Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Kranzler
Hi Megan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
If you had asked me ten years ago where I saw myself, I probably would’ve said something like “leading brand campaigns for global companies.” And for a while, that’s exactly what I did. I spent nearly a decade in corporate design and marketing, helping international brands build their identities and boost their bottom lines. It was exciting, fast-paced, and challenging. But deep down, I knew something was missing.
By early 2020, I was starting to feel restless. Even though I loved the work, it felt like I wasn’t making a meaningful impact. The projects were big, but they weren’t personal. I wanted to do something that felt more connected to people and their passions.
Then, the pandemic hit that spring, and my corporate job vanished. The world was upside down, and suddenly, so was my career. Like many people, I spent the next few months trying to figure out what was next. At first, I floundered. But the more I thought about it, the clearer it became: I wanted to help the people whose dreams I really believed in—the small businesses, the ones with heart and soul that just needed a push to get their brand out into the world.
By mid-2020, Olive Ridley Studios was born. At first, it was just me figuring things out and working with whoever I could, but the more I focused on small businesses, the more I realized I had found my purpose. I wasn’t just helping with logos or packaging—I was helping these businesses tell their stories, connect with customers, and ultimately thrive in a competitive market. It felt personal, impactful, and fulfilling.
Fast-forward to today. To the outside world, Olive Ridley Studios might be just a branding agency, but I see my work as an opportunity to level the playing field for small businesses. These brands deserve the same chance to shine as their larger competitors, and I’m here to make sure they do.
This year, I’ve put a lot of energy into finding new ways to help more small businesses—now offering three levels of service to meet entrepreneurs where they are in their journey. Whether they want to DIY (done-by-you), work alongside me (done-with-you), or let me take the reins (done-for-you), I’ve made sure there’s a solution that fits their needs and budget without compromising quality. It’s all about helping these brands succeed on their own terms without devaluing my work or the power of branding.
I’m still the same person who loves creating bold, impactful brands. But now, instead of feeling disconnected, I’m able to watch my clients—small business owners with big dreams—make waves and carve out their space in the world. That’s what drives me and why Olive Ridley Studios exists.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s definitely had its ups and downs. Like most small business owners, I’ve faced the usual struggles—low startup funds, cash flow issues, and trying to find that elusive work/life balance. There’s a lot of pressure that comes with running your own business, and 2024 has been especially challenging, not just for me, but for so many entrepreneurs. What worked to get people through the door last year suddenly stopped working. People have become more hesitant to spend, and small businesses everywhere are scrambling to adjust to this new market reality.
On top of the business challenges, I’ve also dealt with some personal struggles, particularly around mental health. 2023 was a really tough year for me—I lost four beloved, life-long pets in the span of seven months. The grief that came with that was overwhelming. Trying to navigate such personal loss while also bearing the weight of running a business is exhausting. It can feel like too much at times.
That’s why community has become so important to me as an entrepreneur. Having people around who understand what you’re going through is incredibly powerful. I didn’t have much of a support network in my first year of business. Building those connections has taken a lot of time and effort (and forcing myself out of my introverted comfort zone), but it’s been worth it.
Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy, but having a strong community makes the hard days a little easier to get through.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Olive Ridley Studios, I specialize in helping small, product and retail-based businesses build strong, impactful brands that resonate with their audience. My focus is on brand identity design, physical branding (like packaging and storefronts), and creating brand experiences that help these small businesses stand out in a crowded marketplace. I’m all about working with companies that have heart, passion, and a real vision for their future—whether they’re just starting out or need help evolving their existing brand to meet their growing goals.
Most people hire me for full-service design because they’re drawn to my unique style. I love using bold colors and adding a sense of playfulness to brands when it feels right. My natural design style has a modern-retro vibe—something that feels fresh but with a nod to the past. When hiring a designer, it’s important to find someone whose work allows you to see your vision within their style. And that’s what I try to offer—design that’s flexible enough to reflect each client’s unique story, but with a signature touch that makes it distinct.
One thing that sets Olive Ridley Studios apart is my constant desire to meet people where they are. It’s helped me build flexibility into my branding approach. As I mentioned, I now offer three levels of service—done-by-you (DIY), done-with-you, and done-for-you—because I know that every business is at a different place in their journey. Not everyone has the budget for full-service branding right away, so I provide options that allow business owners to get what they need without compromising on quality.
I’m most proud of the impact I’ve made on the small businesses I work with. I’m not just designing logos or packaging—I’m helping business owners tell their stories and connect with their customers in an authentic and memorable way. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing these businesses grow, thrive, and find their place in the market because of the work we’ve done together.
I think what really sets me apart is my genuine passion for small businesses. I’m not just in this for the design work, although I do love creating bold, creative brands. I’m here because I believe in leveling the playing field. Every small business deserves a chance to succeed, and I’m committed to helping them do just that. Plus, with my background in corporate branding for international companies, I bring a high level of expertise to the table—but I approach it with the heart and soul of a small business owner.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’m probably more risk-averse than most people would expect from an entrepreneur. Honestly, taking the leap to start Olive Ridley Studios was the biggest risk I’ve ever taken. Leaving behind the security of a steady paycheck was terrifying, but I knew deep down that it was the right move for me.
That said, so much of being a small business owner involves taking smaller, calculated risks on a regular basis—deciding where to invest your money, figuring out your pricing, and staying the course when business slows down. These everyday decisions involve risk, and they’re part of the reality of running your own business. Over time, you get better at assessing those risks and trusting yourself to make the right calls.
One of the things I love about being a service provider is that there was generally less upfront risk in getting my business up and running compared to other industries. I have a ton of respect for my clients—they’re the real risk-takers. They invest thousands in startup costs, from product development to packaging to inventory, because they believe so deeply in their dreams. Watching them take those big leaps, despite the risks, is incredibly inspiring.
For me, it’s about finding the right balance. I try to make smart, informed decisions while pushing myself just enough out of my comfort zone to grow. That’s what risk-taking looks like for me as a business owner.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oliveridleystudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliveridleystudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oliveridleystudios
- Other: https://oliveridleystudios.substack.com/
