Five years ago today I made my very first Instagram post on this account, officially launching Virtual Muse 💐
I didn’t really know what I was doing, but I had every ounce of determination to bring this dream to fruition (if you know me, I’m like that with anything in life)
What started with a few clients believing in me and bringing me on as their virtual assistant led into the most beautiful, creative, inspiring, five years of blossoming into a design and social media studio
My heart has been overflowing with gratitude since day one, through the busy seasons and slow seasons. Taking this moment to really soak in the milestone and what being here means to me 🥲
An endless amount of thank yous to everyone who has encouraged me or supported me and my work along the way — I love you to pieces!!!
📷:
@cheyfranke@jackiesterna@sternastudios
(Brand design in progress for an oregon-based mental health practitioner)
Is this not the most precious moodboard to be creating in the midst of Spring 🐴🌷
This brand is set to take on a classic background with grounded, eclectic touches and themes of self-connection and wellness.
Unpolished in the sense that life is beautiful, but nothing is perfect, while still maintaining a grounded foundation to support the mental health and wellness space. A balance of freedom and support.
A direction designed to feel safe, warm, optimistic, and nurturing.
Brb while I continue designing this beautiful brand with the windows open and the sun shining 🥹🧺
—
wellness brand design, cottagecore brand aesthetic, spring moodboard, spring brand design, spring aesthetic, clean brand design
(3/3) Riviera Creative is a detail-forward design house curating unparalleled events and experiences around the world.
This is a brand for the tastemakers, romantics, and visionaries—those who seek more than just an event. They crave atmosphere. A memory. A feeling. Something timeless and transportive.
Riviera’s creative signature is unmistakable—chic, nostalgic, and editorial by nature, with a refined point of view and an instinct for creating the unforgettable.
Inspired by old-world romance, high fashion, and the textured nuance of everyday moments, we created a brand world for Riviera where every detail is personal, and elevated atmosphere becomes everything.
Explore at rivieraloveclub.com
Project Scope: Brand Identity, Website Design
Client: @rivieracreative_
(2/3) Riviera Creative is a detail-forward design house curating unparalleled events and experiences around the world.
This is a brand for the tastemakers, romantics, and visionaries—those who seek more than just an event. They crave atmosphere. A memory. A feeling. Something timeless and transportive.
Riviera’s creative signature is unmistakable—chic, nostalgic, and editorial by nature, with a refined point of view and an instinct for creating the unforgettable.
Inspired by old-world romance, high fashion, and the textured nuance of everyday moments, we created a brand world for Riviera where every detail is personal, and elevated atmosphere becomes everything.
Explore at rivieraloveclub.com
Project Scope: Brand Identity, Website Design
Client: @rivieracreative_
(1/3) Riviera Creative is a detail-forward design house curating unparalleled events and experiences around the world.
This is a brand for the tastemakers, romantics, and visionaries—those who seek more than just an event. They crave atmosphere. A memory. A feeling. Something timeless and transportive.
Riviera’s creative signature is unmistakable—chic, nostalgic, and editorial by nature, with a refined point of view and an instinct for creating the unforgettable.
Inspired by old-world romance, high fashion, and the textured nuance of everyday moments, we created a brand world for Riviera where every detail is personal, and elevated atmosphere becomes everything.
Explore at rivieraloveclub.com
Project Scope: Brand Identity, Website Design
Client: @rivieracreative_
HNY from Muse!
Wrapping the first week of 26 with a smile on my heart and a little thank you note / love letter to everyone here in this space 🤍
Whether you’re a client of mine who has trusted me with your vision and business, or a fellow creative founder here to support, I’m so so so beyond grateful for you.
I started Muse (turning five this year 🥲) with the hope of bringing a little more balance of creativity and peace into the world of business, and I feel so lucky to think that I’ve been able to do so (even just a little bit).
