Inspiring Conversations with Erin Phillips
Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Phillips, co-founder and creative director of Third & Market.
Hi Erin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been designing for over a decade, and honestly, after spending years in agencies where I was overworked and undervalued, I knew I needed to do things differently. I was tired of just churning out designs that looked good but didn’t feel connected to something deeper. I didn’t want to create just for the sake of creating—I wanted to build brands that mattered.
So, in 2021, I launched Third & Market. I was ready to break away from the typical, cookie-cutter approach and focus on working with lifestyle brands in wellness, beauty, and athleisure—industries where authenticity and creativity actually mean something. I knew there was room to do branding with more intention, more purpose, and with a lot more edge.
The road hasn’t exactly been smooth. Burnout is real, and there have definitely been moments where I’ve questioned if I was on the right path. But those challenges pushed me to think differently, to stay bold and strategic, and to build a business that’s rooted in authenticity. At Third & Market, we don’t just create logos or websites—we craft brand experiences that reflect who you are and where you’re headed. We’re here to help you lead, not just fit in.
What makes me proud is that we’ve done it all while staying true to what we believe in—intentionality, authenticity, and a little bit of fun. We’ve helped brands grow in ways that feel real and connected, and I know we’re only getting started.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely not been a smooth road, and I don’t think it ever is when you’re building something that matters. There have been plenty of challenges along the way—moments of doubt, burnout, and those inevitable “what am I doing?” phases that come with entrepreneurship.
One of the biggest struggles has been finding the balance between being creative and running a business. When I started Third & Market, I thought it would be all about design and working with clients I loved. But the reality is, running your own business comes with a lot of hats to wear—finance, operations, client management—and that can be overwhelming at times. It took me a while to figure out how to navigate all of that while still staying true to my creative vision.
Another challenge was learning to say no. In the early days, I took on every project that came my way, even if it didn’t align with the kind of work I wanted to do. I felt like I needed to say yes to everything just to keep the business going. But I quickly realized that not every project is the right fit, and it’s okay to be selective. Saying no to the wrong opportunities opened up space for the right ones to come in.
There have been moments where I’ve felt undervalued in past roles, dealt with toxic work environments, and even questioned if I was on the right path. But all of those experiences shaped how I built Third & Market. They made me more intentional about creating a business that’s rooted in authenticity, where both my team and my clients feel valued and supported.
The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. Every challenge has been a lesson, and those tough moments have only made me more determined to create something lasting and meaningful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Third & Market?
At Third & Market, we’re all about helping lifestyle brands step into their next era. We specialize in branding and design for established wellness, beauty, and athleisure brands that are ready to take themselves seriously and lead with confidence. Our clients come to us because they’re looking for more than just a pretty logo—they want something that speaks to their core values and resonates deeply with their audience.
What we’re really known for is our intentional, thoughtful approach to design. We don’t do one-size-fits-all solutions. Every brand has its own story, and our job is to bring that story to life in a way that feels authentic and aligned with where the brand wants to go. Whether it’s a brand strategy, visual identity, or website design, we dive deep to understand what makes each brand unique and how we can use design as a tool to help them grow.
What sets us apart is the way we blend creativity and strategy. We believe that design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a strategic tool that can drive real growth when done right. We’re also incredibly hands-on, working closely with our clients through every step of the process to make sure we’re creating something that’s true to who they are.
What am I most proud of? It’s seeing the brands we’ve worked with thrive. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping a business find clarity in their identity and watching them grow with confidence because of the foundation we built together. I’m also proud of the way we’ve stayed true to our values—authenticity, intentionality, and creativity with purpose—while building something that really stands out.
For anyone reading this, I want you to know that Third & Market is here to help you elevate your brand in a way that feels true to who you are. We offer a range of services, from brand strategy and identity design to packaging and website development. But what we’re really here to do is help you create a brand that not only looks great but actually drives growth and connects with your audience in a meaningful way.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Honestly, I don’t think luck—good or bad—plays a real role in success. It’s all about getting yourself into the right situations and showing up with intention, no matter the circumstances. I’ve had moments where people might say I got lucky—a dream client finding Third & Market at just the right time—but those opportunities didn’t just fall into my lap. They happened because I’d already done the groundwork, put in the effort, and made sure I was ready when those moments came.
On the flip side, there have been plenty of challenges—projects that fell apart last minute, toxic work environments from my agency days—but I don’t see that as bad luck. Those experiences taught me what I didn’t want for myself or my business, and they pushed me to create something better. Every setback was a chance to rethink, adapt, and keep moving forward.
To me, luck is irrelevant. It’s the persistence, the adaptability, and staying clear on your vision that really make the difference. Whether things go smoothly or everything goes sideways, it’s how you navigate through it that matters. I wouldn’t credit any success to luck—it’s the hard work and intention behind every decision that’s gotten me to where I am today.
