Marijuana Justice Virginia

About Marijuana Justice is a non-profit organization committed to the empowerment and advocacy of communities most impacted by Virginia’s war on drugs. With a steadfast focus on repealing unjust laws, repairing jail sentences, and advocating for reparations, the organization’s aim is to address the systemic inequities that have disproportionately affected these communities. Through grassroots organizing and raising awareness, Marijuana Justice  strives to create a more just and inclusive society, fostering positive change and healing for Black and Brown communities. The Challenge Marijuana Justice needed a comprehensive branding solution that authentically represented their commitment to justice, equality, and community empowerment. Additionally, they required a robust online presence that would effectively reach and mobilize their target audience for the organization and its annual conference. Our challenge was to develop a brand, website, and digital marketing strategy for each that would captivate, inspire, and drive meaningful action. The Solution We conducted an in-depth brand discovery to ensure an authentic representation of their mission, values, and vision. We developed a comprehensive brand identity, including logo design, color palette, typography, and visual elements that conveyed justice, equality, and community empowerment. We designed and developed a user-friendly and visually compelling website that effectively communicated Marijuana Justice’s mission and initiatives, and provided seamless navigation for users. We created a targeted digital marketing strategy to enhance the organization’s online presence, engage their audience, and drive participation in their annual conference. We implemented robust SEO and content strategies to increase website visibility and reach, ensuring that their message resonated with a broader audience. We designed and managed their social media presence, crafting engaging content and driving meaningful interactions to further mobilize their target audience. The Results Increased Visibility and Engagement: The enhanced online presence led to a significant boost in visibility and interaction with  target audience. Improved User Experience: The visually compelling and user-friendly website facilitated better engagement and retention, effectively showcasing our mission and initiatives. Higher Community Mobilization: Our community outreach efforts successfully drove greater participation and involvement in our annual conference. Broader Reach and Impact: Strategic digital marketing amplified our message, extending our reach and enhancing the impact of our initiatives. Stronger Online Community: Effective social media management created a vibrant online community, increasing awareness and support for our goals and efforts.

Black Freedom Collective for Community Change

About The Black Freedom Collective (BFC) is a coalition of Black-led community organizing groups, powered by Community Change. With a shared commitment to investing in the sustainable economic, social, and cultural infrastructure of Black communities nationwide, BFC represents a powerful force for change and empowerment. The Challenge Community Change needed a powerful and engaging online presence to clearly communicate their mission, values, and initiatives for The Black Freedom Collective (BFC). Their shared goal was to empower Black communities and drive social change, yet they lacked a digital platform that could visually capture their purpose and provide the user-friendly, comprehensive experience needed to captivate and engage their audience. The Solution Working closely with Community Change, we designed a dynamic, visually striking website that reflects BFC’s mission of empowerment and community transformation. We created a clean, modern interface with intuitive navigation so visitors could easily explore initiatives, access resources, and get involved. Bold visuals and cohesive brand elements were crafted to convey strength and inclusivity, while clear calls-to-action and well-structured layouts encouraged deeper engagement and community participation. The Results The new digital platform strengthened BFC’s ability to connect with supporters and inspire action. Since launch, BFC has experienced increased community engagement and greater visibility, positioning the collective as a leading voice for Black empowerment and meaningful social change.

Be The People

About Be The People is a vibrant clothing brand designed to inspire others to express themselves unapologetically and wholeheartedly through art and creativity. Their colorful clothing and designs, infused with inspirational sayings, illuminate the critical discussions of our time: from race and gender issues to LGBTQI+ rights and beyond. Be The People encourages everyone to wear their values proudly and boldly, sparking conversations and driving change with every outfit. The Challenge The primary challenge was creating an e-commerce platform that not only reflected Be The People’s bold and creative spirit but also provided a user-friendly shopping experience. Additionally, we needed to implement effective SEO strategies to increase organic traffic and visibility in a competitive market. Balancing aesthetic appeal with functionality was crucial, as was ensuring the site could handle high traffic volumes and secure transactions The Solution We began by understanding the brand’s vision, values, and target audience. Using this insight, we designed a visually captivating website that showcased Be The People’s colorful clothing and inspirational messages. For the e-commerce functionality, we developed a seamless checkout process, integrating secure payment gateways and optimizing the user experience to minimize cart abandonment. We also implemented robust SEO strategies, including keyword optimization, meta tags, and high-quality content creation, to enhance search engine rankings and drive organic traffic to the site. The Results Enhanced Brand RepresentationBe The People’s new e-commerce website captured the essence of their brand with vibrant designs and inspirational messages, creating an intuitive and enjoyable shopping experience for customers. Increased Transactions and VisibilityThe streamlined checkout process drove a significant increase in completed transactions, while our SEO strategy boosted visibility, leading to higher organic traffic and stronger search rankings. Broadened Reach and 80% Boost in SalesThe project was a resounding success, helping Be The People expand their reach, engage their audience more effectively, and achieve an 80% boost in sales. This collaboration empowered the brand to inspire and connect with their community through their impactful clothing line.

