What Do You Want People to Remember About You?
We recently connected with Erin Phillips and have shared our conversation below.
Erin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?
I want my legacy to be one of intention, impact, and connection. It’s not about the projects or the accolades—it’s about the people. I hope I’m remembered for showing up with heart, for truly listening, and for helping others see their potential in ways they hadn’t before.
For me, it’s always been about more than design. It’s about creating brands that feel like home for the people behind them—brands that reflect their story, their purpose, and their vision for the future. If people look back and say, “She helped us see who we are and what we could be,” that would mean everything.
At Third & Market, I want the work we do to outlast us. To create brands that grow, thrive, and inspire long after we’ve stepped away. I want the people we’ve worked with to feel proud of what we built together and to remember how deeply we cared about their success.
In the end, I hope people will say I approached every project, every conversation, every relationship with authenticity, curiosity, and a desire to make something meaningful. That’s the kind of legacy I’m building—one built on intention and impact, with a little bit of beauty woven in along the way.
Erin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Erin Phillips, founder and creative director of Third & Market, a branding and design studio that partners with lifestyle brands in wellness, beauty, and athleisure to create intentional, elevated identities. For us, branding isn’t just about design—it’s about crafting something authentic, something that feels aligned with where our clients are today and where they’re headed next.
My path into branding began over a decade ago, driven by a fascination with how design can tell a story and shape meaningful connections. But early on, I noticed something missing: too often, the work felt focused on trends, disconnected from the strategy and purpose that makes a brand last. Third & Market was created to bridge that gap—a place where brands could find clarity, intention, and a vision that extends beyond the surface.
We work with established brands that are ready for their next chapter. Whether it’s fine-tuning an identity, crafting a cohesive brand story, or leading a full-scale rebrand, our mission remains the same: to help our clients step into a brand that feels intentional, timeless, and unmistakably theirs.
What sets us apart? It’s not just what we create; it’s how we get there. We take time to deeply understand our clients’ stories, their audiences, and their goals. It’s a collaborative process rooted in trust, and every detail is designed to reflect the heart of their brand. We’re not chasing trends—we’re building foundations.
The most rewarding part? Watching our clients step into their new brand with confidence. It’s seeing them attract the right opportunities, connect more deeply with their audience, and feel proud of what they’ve built. That’s what drives us.
If you’re thinking about elevating or reimagining your brand, here’s what I want you to know: At Third & Market, we don’t do shortcuts or one-size-fits-all solutions. We’re here to help you build something intentional, strategic, and uniquely yours. Let’s create a brand that doesn’t just look beautiful—it works beautifully for you.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is witnessing transformation. It’s taking a client’s dream—sometimes a fully formed vision, other times just a feeling—and turning it into something that doesn’t just look good but carries meaning. That moment when it all comes together, when the brand tells a story and connects with the right audience, is pure magic.
At Third & Market, the work goes far beyond design. It’s about connection. We’re not here to simply create logos or choose color palettes—we’re here to help people step into their space with confidence and authenticity. Watching a thoughtfully designed brand open doors, create opportunities, and give our clients the clarity and tools they need to boldly move into their next chapter? That’s what makes this work so fulfilling.
But it’s also deeply personal. Creativity allows me to pour intention into something that lasts.
Whether it’s helping a client uncover their brand’s essence or creating something that sparks meaningful connections, the work is about more than just the visuals. It’s about impact. It’s about creating something that stands the test of time and truly resonates. That’s why I show up every day.
How’d you meet your business partner?
Jon and I met during our college years at the intersection of Third Avenue & Market Street in Pittsburgh—a moment that shaped not only our relationship but the foundation of our studio. What began as a connection over shared ambition and creativity grew into a marriage and, eventually, a business partnership rooted in trust, balance, and a shared vision.
Jon’s focus has always been strategy, structure, and the bigger picture, while I’m all about the creative process—finding the soul of a brand and translating it into something tangible. Together, we realized our differences weren’t opposites but complements, and that’s what makes Third & Market what it is today.
Naming the studio after that intersection felt fitting—it represents the starting point of not just our relationship but the way we approach our work. Third & Market is where big ideas meet thoughtful execution, where creativity meets strategy. Jon keeps everything grounded and aligned with the client’s goals, while I push the creative boundaries to bring their vision to life.
Running a business with your spouse isn’t always easy, but the connection we’ve built over the years makes it so rewarding. We know how to challenge each other, how to lean on each other, and most importantly, how to stay focused on what matters: helping our clients create brands that truly resonate.
At the heart of everything we do is the belief that great work comes from collaboration. Our partnership—both in life and business—is proof that when two unique perspectives come together, they can create something remarkable.
