spontaneous fun.

Back home in Sacramento, we’d spend a day shopping at some of the best malls and local boutiques, and enjoying good conversation. For food, there are so many amazing farm-to-fork restaurants around here; we’d definitely hit a few local favorites.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
If I could give a heartfelt shoutout to anyone, it would be my children. They are my biggest inspiration and my constant motivation. Every late night, every project I pour my heart into, every challenge I overcome—it’s all for them. They remind me daily of why I work so hard and why building something meaningful matters. They’re not just my reason; they’re my why.

Website: https://www.vargodesigns.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justine_vargodesigns/