Alisha’s journey into web design started way back in her teen years, when she built her first site for her church just for fun. Years (and several websites) later, she realized this was more than a hobby — it was something she truly loved. So in 2020, she launched EightySeven Web with the goal of building a business that worked around her life, not the other way around.
Now a mom of two, Alisha runs her business during nap times, evenings, and any pocket of quiet she can find — proof that structure and flexibility can absolutely go hand-in-hand. She’s passionate about project management, front-end development, and building smart systems that make her workflow more efficient with every project.
In this interview, she shares the lessons she’s learned (including the power of discovery), how MRR helped her take a full maternity leave, and why “mom first, business owner second” has become her guiding principle.
What got you into WordPress and what made you want to run an agency?
I started dabbling in WordPress as a teenager. At the tme I didn’t realize how new WordPress was. My church was wanting a new website, and they knew I enjoyed “techy” things, so I did it for free, though it was on a different platform specific for churches, and not WordPress.
About 10 years later, while on staff at a church, I rebuilt their website using a theme from Elegant Themes that seems so cool at the time. No, it wasn’t Divi. There were just barely starting on Divi at this time. But I did snag the LTD for super cheap.
Another 5 years or so later, I started a nonprofit with a friend, and once again built the website, this time using Divi. I realized at this point I really enjoyed the process of web design and development! A couple of years later, my husband and I moved, and it was at this point I decided, rather than finding a new job, I would go into web design full-time.
What part of the website creation process is your favorite to work on and why?
I love both the project management and the development. I am very detail oriented, so I enjoy tracking the progress of the project, finding better ways to streamline the process, and am constantly reviewing my checklists for every step to make sure I have everything I need, but also removing things I don’t. I also love getting to the development process because this is where everything comes together.
I love the technical aspect of front end development, though I still wouldn’t consider myself a “developer” since I am only at an intermediate level of CSS, and know almost nothing of PHP, JS, etc. But on every project, I learn something new, or learn a better way to accomplish a task.
What’s a hard lesson you learned running your business that’s changed the way you operate?
Doing discovery before taking on a large project. My first client that wasn’t through a referral or friend, is still to this day the most difficult site I built. It has WooCommerce, memberships, subscriptions, all kinds of custom CPTs that have to link to the shop products…very custom and a lot of work. I believe I only charge about $7k and barely broke even after all the costs and paying myself some. Clearly, on the quoting and discovery side, I had no idea what I was doing.
Thankfully, they are still with me and have been one of my best and longest standing clients for MRR, so that has helped make up for my mistake.
What do you do to keep a healthy work/life balance as a business owner?
For me, it isn’t a balance. I am mom first, business owner second.
A primary motivation for starting my business was because I knew we wanted to have kids, and having my our business meant I could choose my own hours. In 2022, I only 2 years after starting my business, I had my first child, and just had my second in August 2024. I took off 3 months after my second was born, and didn’t have to ask anyone or get any kind of approval, I just did it. Additionally, I built up enough MRR to keep income flowing, which is a big part of keeping the business going in general.
Now that I am back to work, my main focus is still always my 2 children. However, work still needs to get done. This means, primarily working during nap time and for everything else, I find pockets of time throughout the day, or evenings and weekends when kids are sleeping and my husband is working out. I am also very selective about the types and number of projects I take on.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten and how has it affected your business?
Grow your monthly recurring revenue! This is the only reason my business is where it is now. There are other ways to add MRR, but website management, care plans, or whatever you would like to call them, are so important for your business (and for clients). Because I had MMR built up, I was able to take off a full 3 months for maternity leave in 2024.
What’s a book every agency owner should read?
Dealing with Problem Clients: Fencing in the Friendly Monsters
What’s a WordPress plugin everyone should know about?
What’s your favorite non-WordPress tool or software?
Setapp – maybe this is cheating since it is multipme apps in one 😬 but there are lots of great ones in here I use daily. Recently downloaded Raycast though, and that is quickly becoming a top favorite!
What’s your favorite tool, accessory, or gadget on your desk?
Roost laptop stand – I prefer to use a laptop, so I can work anywhere in the house, or when we travel. But when I am at my desk, this stand lets me set up my laptop so it is a similar height to my second monitor. Much easier on the neck!
