Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kathryn Ikle. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kathryn, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Throughout middle school, I struggled with being overweight and enduring the ridicule of my peers, leaving me feeling insignificant and unaccepted. Despite this, I continually sought validation from others. However, my journey took a transformative turn in high school when I immersed myself in art classes. Art became more than a hobby; it was a sanctuary where I could express myself freely and uninhibitedly. It was during these formative years that I realized the futility of chasing external acceptance. I found inspiration in the unwavering confidence of Iris Apfel, Dolly Parton, and my mother, who embodied the power of authenticity. I came to understand that each of us is unique and invaluable, with no substitute. By relinquishing the need for external validation, I nurtured a sense of self-assurance and bravery.
For those grappling with self-doubt, I offer this advice: dare to take risks, venture beyond your comfort zone, and unapologetically embrace your individuality. Ultimately, true fulfillment doesn’t stem from seeking validation from others but from embracing your distinctiveness and flourishing on your own terms. Remember, it’s your life, uniquely yours to shape. Believe in yourself, and the world will follow suit!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?Sure! I am a Dallas, TX UX leader, consultant, speaker, creative, and versatile artist. Drawing on 20+ years of experience in UX, art, design, research, digital, marketing, agile, product, innovation, and technology, I have established a well-known reputation as a leader in the UX, technology, and creative industries, and currently serve as Vice President of Strategy & Design for Citigroup Bank.
I earned a degree in Marketing & Art from University of Memphis and a certification in Museum Studies from Harvard University. I am an advocate for the arts and always looking for opportunities to collaborate and support other artists. I am very involved in the Dallas arts community, and find immense joy in contributing to the artistic tapestry of our community and beyond. I also serve as the President of the Art Club of McKinney, TX, and I am a member of the Visual Arts Guild of Frisco, Arts Centre of Plano, Denton Greater Arts Council, and Dallas Museum of Art League.
As an artist, I enjoy acrylic painting, charcoal, and printmaking. However, I am not defined by one medium, and am passionate about all forms of art. My artistic journey is deeply intertwined with my family’s rich legacy of lace textiles dating back to 1838. The Iklé family has produced over 1,450 beautiful lace textiles all over Europe for generations with select pieces sold at Christie’s in London. Collections can be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the International Folk Art Museum, the Cooper Hewitt-Smithsonian Design Museum, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Textilmuseum St. Gallen, Switzerland, and the Museum für Völkerkunde, Basel. This heritage has left an indelible mark on my work, and I integrate the essence of my family’s tradition into my art.
Recognized by Art & Color 365 magazine, my artwork has been showcased at the Frisco Discovery Center in Frisco, TX, and the Martin Place Gallery in McKinney, TX. Pieces can be found in permanent collections at the Hutchison School in Memphis, TN, and the Art Center in Dover, NH. To make my artistic vision accessible to a wider audience, my online store at kathrynikle.com offers art, home goods, clothing, and gift items for purchase.
Beyond my professional and artistic endeavors, I am a passionate advocate for individuals who are blind or have low vision. I support non-profit organizations dedicated to providing funding and resources to those in need within the visually impaired community.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I believe adaptability, motivation, and a willingness to be uncomfortable have been (and still are!) the key ingredients to personal growth and living a joy-filled life. Not growing in life is like staying in the shallow end of a pool. While it may feel safe and comfortable at first, you miss out on the exhilarating experience of diving into deeper waters where you can explore new depths, face challenges, and ultimately discover more about yourself and the world around you. Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, embrace the unknown, and dive into the ocean of possibilities that await. It’s in those deeper waters where you’ll truly learn to swim and thrive, leading to a life filled with fulfillment and joy.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! Collaborations fuel my passion for creativity. Whether it’s designing clothing, footwear, and home goods, crafting websites, or curating one-of-a-kind art exhibitions, I thrive on partnering with individuals who share my drive to innovate and break new ground. The sky is not the limit and glass ceilings are meant to be broken. Boundaries do not exist in my pursuit of collaborative creativity. If you’re interested in exploring a collaboration, I invite you to connect with me via my website: https://www.kathrynikle.com/collaborations.html
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kathrynikle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iklecreativedesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynrebeccaikle/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynrebeccaikle/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kathrynikle
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA_aKiIES-PYarcRGsPjfgQ