Zora Nova Design Agency is a dynamic creative agency committed to empowering small to medium-sized enterprises to enhance their digital presence. Founded with a passion for assisting businesses in connecting with global audiences, our agency embraces cutting-edge technology to expand market reach.
Our base in Lincoln, CA serves as a vital hub for connecting with our clients. In an increasingly digital world, it's easy to lose sight of the human element. That's why we prioritize having a physical space where our team and clients can foster genuine connections. Our approach to design, rooted in Brand Strategy, Human-Centered Design, Personal Connection, and collaborative Partnership, thrives on personal interaction. We believe through this engagement, we can truly empower enterprises to flourish in today's fast-paced digital environment. Our specialization in offering innovative solutions in digital marketing and design services is only possible when people meet face to face.
Authentic branding is not just about honesty, but also involves consistency, differentiation, emotional connection, and flexibility. Maintaining consistency across all aspects of branding builds trust, while differentiation helps attract the right audience. An emotional connection creates loyalty and advocacy among customers, and flexibility allows for adaptation to changing market conditions. By focusing on these elements, a strong brand can be built that delivers long-term results.
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We establish partnerships with passionate entrepreneurs and business owners, elevating their brand stewardship with thoughtful, informed strategies. Guided by a belief in constructive dissatisfaction, we are continuously driven to better ourselves and our capabilities.
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We strongly advocate for positive-sum strategies, rooted in our belief that success doesn't necessitate the sidelining of others. Every business we partner with has its unique essence, and our mission is to amplify their strengths to captivate the right market. Our commitment extends to forging trustworthy partnerships and ensuring fair, equitable contracts with all our collaborators.
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We embrace a human-centered design philosophy, which places people at its core. By engaging directly with our partners, we strive to understand their experiences, challenges, needs, and desires, ensuring that we craft experiences tailored just for them.
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By fostering authentic and meaningful relationships with our partners, we empower brands to distinguish themselves within the competitive marketplace, creating genuine connections with their customers.
Our Shared Purpose
Meet Our Team Members
Strategy
Alex Phung
Growing up in my family, I learned about the cultural norms of showing respect and deference towards elders & guests. Specifically, one such tradition is to ensure that they are seated before others, and to always offer them food first during meals as a sign of respect. Not only is it an expression of humility and grace, but also an acknowledgment of those who have laid the foundation for us. I have carried forward this valuable teaching to my company's ethos, where we prioritize serving others first.
Inspired by my entrepreneurial family, I deeply respect small businesses. With over two decades in corporate consulting, from engineering to digital marketing, I am dedicated to uplifting small enterprises, channeling their passion into enduring achievements.
Managing Director
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My family (both parents and total of 9 uncles & aunts) were all entrepreneurs and owned small businesses. I was awestruck by their unyielding dedication, tireless work ethic, and boundless love for their ventures. I witnessed firsthand the arduous obstacles they encountered - from working long hours and missing holidays to facing constant pressure to succeed - and yet their unwavering pride in their accomplishments never faltered. This experience instilled in me a profound appreciation for the value of small businesses and the personal fulfillment that stems from entrepreneurship.
Over the past two decades, I have had the privilege of working in corporate America as a consultant, where I have helped businesses develop their brand and processes. This journey has granted me extensive practical experience and a vast knowledge base across various fields, ranging from industrial engineering and supply chain management to digital marketing and product innovations.
Now, I'm thrilled to apply my expertise and experience to a cause that truly inspires me. As someone who deeply respects the dedication and hard work of small business owners, I am incredibly motivated to make a meaningful impact. I am committed to using my unique background and skill set to help these individuals achieve their business aspirations and create sustainable businesses.
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During my tenure at UPS spanning two decades, I have been fortunate to acquire a wide range of proficiencies in engineering, logistics and supply chain management, innovation in product design, and digital services. While leading the delivery of projects and devising bespoke solutions for organizations to optimize their operations, I remain acutely aware that there is always room for improvement and growth.
The opportunity to work on digital services and product development with reputable entities such as Nespresso, IBM, TOMS Shoes, and emerging startups including Uber, Square, Facebook, and Allbirds has been a humbling and enriching experience. I am deeply grateful for the recognition I have received for my creative contributions with two US patents. However, I firmly acknowledge that the exceptional outcomes achieved were a result of the hard work and accomplishments of the collaborative teams that I was fortunate to lead.
As I look forward to the future, I aspire to expand my skill set while leveraging my diverse background to support organizations in maximizing their potential and success. I will approach my work with an open mind, humility, and a collaborative mindset, consistently striving to learn and grow.
Art & Design
Lead Graphic Designer
Shawna Philipp
What sets Shawna apart is her collaborative approach to client projects. She takes the time to thoroughly understand her clients' vision, objectives, and target audience. This deep understanding allows her to effectively translate ideas into visually compelling designs that exceed expectations.
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Shawna is a highly skilled senior graphic designer with 20+ years of experience. Her diverse portfolio includes impressive projects in the medical biotech field along with wine and music industries. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creativity, she delivers exceptional designs that captivate audiences and elevate brands.Shawna's professionalism, creativity, and ability to consistently deliver outstanding results have made her a sought-after designer in the industry. She establishes strong partnerships with her clients, providing them with exceptional service and an exceptional design experience.
