Why We Moved to Wix Studio (Our Website Glow-Up)

Courtney Villapando
Oct 3
5 min read

Updated: Oct 5

image of CVilla Design website on an open laptop on a green couch

When I first started CVilla Design, my website was like a passport stamp, proof that I was here, designing & creating. Over the years, that site grew up with me, but eventually, it started feeling like an old favorite outfit that didn’t quite fit anymore. Cute, but not me-now.

After nearly 20 years designing, and over 5 years building websites on WordPress, Squarespace, Shopify, Showit, and even classic Wix Editor, I finally found a platform that feels like home: Wix Studio.

Rebranding, Not Just Refreshing

This wasn’t a “cute refresh.” This was a milestone & a declaration. We went all in: new copy, new visuals, new palette. I needed a platform that could handle bold creativity while keeping everything seamless behind the scenes.

Wix Studio gave me that — the freedom to design without compromise, plus the tools to scale confidently.

It also marked my own shift: from brand designer to brand architect. I’m no longer just building pretty websites. I’m creating full brand environments — digital spaces that reflect culture, strategy, and identity. Think of it as going from decorating a room to designing the entire house blueprint. That’s what this rebrand unlocked for us.

For me, it’s not just cultural — it’s personal. Living in Cape Verde (African Islands in the Atlantic) shaped my design philosophy: every space (digital or physical) should feel like an invitation. That’s what I wanted my website to capture: stepping into an Afro-bohemian café at golden hour — earthy tones, playful details, global textures, soulful vibes. This is the café morabeza moment.

Morabeza is a Cape Verdean word that doesn’t fully translate into English — but it’s a whole mood. It’s the warmth of being welcomed, the ease of being seen, the effortless hospitality that makes you want to linger. Imagine being invited into someone’s home, handed a drink, and feeling instantly like family. That’s how I want you to feel when you step into the CVilla Design world.

Why Wix Studio Feels Different

Here’s why Wix Studio feels like a glow-up vs. a quick touch-up:

Pixel-perfect freedom — I can tweak every tiny detail for any screen with precision. My inner perfectionist is thriving.
Movement + choreographed interactions — Hover effects, scroll animations, interactions that feel effortless (no coding headaches).
Power tools — Advanced integrations for pros, but easy enough to update without breaking anything.
SEO & speed built in — Worries about being found on Google. Wix Studio sets you up with best practices automatically.
Collab-friendly — My clients can co-edit, comment, and update content in real-time.

It’s giving: finally, a platform that grows with me instead of holding me back.

How Wix Studio Compares to Other Builders

We’ve danced with many platforms over the years, so it’s natural to ask: “What about Showit or Squarespace or WordPress?” Here’s a quick take:

Showit is famous for absolute design freedom. It’s basically Photoshop for websites. That creative power is great, but Showit often needs extra tools for a full business site. Traditional Showit blogs require a WordPress integration, and eCommerce means embedding something like Shopify. Translation: juggling multiple dashboards (and bills).
Wix Studio, on the other hand, bundles blogging, SEO, and e-commerce in one place. Wix’s native blog module and SEO wizard are integrated into the platform, so we don’t have to hop between apps. Yes, Showit might give us more raw design canvas, but Wix Studio simplifies the tech stack — robust creative tools and built-in business tools.
Squarespace and WordPress have their merits too, but they also come with trade-offs: harder learning curves, more plugins, or less design flexibility.

For our multi-cultural brand story, Wix Studio strikes the right balance of creativity & control. It’s honestly our new favorite.

Is Wix Studio Right for You?

Let’s be real: Wix Studio isn’t for everyone. If you’re a one-person entrepreneur just needing a simple landing page, classic Wix or even Squarespace might feel more straightforward.

But if you fall into our tribe — creative women-of-color professionals who care deeply about brand and growth — this is worth considering.

Wix Studio is ideal if you:

Manage multiple projects or clients. (Agencies, coaches with several offers, photographers, etc.) Its multi-site workspace will feel like a dream.
Crave design control. If “That button is 2px off!” makes you twitch, Studio’s pixel-level tools and responsive editing are gold.
Plan to grow your business online. With built-in e-commerce, advanced marketing integrations, and SEO automation, Studio grows with you.
Like to collaborate. If you work with a team or even just need an easier way for clients to review your designs, Studio’s collaboration features will save hours.

Stick with classic Wix if:

You only need one basic site and don’t mind a more templated approach.
You’re not comfortable with a steeper learning curve (Wix Studio has a few more menus and options).
Budget is tight and you’re not utilizing the extra features (though Wix Studio’s pricing is similar to Wix’s higher tiers).

In our experience, once you see what Wix Studio can do, it’s hard not to want it. It gave us that “I can’t believe I didn’t do this sooner” moment. We feel like we’ve unlocked a secret level of web design.

Custom vs. Template: Which Glow-Up Do You Need?

Animated image of Wix Studio Website templates designed by CVilla Design

Now, I know not everyone is ready for a full custom rebrand. Maybe you’re testing new offers, building your first service suite, or just not ready to invest in a big website overhaul yet.

That’s why I created Wix Studio Templates.

Think of them as your “first sip of morabeza.” Bold, culturally fluent, and built to help creative WOC service providers launch with confidence.

They’re:

Designed with the same pro tools I use for custom clients
Infused with my multicultural design lens and Afro-bohemian flair
Ready to customize quickly so you can launch fast without sacrificing vibe

If you’re craving a brand makeover but not the full custom journey yet, our Wix Studio Template Shop is where you start.

The Heart of This Glow-Up

At the end of the day, this rebrand is about confidence. Our new site feels like slipping into a bold, tailored outfit — not because it’s fancier, but because it feels like me. The me who thrives at the intersection of cultures & creativity. The me who wants every client to land on my site and instantly feel: I’m in the right place.

And that’s what I want for you, too. Whether you go custom or template, Wix Studio gives you the tools to scale and the stage to shine. Because this isn’t just about looking good online. It’s about standing taller, speaking louder, and stepping fully into your next chapter.