Crafting Cozy Corners of the Internet

Grab a cup of coffee and pull up a chair, because today’s guest is someone truly special to this corner of the internet.

When I first started planning this space, I had notebooks full of scattered thoughts and a very specific feeling I wanted to capture, but zero idea how to translate it visually. Enter Tiffany from Little Theme Shop. Through her patience, sharp eye, and endless creativity, she took those messy dreams and turned them into a reality that feels genuinely like home.

I sat down with Tiffany to chat about her design philosophy, where she finds daily inspiration, and her best advice for anyone trying to bring their own creative vision to life.

         Name: Tiffany

• Creative Focus: Web & Theme Design, Little Theme Shop
• Find Her Work: Littlethemeshop.com

Behind the Brand

Q: To kick things off, what inspired you to launch Little Theme Shop, and how did you get started in digital design?

Tiffany: I worked in editorial web production professionally for about 10 years before that, but web design was always more of a hobby. I was always the person friends and family bugged to “build them a website.” When I decided to leave my corporate job and go freelance, I needed additional income in-between writing contracts, so I started selling themes and templates. The business really took off during the pandemic (2020), so I made it my full-time job and turned it into a legit business.

• What is the story behind the name Little Theme Shop?

I wish I had a clever anecdote there, but honestly, I’m a very blunt and literal person, and that’s literally what the business was at the beginning. I’ve shortened it to LTS Designs these days.

• What is your favorite part about working with blog owners to bring their visions to life?

They appreciate the aesthetic of good design. Most DIYers just grab whatever free themes are available, but my clients specifically are trying to build unique experiences for their readers, which makes working with them so much fun. They like interesting/weird design decisions, and they don’t hold me back.

Design & Creative Process

• Where do you turn for creative inspiration when designing a new theme or custom project?

Pinterest mostly, but also interesting product designs and packaging, moodboards, etc. I’m rarely inspired by websites, but a particular font combo or a particular pattern can inspire an entire design.

• What are 2–3 design trends or color palettes you’re currently loving right now?

I don’t really follow trends that closely, but I’m really into bold colors and patterns right now (think late 90s/Y2K).

• What is one thing most people don’t realize goes into custom web/blog design?

Optimization, especially now that you’re building more for phones than computer browsers. You can build a stunning website, full of custom SVGs and animations, but it might be incredibly slow (the more elements on a page, the slower it is). So you have to be smart in how you build it and always keep optimization in mind. You can use optimization plugins, but it’s good practice for the design itself to be optimized, responsive, and load just as quickly on a phone as it does in a browser.

Small Business & Wisdom

• As a female entrepreneur, what has been your favorite milestone or proudest moment so far?

Two years ago, I was at a local gift shop, and the owner gave me her business card and told me to visit their website. When I checked their site later, I realized they had one of my themes installed! The theme was perfect for their brand and the types of items they sold, so it was very validating to see that the product I built was finding the right customers and meeting their needs.

• What advice would you give to someone who is nervous about starting their very first blog or website?

Don’t over-research it; just start. It doesn’t have to be perfect in the beginning. Start small, and as it grows, you’ll better understand what you’ll need. You’ll make a ton of mistakes, but you’ll learn so much from it.

• Where can our readers find you, shop your designs, and follow along with your work? (Great for dropping her links!)

Littlethemeshop.com