Start 2027 knowing exactly what you’re aiming for
You’re brilliant at what you do. Whether you’re designing websites, writing copy, building brands, running SEO strategy, or keeping a design business ticking over behind the scenes as a VA, you know your corner of this industry inside out.
But when it comes to planning the year ahead? That’s a different skill entirely.
Most of us end up doing “planning” in the gaps. A note on your phone in December. A half-finished spreadsheet you never open again. Income goals that are really just guesses. And then suddenly it’s October again and you’re wondering where the year went.
And it’s not just about setting goals. It’s about making the decisions underneath them.
What do you want to earn?
Which clients and projects do you want more of?
What have you been putting off because you haven’t had the time or headspace to work it out?
That’s what this day is for.
This planning day is different.
One day, out of the day-to-day, with other people who get exactly what you do. A day where you can step back, look at where your business is now, decide where you want it to go and build a plan for 2027 that’s realistic, ambitious, and yours.
I’ll guide you through the day, combining practical training with reflection, planning, mentoring and opportunities to learn from the other people in the room.
Because sometimes the most useful thing you can hear is:
“Oh, I thought it was just me who did that.”
You’ll have me in the room with you
This isn’t a day where I’ll stand at the front and talk at you for six hours.
You’ll be working.
I’ll be guiding you, challenging you, answering questions and helping you think through the decisions that are difficult to make when you’re too close to your own business.
I’ve spent more than 20 years working with websites and marketing, built more than 100 websites, run my own businesses and spent hundreds of hours mentoring website designers.
I’ve seen the things that hold website businesses back.
I’ve also seen what happens when a designer stops simply taking whatever work comes along and starts running their business deliberately.
I’ll help you do that.
We’ll work through the decisions that will shape your 2027
This isn’t about filling in a planner for six hours and going home. Across the day, we’ll work through the decisions that will shape your 2027.
You’ll leave knowing what you’re doing next
You’ll leave with a clear plan for 2027.
Not just a page of ideas, but something you know how to act on.
You’ll know:
No more vague goals. No more “I’ll figure it out later”. Just a clear plan you can use to move forward.
“Being part of Holly’s mentoring group has been one of the best things I’ve done for my business. She is genuinely one of the nicest humans you could hope to meet – endlessly supportive and encouraging, and never more so than in those weeks when your motivation has vanished and you’re feeling a bit ‘crappy’ about everything!
Her advice on all aspects of running a web design business has been invaluable, especially around areas of pricing, packages and knowing your true worth. She has a rare combination of warmth and wisdom that I value hugely. The mentoring group is also fabulous for meeting and collaborating with other designers and developers. I wouldn’t be without it, thanks Holly!”
Yvette Asker
Who this day is for
This is for anyone working in and around the website design space, including:
If you work with, for, or alongside people building websites and you want 2027 to be a year you plan on purpose, rather than one that just happens to you, you’re in the right room.
The group is small for a reason
This isn’t a conference or a room full of people being talked at. The group is kept small so there’s space for discussion, mentoring and mastermind time.
You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, talk through your own challenges and learn from other people who understand exactly what your work involves, without having to explain the basics first.
And yes, there’ll be plenty of opportunity to connect with the other people in the room too.
The details
Friday 13th November 2026 9:45am – 4:15pm Bank, Central London £175
Drinks, snacks and lunch are part of the deal. You’ll also have your 12-month planner to work through and take home with you, so all you need to bring is yourself, an open mind, and whatever’s currently on your mind about the year ahead.
The group is kept small so there’s space for discussion, mentoring and mastermind time – not a room full of people talked *at*.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m Holly Christie.
Website Designer Mentor Founder Podcast Host
I’ve been in the website design and marketing space since the early 00s. I’ve built 2 successful website design businesses, This Demanding Life and Websites Made Simple. I’m the founder of Simply Sites and I work with designers like you to build a career you love.
For many years, I felt like I was trapped in the weeds of my business. I often described it as being like trying to swim through treacle. Hustling in groups for web design work and working on build after build. Same stuff, different day.
I was able to strategise with and for clients, but I found myself on the same hamster wheel time and again.
Five years ago, that changed. I was ready for more. I started working with a coach, identifying my skills, my ideal client and how to make my business more efficient, and I’ve never looked back.
As well as creating websites, I’ve spent years developing my knowledge of UX, accessibility, SEO and best practices. Since then, I’ve been in more coaching programmes, learned more stuff, built a brilliant network of successful small business owners, and I’m ready to share what I’ve learned with you.
Because, I want the same for you.
For you to love the business you work in, with a steady stream of excellent-fit clients. To build websites you’re proud of, and work with people you admire.
No more hustling in Facebook groups. No more worrying about what next year’s going to look like. Just a clear, actionable plan to take you forward.
Not ready to book yet? Start with the podcast.
Want to get clearer on what you actually want from your business before you commit to a planning day?
I’ve recorded an episode about exactly that.
“Holly Christie is unique in the industry. More than a fantastic web designer and entrepreneur, Holly has a genuine interest and passion in seeing others succeed in business. Her collaborative and supportive approach to mentoring and networking have helped me on both a professional and personal level.
As a member of Holly’s “Sparks” programme for those in the web industry I have seen these traits first hand. The growing community serves as both a positive networking event, coaching and support group. The group is warm welcoming and has members with expertise from all over the web industry in the UK.
Highly recommended. My business is more successful just by association with This Demanding Life and Holly Christie.”
Rob Fisher