It's actually is less than 1.2 seconds when it has some volume. It spins down when not in use.
As far as pretty websites well I am not an artist so I do what I can.
I am not looking to make nice web UI since not one big commerce site is nice looking.
I tested it a few times and it usually takes 8-10 seconds for me (even if I hit reload just after it has finished loading).
Let me put it like this, if you're not comfortable with making graphics then don't try to, keep the website simple instead and only choose 2-3 colors to work with.
Mike
EDIT: Reloaded it a few more times and now it's performing quicker, maybe look into the "spin down"?