The Little Place That Made Us Turn the Car Around.

This past weekend, my wife and I were driving around running errands when we passed a little storefront with a sign that said Junebug Cafe. Without even thinking about it, we both said out loud, “That place looks awesome!” It was one of those instinctive reactions — a quick visual read that immediately left an impression. We ran our errands, and about an hour later we made it a point to stop in just to see what it was all about. (And I desperately needed a coffee.)

The moment we stepped inside, everything made sense. Great food, great coffee, delightful people… we talked to the staff, learned a bit about the business, and walked out as genuine fans.

But here’s the part that stuck with me: had the exterior not caught our eye, we never would have known the place existed. We wouldn’t have stopped. We wouldn’t have become customers. We wouldn’t have told other people about it. In a city like Chicago you’re constantly surrounded by businesses just like these, so standing out is no small feat.

That’s the power of design and branding. It’s not just about making things look nice — it’s about creating a feeling, a signal, a reason to care. It’s about making people notice.

A strong visual identity does heavy lifting. It communicates who you are before you say a word. It helps your business stand out in a crowded world. And in many cases, it’s the reason someone gives you a second look — or pulls over just to see what you’re all about. And it doesn’t have to be complicated or over-designed. This storefront was simple and charming, and just felt right.

If you’re a small business owner, that kind of presence matters. Especially when every customer counts. A thoughtful, well-designed brand can be the difference between being overlooked and becoming someone’s new favorite spot.

That’s why I do the work I do. Because good design doesn’t just look good — it actually works.