Christian isn’t just a sharp designer and strategist — he’s one of my good friends and one of the most thoughtful business owners I know. He started Brightsol while still in university, and since then, he’s rooted his one-person agency in clarity, craftsmanship, and care.
Christian has a knack for digging beneath the surface, helping clients uncover the real problems behind their website struggles, and then designing solutions that actually move the needle. In this interview he shares how growing up in a family business shaped his mindset, how becoming a dad changed the way he runs his company, and why the best advice he ever got is to just pick up the phone and talk.
What kind of work did you do before your current business and what did you bring with you into this career?
I started my business while still in university, where I studied International Business & Languages. Back then I had just left the supermarket and started working part time for a local company as their main marketing & communications employee. I did some logo & graphic design and managed a few of their WordPress websites. After that, I started my own company on the side and started servicing local clients for the same needs on a per project basis.
After having spent time in Peru & Brazil and a few part time & full time marketing roles, I ended up going full time into web & brand design in 2020.
What part of the website creation process is your favorite to work on and why?
I’m a problem solver by nature. I like solving issues or reverse-engineering why things work the way they do. When working with clients, I love helping them discover & solve their business issues through branding & website.
What motivated you to start your own business, and what keeps you going when things get tough?
Growing up in a family business, I always had a strong need to decide things myself and have struggled having others make decisions that impact the quality of my work. I wanted to help businesses grow and make a positive impact in the world. Every project I take on is a chance to create something meaningful, guided by the principles of excellence, integrity, and scalability.
What do you do to keep a healthy work/life balance as a business owner?
Last year I became a father for the first time and this totally impacted my work/life balance. Since most of my work used to be project-based & white label, I had to slightly pivot my business and focus on bringing in more recurring revenue. This helps me to be more at peace with the financial baseline of my company and allows me to spend more time with my family and do the things I love most.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten and how has it affected your business?
If an opportunity arises, you should always talk. If it ends up not being a match, you can always take a step back. Sometimes I see a lot of red flags beforehand about a project. Taking the step and actually talking to the person in question, will then either confirm the red flags or remove them.
If you don’t talk, you’ll always miss the opportunity.
What’s a book every agency owner should read?
Built to Sell by John Warrillow
What’s a WordPress plugin more people should know about?
What’s your favorite tool, accessory, or gadget on your desk?
Standing desk, helps changing positions during the day
What’s your favorite non-WordPress tool or software?
