Hi, I’m Jules
music obsessive, sea wanderer, pun enthusiast… and your slightly introverted website whisperer.
I started Gently Created because I was tired of watching brilliant independent businesses settle for websites that made them feel invisible. You deserve to feel excited about your online presence, not embarrassed by it.
If you’re the kind of person who chose independence over the corporate ladder, who values authenticity over “industry standards,” and who wants a website that feels like you without the overwhelm—then you’re definitely my people.
The only reason I look vaguely confident in my brand photos? My sister’s a ridiculously talented photographer. She’s also the reason this business exists.
I didn’t plan to end up here
but teenage-me wanted to impress a guy
So I joined a youth theatre group. He was unimpressed. I got over it.
What I got instead? A lifelong love of storytelling and creativity hat carried me through a theatre degree, into arts production, and eventually creative finance—helping organisations survive behind the scenes.
But I kept watching talented people dim their own lights, settling for “good enough” when they deserved to shine..
Then my sister tried to DIY her own website & it was a disaster!
Not because she lacked vision—she had it in spades. But because every “easy” solution was too rigid, too technical, or just plain ugly.
I’d been the unofficial “website person” for years because I’m “good with computers.” But watching my sister struggle made me realise that all those techie things I find natural and interesting were not just baffling but a huge obstacle—preventing so many people from achieving what they wanted in their businesses.
So I built my sister something better—that she could keep up to date herself. And that realisation became the main foundation of Gently Created—removing the obstacles so you can focus on what you do best.
Now, I get to spend my days helping lovely people do awesome things
My mission isn’t just making the website creation process smooth and enjoyable—it’s ensuring the finished site is truly yours. One you actually know how to use and update, that shows off your weird, wonderful magic and turns visitors into fans.
Because I believe the world is better with independent businesses and creativity in it. You’re the soul of the high street, the beating heart of our communities.
And a website that is equal parts gorgeous and genius, that makes visitors bookmark you, share you with friends, and think “I want what they’ve got”—that’s the start of your sold-out era.
So, what else would you like to know about me?
01.
I’m quiet
Sometimes, I find it challenging being a quiet person in a noisy world. I’ve written extensively about marketing when you’re shy because so many people have told me they struggle with the same thing.
These days, instead of forcing myself to be louder, I learned to work with my natural tendencies. For example – I’m rubbish at social media (probably because I’m quite shy) But emails? I love that you’ve actually chosen to hear from me and there’s no fighting for attention in someone’s feed. Just me, you, and the good stuff that actually helps your business thrive.
02.
How to say my name
It’s Jules Derevycka (Der-eh-VIT-ska)—my dad is Ukrainian and my mum is Yorkshire, which makes for a quirky combination. Most people just call me Jules anyway.
03.
I love a #brewwithaview
The best ideas happen over a proper cup of tea. My #brewwithaview photos capture the working moments and the essential not-working ones too. Because sometimes the most creative thing you can do is just sit with a good brew and watch the world go by.
04.
A music fan
I create a playlist for each project—music sets the mood and keeps creative energy flowing. Right now, I’m listening to a lot of Black Pumas and Amos Lee. I love discovering new tunes, so if you have recommendations, please share!
05.
Naturally curious
Someone once told me I was “naturally curious” and it might be one of my favourite compliments ever. I nearly didn’t include this section because it feels a bit like bragging, and my shyness doesn’t love doing that.
But it’s true—I genuinely love learning about new things. I’m the person who signs up for random evening classes just because they sound interesting, goes to talks about subjects I know nothing about, and falls down research rabbit holes for fun. I got a first-class degree, was offered a doctorate (which I turned down), and I’m still that person who gets genuinely excited about learning something new.
For my business, this curiosity means I’m never just going through the motions. When I work with a photographer, I want to understand what draws them to documentary style versus portraiture, how they connect with their subjects, and what story they’re really trying to tell.
That curiosity shapes everything—from the questions I ask in our discovery calls to the research that goes into your strategy. Because the best websites aren’t built from templates; they’re built from understanding what makes you uniquely brilliant.
06.
Sea-lover living in Cornwall
One of my genuine passions is the sea. I live in Cornwall and spend most of my spare time walking by, paddling in, and gazing at the ocean. There’s something about that endless horizon that puts everything in perspective.
But Cornwall isn’t just where I live—it’s where I chose to build my business and my life. After years as a digital nomad, I kept getting pulled back to this corner of the world. I’m based in Falmouth, a town that perfectly captures what I love about Cornwall: creative, independent-minded, and full of people who believe business should be about more than just hitting targets.
Being local means I understand the unique challenges Cornwall businesses face. It’s why I created web design services specifically for Cornwall businesses—because you deserve someone who genuinely gets what it’s like to run a business here.