When you work with Shawna, you can trust that she will bring your ideas to life with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to excellence. Whether you're seeking a captivating logo, comprehensive branding guidelines, or innovative marketing materials, Shawna is well-equipped to help you create something amazing.
Content Creation
Social Media Director
Michelle Murphy
A skilled social media manager and content creator/strategist, Michelle effortlessly blends her expertise in both realms. A natural social butterfly, she thrives in networking and building relationships with people, understanding the importance of face-to-face communication in creating strong connections with clients and partners.
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Michelle is a dynamic and energetic individual with a keen eye for storytelling and a passion for authentic social media marketing. She brings a unique perspective to every project she takes on, believing that no task is too mundane or routine. As a mother of two young children, Michelle understands the delicate balance between personal and professional responsibilities, seeing each challenge as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Skilled and talented as a content creator, Michelle fully integrates social media into the complete circle of digital marketing, ensuring high levels of customer service and professionally run accounts. Her positive attitude and can-do spirit make her a valuable asset to any team.
Michelle thrives on sharing the passions of nonprofits and business owners, collaborating with other creatives to foster growth and impact. Whether she's engaging with clients, colleagues, or family members, Michelle is always ready to bring her best to the table and make a positive impact through her work.
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Michelle is a powerhouse content creator and social media strategist, boasting a portfolio of over 600 reels crafted in 2023 alone. As the Community Outreach Director and Social Marketing lead for the Downtown Lincoln Association, she leverages her decade-long experience in local government to amplify community initiatives.
With over seven years of dedicated content creation, Michelle has left her mark across various sectors, from animal rescue to boutique wine lounges, showcasing her versatility and commitment to diverse storytelling. Her expertise extends to refreshing and rebranding small businesses, breathing new life into their digital presence.
Beyond her role as a content creator, Michelle is deeply embedded in her community, serving on committees dedicated to fostering local business growth. She thrives on collaborations, providing coaching and guidance to aspiring content creators and entrepreneurs alike.
Michelle's passion for showcasing local businesses and their creators is evident in her work along with her dedication and expertise- she’s the ultimate partner for businesses looking to shine in the social media world.
Videography
Visual Brand Storyteller
Corey Besmer
To begin his process, Corey dives into brand strategy , mission, and values. He then collaborates with his clients to identify their target audience and craft a message that resonates with them. Using his comprehensive video strategy, he develops a mix of videos, such as explainer videos, product demos, customer testimonials, and brand stories, to achieve the desired results.
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Corey is an experienced video marketing professional who specializes in helping businesses increase leads and sales through the power of video content. He is known for his expertise in creating story-driven videos and developing effective video strategies that help businesses drive traffic to their website and keep their target audience engaged with consistent video content.
What sets Corey apart from other video marketers is his focus on storytelling. He understands that people are naturally drawn to stories, and he leverages this human tendency to create videos that not only inform but also inspire and connect with the audience.
Corey's passion for video marketing is evident in his ability to craft compelling and story-driven videos that resonate with audiences. He recognizes the importance of creating videos that not only inform but also inspire and connect with viewers. By working closely with his clients, he develops a comprehensive video strategy that aligns with their brand, goals, and target audience.
Overall, Corey Besmer is a highly skilled and passionate video marketer who brings creativity, strategy, and dedication to every project he works on. His ability to create engaging and effective video content makes him an invaluable partner for any business looking to enhance their marketing efforts.
Copywriting
Strategic Content and Engagement Advisor
April Shoberg
April Shoberg is an accomplished creative designer, writer, and consultant with over two decades of experience juggling her professional roles with her personal life as a dedicated wife and mother to eight children. Formerly a director of operations and a dental practice consultant, she has collaborated with numerous healthcare professionals. For over twenty years, April has been instrumental in enhancing the efficiency, patient experience, and profitability of dental practices. Her expertise lies in increasing productivity, heightening patient satisfaction, and bolstering overall profitability. More than just her analytical skills and process optimization, it's April's innate ability to inspire, her genuine curiosity, and her profound desire to assist others that stand out. This unique blend of skills allows her to seamlessly connect people, patients, and processes, earning her an outstanding reputation in her field.
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April is a gifted creative professional who is deeply driven by her desire to assist people and businesses to prosper. With her knack for combining words, creativity, and strategy, she knows how to resonate with her clients and their audience. Her intuitive nature helps her understand individual needs, enabling her to craft content that genuinely speaks to people. April's diverse upbringing, moving through 11 grade schools due to her father's role in the U.S. Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal, has provided her with a rich understanding of diversity and adaptability. Drawing from her multifaceted life as a professional, wife, and mother of eight, April brings empathy, authenticity, and a profound grasp of the human experience to her work. She aims not just to deliver but to inspire and surpass client expectations with her compelling writing and designs. Opting to work with April means benefitting from her immense creativity, strategic acumen, and deep knowledge of small business challenges. Under her guidance, businesses can articulate their message powerfully and realize impressive outcomes.