Meet Natalie Jark | UX / UI Designer & Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalie Jark and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalie, what is the most important factor behind your success?
When designing a SAAS product, website, or app, I’ve found that the most effective and successful UX and UI designs start from an empathetic mindset. When you approach the problems you’re trying to solve for your end user with empathy, and identify not only their pain points but also the emotions they are experiencing associated with them, you’ll truly uncover the magic behind designing a user-centered solution.

This is something that I believe has truly made my UX Design and Consulting business so successful. My goal is to bridge the gap between business goals and user goals to create designs that are driven by empathy and strategic decision-making for current and future needs.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In 2018, I left a my steady, corporate UX Design and Research job to explore the possibility of owning my own business and establishing myself as a professional… AND Mom.

Even though I was not yet a Mom, I knew how important it was to me to create a career path that supported the life and flexibility that I wanted as a Mom. I wanted to be able to pick my kids up from baseball practice. I wanted to be able to attend their school parties and volunteer in their classrooms. But I also didn’t want to lose the fire and creative passion that I had in my own design skills and talents.

So I started to create a life that I could flourish in both – as a Mom & UX/UI Designer. It hasn’t been easy – especially now that I do have a toddler running circles around me. But if I had the chance, I’d make the same decision over and over again.

I’ve learned that boundaries are important – even though they’re not easy. They can make or break the balance of your life.

I’ve learned that finding the right clients who not only trust you and your work, but also respect you and your boundaries is essential. The right people WILL fall in your lap if you continue to remove the wrong people from your bandwidth.

And finally, I’ve learned that taking care of yourself, your energy, and your mental health is the key to true success. If you can’t show up for yourself daily, you’re not going to be able to show up for your clients, family, or friends either.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We take for granted all the amazing things that Colorado has to offer – truly, it is one of the most diverse and amazing places in the states!

I’d be sure to take them to a variety of craft breweries around the Denver-Metro areas.

We’d head up to some kind of mountain town to explore the true beauty of the mountains (Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge, etc.).

We’d see some kind of show at Red Rocks.

And then end one evening at Little Man’s Ice Cream.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s so many people who have influenced my journey, but I’ll name a few here who have truly help build me into the successful business woman I am today.

Shoutout to my Dad, Tom Dedin, who is the hardest working and most humble man I know. He not only started two successful businesses from the ground up, but he works tirelessly every day to truly be hands on serving his clients and athletes with his God-given gifts and talents.

Shoutout to my mentors – Cynthia Del’Aria (Raika Technologies), Paige Goss (Point Solutions Group), and Sarah Jolly. Not only did they believe in me from the very start, but they continue to push me to be the best woman in tech while also being the best Mom at home.

And finally, a shoutout to my husband, Kyle. I wouldn’t be where I’m at today as a business woman and Mom without his support.

Website: https://nataliejark.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliejark/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliejark/