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

Hi Tiffany, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
It’s still a work-in-progress and changes often! But it’s changed in that I’ve learned not to compare myself to others. Work-life balance is different for everyone. I have 2 businesses: my own graphic design company, and State 38 Co., which is a small online shop that sells Colorado-themed t-shirts. With both, I’ve had to figure out things as I go. It’s helpful to see what others in my field are doing, but I often fall into the trap of comparison. In the beginning, I’d wonder if I was doing things “right.” I would see other designers who are super productive and prolific, who worked late into the evenings and always seemed to be focusing on their craft. And that made me think maybe I wasn’t doing enough and not putting enough emphasis on the work part of work-life balance. But a huge part of working for myself is having flexibility with my time and being able to spend it in ways that are meaningful and fulfilling for me: things like spending time with my husband and friends, getting outside in nature, and hobbies. I don’t have to be working all the time to be successful. Plus that allows me time for creative pursuits and projects, like starting State 38 Co. That work-life balance may get adjusted over time, but it’s important that it’s right for me, and not to worry about what others are doing.

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?
I currently have 2 businesses. I’m a graphic designer who helps small businesses and solopreneurs with their branding. I know business owners have so much on their plate and are constantly juggling tasks, so I love being their creative support squad and making them feel proud of their brand. I started working for myself when we moved here 11 years ago. I didn’t have a job when we moved, but one client from my hometown, Phoenix, asked me to work remotely. And that’s when I started freelancing. I wasn’t sure if it would work, but I had to try. I’m sure I did plenty of things wrong, but I learned one of the most important things was to really cultivate relationships, whether it’s with clients or neighbors or other freelancers.

The other business is State 38 Co., which sells Colorado-themed t-shirts. That one began as just a fun thing to do. I wanted to try designing a shirt for myself, then wondered how to sell it. I didn’t know what I was doing but dove in anyway and figured it out as I went. The important thing for me was to try it and go outside my comfort zone, and not worry about the outcome. The business is still a side hustle, but I’m growing and learning and having fun too.

State 38 Co. is definitely a creative outlet for me, but it’s also my way of showing my Colorado pride. I love living here, but I sometimes feel like I don’t fit in or that I’m a typical Coloradan. I love being outside and hiking and exploring Denver, but I am not at all athletic or outdoorsy. I’m not the person who climbs a 14er and snowboards and bikes to the brewery. I’m the awkward artsy misfit who goes to estate sales and tiki bars. Making my own Colorado designs is kind of a way to make me feel more at home here.

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.
I’d start with coffee at Corvus, then check out the Denver Botanic Gardens. Lunch at Vin Xuong for their banh mi sandwiches and more coffee (I really like coffee). I think everyone needs to see Red Rocks when they visit, whether to hike or see a show. I love taking guests downtown to see Union Station and all the great murals in RiNo. And of course, everyone should go to Little Man Ice Cream. I haven’t been to Meow Wolf yet, but I suspect that will also end up on my list.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A special shoutout goes to my husband, Khi, who has been so supportive of my freelance career and my creative pursuits. He’s the one who has to wear all the sample State 38 Co. shirts and take Instagram photos and listen to me obsess over things. He’s also the cook in our family, so he makes me lunch and brings me coffee while I’m distracted on my computer. And I have wonderful friends who have been very supportive of my shop, who buy the t-shirts, and post great State 38 Co photos on their social media, and help me with photoshoots.

Website: tiffanyhuisenga.com and state38co.com

Instagram: sugartooth and state38co

Image Credits
Jim Darling

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