Underpinnings

About Underpinnings is a body-positive e-commerce undergarment brand that celebrates and supports women of all sizes, with a particular focus on providing high-quality bras for larger sizes and mastectomies. With a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, Underpinnings aims to redefine beauty standards and create a positive shopping experience for all. The Challenge When Underpinnings approached us, they faced a significant challenge. The lingerie industry often neglects the diverse needs of women with larger bra sizes, leading to limited options and a lack of inclusivity. As a women-owned and led agency we understood the need for a revolutionized way to sell undergarments to women of all sizes who often feel uncomfortable with the shopping experience. Our collaboration with Underpinnings was a transformative partnership driven by a shared vision of inclusivity, body positivity, and empowerment. Underpinnings sought to overcome these obstacles and establish themselves as a go-to brand for women of all sizes, requiring a comprehensive marketing and brand strategy that would resonate with their target audience and elevate their brand identity. The Solution Through extensive research and collaboration, we developed a comprehensive marketing and brand strategy that focused on inclusivity, body positivity, and high-quality products. This strategy included a refined brand voice and messaging, visually compelling imagery, and monthly targeted social media messaging to connect with Underpinnings’ audience on an emotional level. The Results Underpinnings emerged as a standout brand for women of all sizes, successfully establishing a high-level identity rooted in inclusivity, body positivity, and empowerment. The marketing strategy elevated its position in the competitive lingerie market, making it a trusted choice for women with larger bra sizes and creating a more inclusive shopping experience. A refined brand voice and visually compelling imagery built a strong emotional connection with the audience, while consistent, targeted messaging kept the brand top of mind and nurtured a loyal customer base that values confidence and empowerment.

Consultancy in Africa Services

About CAS is a development consultancy firm dedicated to improving water supply to rural areas in Africa. With a mission to create sustainable solutions and empower communities, CAS leverages their expertise to address the pressing issue of water scarcity in underserved regions. The Challenge CAS needed a strong brand identity that would instill trust and credibility while showcasing their commitment to improving water supply in rural African communities. They sought a comprehensive design solution that would encompass logo design, a visually appealing website, and engaging publication materials to convey their message effectively. The Solution We crafted a distinctive logo that captured CAS’s mission and values, reflecting their dedication to sustainable water solutions in Africa. To amplify their impact, we developed a visually appealing, user-friendly website that communicates their expertise, highlights key projects, and provides valuable information to stakeholders and potential clients. We also designed engaging publication materials: brochures, reports, newsletters, and infographics that showcased CAS’s achievements and success stories while underscoring the importance of their mission. Finally, we created a water enumerator merch kit for their boots-on-the ground team to showcase the brand in their assigned locations. The Results The collaboration between CAS and IconiQ Creative Group resulted in a comprehensive design solution that amplified CAS’s mission of improving water supply to rural areas in Africa. Through logo design, website design and development, and compelling publication materials, CAS successfully conveyed their expertise, achievements, and the urgency of their work. Together, we have empowered CAS to make a lasting impact, drive socio-economic development, and enhance access to clean water in underserved African communities.

Lake Academy

About Lake Academy is a prestigious educational institution located in Abuja Nigeria, dedicated to nurturing the holistic development of young minds. With a focus on early childhood development, special education, and the arts, Lake Academy creates a supportive and enriching environment that fosters the growth and potential of every student. They believe in providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in all aspects of life. The Challenge Lake Academy needed a brand identity that truly reflected its nurturing and inclusive philosophy. The goal was to convey its commitment to holistic education in a way that would inspire trust and pride among students, parents, and educators. Capturing this essence required a thoughtful balance of visual elements, from color palettes to typography, to create a look and feel that communicated warmth and academic excellence. The Solution We began with in-depth research to understand the school’s values and community expectations. From these insights, we created a unified brand identity that expressed education, growth, and creativity while remaining approachable and professional. We extended this identity into modern, cohesive visuals and designed new school uniforms that embodied the refreshed brand, fostering pride and unity. Our rollout strategy ensured consistency across all touchpoints, strengthening recognition and reinforcing the school’s inclusive mission. The Results The refreshed brand strengthened the school’s reputation and deepened trust within its community. Parents felt a stronger connection to the school’s mission and values, while the local community embraced its welcoming and inspiring presence. Following the rebrand, the school experienced a 35% increase in enrollment, underscoring its position as a confident, forward-thinking educational leader recognized for fostering growth, creativity, and a shared sense of pride.

Don’t Blame Canva: Blame the Budget

Everywhere you look, someone is blaming Canva for the sameness of design in the impact sector. The argument goes: “Everything looks templated.” “No originality.” “It’s killing creativity.” But here’s the truth: Canva isn’t the enemy. The real issue is chronic underfunding and the persistent undervaluing of creative labor in impact-driven businesses. The Tool Isn’t the Problem Canva is just a tool. Like any software, it can enable access and speed. For lean teams, it’s a lifesaver. But Canva was never designed to replace vision, strategy, or creative expertise. The real gap isn’t the tool, it’s the investment behind it. The Undervaluing of Creativity Too many impact businesses treat design as decoration instead of infrastructure. Branding and storytelling are placed at the bottom of budgets, left to interns, free platforms, or last-minute outsourcing. The cycle looks like this: And then Canva takes the blame, when in reality, the issue is systemic underinvestment in creative labor. Creativity as a Business Asset Whether you’re a nonprofit, a social enterprise, or a mission-led startup, your brand is not cosmetic. It’s how you build trust, stand out, and earn attention in a crowded market. Strong branding requires strategy, storytelling, and skilled execution. These are not free add-ons. They are business-critical investments. The Real Callout So let’s be clear: Canva isn’t the villain.The villain is the mindset that treats creativity as expendable. If impact-driven businesses want to scale missions, attract investment, and mobilize people, they must start valuing creative work the same way they value operations, fundraising, or product development. Because in the end, it’s not the free tool that’s holding the sector back, it’s the free mentality around design.