I hope from time to time our work helps you feel inspired, or grounded, or empowered — because helping others find some light inside, or in their business, is what brings me the most joy in the whole world.
I’m so happy to have you in this space with me. Let’s have a beautiful 26.
All my love,
Nicole
It’s been a busy busy stretch here at Muse — the holiday season underway, more time with family and friends, and working intently with dream clients, dream projects.
My heart is full and my days are full, but I’m prioritizing stillness in between and staying connected to myself in the ways that feel most grounding.
It’s challenging in the Winter when we’re supposed to find 100% calm and coziness (I usually feel the need to go into hibernation right about now), and it’s a careful (daunting) art of finding the right balance between action and restoration.
I maintain my peace in different ways — sometimes pilates helps and sometimes rotting on the couch helps (a comprehensive list of my go-to’s are on slide 3 hehe)
But most importantly, take care of you (and your business) in whatever way feels best for *you*. Always come back to yourself, nurture what you need to, and create space for peace this season.
Sending all my love and warmth and peace and joy 🕊️
Photo/AD: @cheyfranke
CD: @sternastudios@jackiesterna
Pinterest templates for @maisonaudela ✉️
We delivered a collection of clean, editorial templates to speak to Audelà’s high-fashion, bold approach to brand design and strategy.
The template designs were paired with a comprehensive Pinterest account optimization and overhaul, in-depth strategy and design guide, and scheduled pins.
Project: Pinterest Studio Week
Client: @maisonaudela
Photography: @jackiesterna
A curated collection of Fall-inspired, lifestyle aesthetic stock photos for all my creative brands and business owners 🎞️
To celebrate my favorite time of year (the heavenly transition of summer to fall!!!)—we’re doing a little stock haul.
Bc sometimes we don’t have the time or energy to take lifestyle pics or source the perfect stock for our business marketing or client project, and that’s okay!
@dupephotos is my one of my go-to’s for authentic, lived-in, lifestyle imagery—almost like scrolling on Pinterest (but actually free and legal to use for your business marketing). And that’s where all of the photos in this collection are sourced from.
Pls enjoy these photos to use for your stories, Instagram graphics, email marketing, website, or next project that needs the perfect fall aesthetic touch.
Get access to the Fall Stock Photo Collection at the link in bio for all of these images and (many many many) more 🫶🏼✉️
📷: photo credits tagged
#stockphotos #fallstockphotos #falllifestyle #fallaesthetic #freestockphotos #lifestyleaesthetic #lifestylephotos #creativebusinessowner #creativebrand #branddesignstudio #pinterestaesthetic
Curating and supporting brands that resonate 💿
Current offerings include:
Muse Brand Identity
Muse Web Design
Social Media Support
Monthly Retainers
White Label Design
Whether you’re looking for curated design and strategy for an intentional brand presence, or more tailored support with socials, let’s chat about how we can collaborate.
Explore services in detail and inquire at the link in bio ✉️
Photo:
@cheyfranke@sternastudios
Set the tone for the day with me ☕️
Clarity and creativity don’t come from rushing or pressure, but from creating space and presence.
Moving through an intentional morning (ft. hot coffee, fresh flowers, and time in the sunshine) is my perfect setup for a cozy-meets-productive day of design.
Proof that alignment and impact can co-exist 🤍🤝🏼
Where Skincare and Aesthetics Collide ⛓️
With a cutting-edge medspa based in Nashville, TN, and a clinically-proven and stunning product line, the AA brand stays on the edge of the aesthetics industry.
We brought the brand a new foundation for strategic clarity and visual identity, a refresh in typography and color story for a more cohesive and elevated feel, breathtaking new media (by @jackiesterna ), and a complete redesign of the website presence—bringing the brand comprehensive alignment across the board.
So honored to have been part of designing for AA. Head to anastaciaaesthetics.com to explore their offerings.
Client: @anastacia_aesthetics@shadesmayvary
Creative Direction & Media: @sternastudios@jackiesterna