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

Hi Jade, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
When I started my business in 2020, Work-Life Balance was non-existent. If you ask my friends I didn’t even have a clue what this was. I was scared, scared I was going to miss an email from a client, scared I was going to mess up. I brought my computer with me everywhere I went, and when I say everywhere I mean it, even to dinner at a friend’s.

Now, at 26, I have found much more balance in my life. I attribute some of this to discovering competitive roller derby in 2022. It has become a passion of mine and I know that I need to make time to stay fit and healthy so that I can play at my best. Playing at my best also means running my business and helping my clients to the best of my ability. It has forced me to organize my time more efficiently so that I have time for myself, friends and family and work.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
“What a long strange trip it’s been” -Grateful Dead

It sure has been a long strange trip! After high school, I was not sure of my path. I was lucky enough to travel and spent time in Nepal and Kenya. One of my passions has always been photography and helping others, while traveling this became even more apparent. When I returned to the States I took several different restaurant jobs, and in 2020 when covid hit I lost both of my jobs in the same day. I started working at Sprouts, a local grocery store but knew this was not what I wanted to do with my life.

A friend of mine, Zack owned a small business called Last Chair Customs, an Alpine-Inspired Fabrication company that refinishes ski chairs and gondolas from mountains all over the country for peoples homes and businesses. Last Chair Customs started getting very busy with new clients and Zack asked if I would help him run his business. I took a HUGE leap and quit my job at the grocery store to help Zack run Last Chair Customs. I handled all customer communications, social media, photography, and marketing. And I still do to this day!

I loved how passionate Zack was and that definitely sparked the journey to create JH Namaste Designs. My goal is to help other small businesses grow with an online presence and stunning photography. Hence my slogan, “Let me be passionate about your passion!”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For a perfect one-week trip in Colorado, it is a must to see the beauty that surrounds us in this amazing state. Start by taking a dip in one of the many amazing creeks, like Boulder Creek in Boulder, Clear Creek in Golden, or St. Vrain Creek in Lyons. These spots are perfect for a refreshing swim, paddle board, tubing, fly fishing and some relaxation by the water. For food, make sure to visit one of the incredible Mountain Sun restaurants. There’s one in Longmont, three in Boulder, and one in Denver. They have the best food and beer!

No trip to Colorado is complete without a visit to Red Rocks Amphitheater. Whether you have time to catch a concert, yoga on the rocks, or simply explore the stunning natural rock formations, Red Rocks is a must-see!

If you have the time, head up to the mountains! A two-hour drive can get you to high altitude, and there is truly nothing like being on top of the Rocky Mountains. You can explore countless amazing hikes wherever you go. Some notable hikes include Chautauqua Park in Boulder, with the iconic Flatirons.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my success to my loving parents and sister. They have been my rocks and biggest supporters throughout not only starting my own business during a pandemic but throughout my entire life. I would not be here without them! Zack, owner of Last Chair Customs, also deserves a big shoutout for helping me get to where I am today! His trust was invaluable as I navigated the challenges of establishing my business. Additionally, I want to recognize the support and encouragement from my friends, who have always believed in me and pushed me to pursue my dreams.

Website: https://jhnamastedesigns.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JHNamasteDesigns/

Image Credits
Headshots: EKR Photography
Roller Derby Photos: Alvin Green Jr.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.