Rachel Pesso, Founder of RP Creative
Name: Rachel Pesso
Founder: RP Creative
What's your elevator pitch?
I help women founders develop design rooted in emotional connection & visual storytelling to elevate their brands.
What's your story?
In 2012, I was in a high-paying corporate job in NYC but felt completely disconnected from my creativity; I knew I had more to offer. I reached out to a friend from the School of Visual Arts who was working for Marie Forleo, and asked how she landed such a great role. She not only shared her experience but offered to mentor me. That mentorship was life-changing. She encouraged me to attend a women's retreat in Sonoma. Though terrified, I went—and it was the best decision I ever made. It was my first ever retreat where I landed my first ever client and met 60 amazing women who were on a similar path.
Now, I do what I do to help people feel truly seen and connected to their vision. There’s nothing more exciting to me than telling stories that inspire action and creating emotional experiences through branding. It's pure magic when we bring that vision to life!
What does BEING a FoundHer mean to you?
Being a FoundHer means everything to me. It wasn’t easy to get to where I am today—I faced my own struggles with sharing my voice and vision. But being a FoundHer is about pushing through those challenges, owning my story, and creating something meaningful. It’s about empowering myself and others to embrace our unique talents, lift each other up, and build businesses that inspire and make a real impact. It’s a reminder that women can create, lead, and thrive on our own terms.
How do you support other female founders and women in business?
I support other female founders and women in business by co-creating and collaborating with them to bring their vision to life through branding and websites. I help women craft stories and brands that reflect who they are and what they stand for, so they can connect deeply with their audience. Whether we’re working together on their brand identity, designing a website, or building an overall strategy, I’m all about creating something meaningful and impactful together.
What are three podcasts you listen to that have helped you with your business?
Earn Your Happy
The Ed Mylett Show
The Kelly Roach Show
Who is a female entrepreneur you look up to and why?
Lori Harder. I've seen her build her business from Isagenix to events and show up on FB live for over a year everyday to connect and build her audience and community. It was incredibly inspiring early on in my career.
What are the first five things that you did when you were starting your business?
1. Got Brand Clarity
2. Created a Brand Strategy
2. Launched my Brand + Website
3. Went to a Business Retreat
4. Networked in person anywhere I could
5. Got Visible on Social + Focus on Media
Who is someone who has helped change or shape your business for the better and what did they do to help you?
Geada Ford. She supported me and showed me the way to help launch my business. At the time she was the art director for Marie Forleo and helped me gain the confidence I needed to the take the leap and launch my own business.
What lesson or skill did you take with you from a prior job to help you succeed in your role today?
Being a freelancer was an amazing skillset. I learned how to work with so many different people, teams, and learned a variety of systems. It's not much different than running a creating agency. On a typical day I need to collaborate with clients, copywriters, photographers and developers to bring all these projects to life.
How did you land your first client?
I landed my first client at my first ever retreat in California with 60 women entrepreneurs. I had only designed my own website and was launching a branding and website design company. I owe it to the women in the room for trusting me with their brands and helping me launch my business :)
What would you do differently if you were starting your business today?
I would hire a coach or business mentor that is specifically in my field and has accomplished what my specific goal is right now. ;)
Do you want to share your story and advice with the Dear FoundHer… community? CLICK HERE to submit your information.
Follow us on Instagram @dearfoundher and join our Facebook community for more conversation.
Make sure you tune in to Dear FoundHer… for new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
