Meet Gloria MacGillis of Glow Up Web Design LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gloria MacGillis.

Hi Gloria, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Glow Up Web Design was created to be more than just a web design agency—it’s a collaborative, strategy-driven partner for businesses looking to grow with intention. It began in 2021 when Gloria MacGillis decided to create her own opportunity during the uncertainty of COVID, starting with simple website projects designed to feel clean, professional, and beautiful. From there, it quickly evolved beyond just visuals as she leaned into strategy, problem-solving, and building systems that deliver real results.

Today, Glow Up brings together design, development, SEO, and marketing expertise to create thoughtful, high-performing digital experiences. The goal is to build an ecosystem where talented creatives can work within their strengths, collaborate seamlessly, and deliver well-rounded solutions that truly support clients’ long-term success—going far beyond just “making websites” to elevating brands and solving the everyday challenges business owners face.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I didn’t grow up thinking I would become a business owner—let alone build a company centered around creativity, strategy, and connection. In fact, for a long time, I didn’t even think I was allowed to be creative.

Before I became the founder of Glow Up Web Design, my journey was anything but straightforward. It was a winding road filled with challenges, self-discovery, and moments that pushed me far outside my comfort zone—but I’m incredibly grateful it led me exactly to where I am today.

I grew up in China as what I would describe as a “troubled kid.” From a young age, I was taught to be small, humble, and selfless—to never ask for anything for myself, and to always take care of others first. That was what I was valued for, and for a long time, I believed that was the only reason I mattered. Creativity wasn’t something we were encouraged to explore. We were taught to follow a path—not create our own.

Because of how difficult those early years were, I also struggled with depression. For a long time, I felt disconnected from who I was and what I was capable of becoming. Looking back now, I can see that I was missing something essential—a sense of identity and permission to exist as myself.

Discovering Creativity in Unexpected Places

When I moved to Seattle as an international student, things slowly began to shift. I started to understand the importance of simply being yourself.

I realized I had a natural ability to put things together—whether it was art, 3D models, or even assembling IKEA furniture—but at the time, I didn’t yet recognize how meaningful that skill really was.

I originally pursued a degree in fashion design, thinking I would create clothing. But everything changed in 2016 when I built my first website in school. That was the moment it clicked—I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Building Something from Nothing

As I continued studying web design and UX, I was drawn to talent and surrounded myself with incredibly skilled designers and developers. But when I graduated in 2020, the world was in the middle of COVID, and job opportunities were scarce. So in February 2021, I made a decision to give myself a job—I started my own business.

It wasn’t easy. I took a leap of faith and quit three part-time jobs to focus entirely on building something of my own. There were long stretches where I worked for hours without breaks, fully immersed in learning, building systems, and figuring everything out from scratch. During that time, my friend Andria—someone I met in school—stood by me and helped me grow. Together, we began serving more and more clients.

In the beginning, we created simple websites—that’s what we were capable of at the time. Our education gave us a strong foundation, and we quickly became known for our design work. But I always knew I wanted more. I was never just about making things look good.

From Design to Strategy

As my skills developed, so did the complexity of our projects. I’ve always loved a good challenge, and there’s something incredibly fulfilling about solving problems for others. We began to shift our focus toward strategy—combining what I learned in school with everything I continued to teach myself.

In April 2022, my husband and I packed up a U-Haul and moved to Ohio to be closer to his family and friends. I instantly fell in love—with the people, the community, and even the ever-changing weather. I think I’ve always loved change.

That move marked a new chapter. We rebranded from UX Aglow to Glow Up Web Design and started thinking bigger. I began attending events, meeting other creatives, and growing a team. Some of those connections turned into team members, and I found myself not just building websites, but also sharing my process and mentoring others.

The Power of Collaboration

Around that time, I met Abigail, the founder of Create and Collab. I told her something simple but honest: I didn’t enjoy sales—I just wanted my team and I to focus on the work we love. That conversation sparked a major shift for both of our businesses.

Abigail has a natural gift for connecting with people, and her approach made everything feel less about transactions and more about genuinely helping others—which aligned perfectly with my values. Our collaboration allowed my team and me to focus on design and development, while also giving Abigail the space to pursue her growing passion for SEO. Together, we created a partnership that better served our clients and allowed each of us to thrive in our strengths.

And the story didn’t stop there. Through Abigail, I connected with a business coach and another SEO expert who specializes in Google Ads. Being surrounded by people who are constantly learning, sharing ideas, and inspiring each other is exactly where I want to be.

Putting the Pieces Together

Nothing changed overnight—but over time, I rediscovered myself and put the pieces back together. And in that, I found a kind of happiness I didn’t know was possible.

Looking back, I realize something that was always true about me—I’ve always been an assembler.

Whether it was art, furniture, websites, or ideas, there’s something deeply fulfilling about taking separate pieces and turning them into something meaningful.

Today, that’s exactly what I do—just on a much bigger scale.

I’ve put together a team, a network of talented creatives, and a collaborative ecosystem where each person brings their own strengths to the table. We’re all connected through web design, but we’ve embraced our differences and expanded into new areas together.

To me, that’s the most beautiful part of this journey—we each get to do what we love, continue growing in our own paths, and support one another when challenges go beyond our individual expertise.

By putting the right people and ideas together, we’re able to create thoughtful, well-rounded solutions that truly elevate our clients’ online presence.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Glow Up Web Design LLC?
We are a web design agency based in Medina, Ohio, serving clients across the U.S.—while still staying deeply connected to and passionate about our local community.

We specialize in branding and web design, with additional services in social media, email marketing, and SEO. Our SEO work is often integrated into our website builds, ensuring that every site we launch is not only visually compelling, but also set up to perform from day one.

What sets us apart is our commitment to user experience. Every design decision we make is rooted in UX fundamentals, allowing us to create work that is not only beautiful, but intuitive and effective—whether it’s a logo, a full brand identity, or a highly complex website.

At Glow Up Web Design, we believe design should solve problems, not just look good. We approach every project with the business owner’s best interest in mind, focusing on maximizing the potential of each brand and website we build.

More than anything, we see ourselves as partners to our clients. We take the time to truly understand their business, their goals, and their audience before we begin designing. Our goal is simple: to create something so clear and user-friendly that even a 12-year-old could understand and navigate it with ease.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are so many people who deserve credit for the existence of Glow Up Web Design. This was never something I built alone.

As I’ve grown, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with incredibly talented designers, collaborators, and fellow agency owners who have supported me, inspired me, and continuously challenged me to become better. As I’ve mentioned, my company is made up of individuals who each bring something unique and valuable to the table—and that diversity of talent is what makes us strong.

My role has never been to do everything myself. It’s been to bring the right people together, build systems that allow us to work effectively, and create a space where ideas can be shared openly. I’ve focused on building a platform where collaboration, trust, and support are at the center—where we learn from one another and continue to grow together.

I also owe so much to my parents, who gave me the opportunity to come to the United States to learn, grow, and build a life for myself. Without them, none of this would have been possible.

And of course, my husband has been an incredible source of support throughout this journey. He believed in my vision, stood by me through the uncertainty, and even joined me in the business at one point. Having that kind of support made all the difference.

Pricing:

• Branding starts at $829.00
• Informational Websites starts at $2997
• eCom Websites starts at $4993
• Marketing starts at $855

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.glowupdesign.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glowup.webdesign
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glowup.webdesign
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/glowup-design/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@glowupwebdesign
• Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5P4xV8hZ6gEGo7cm6