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

Hi Justienne, what matters most to you?
The value that matters most to me is transparency, particularly when it comes to pricing and ethical practices. I believe that everyone deserves access to essential services, regardless of their income level. Transparency in pricing builds trust and allows people to make informed decisions without fear of hidden costs or surprises. By ensuring our services are accessible to all, we create opportunities for inclusion and equity. Ethical practices tie this all together—when we operate with integrity, we honor the people we serve and set a standard that prioritizes fairness over profit. For me, it’s about creating a system where everyone has a chance to thrive, and that starts with honesty, accessibility, and doing what’s right.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is deeply tied to my journey as an autistic creative. For a long time, I struggled to transfer the vivid ideas in my mind into the real world, which made creating feel like an uphill battle. The introduction of digital illustration tools was a game-changer for me—it made being a creative much more accessible and allowed me to bring my visions to life in a way that felt manageable and empowering.

It hasn’t been an easy journey, but I’ve been fortunate to have a community that has always supported me and encouraged me to keep pushing forward. I focused on surrounding myself with people and things that inspired me. Along the way, I learned an important lesson: it’s okay to start without a specific style. Your personal style will evolve with time and practice. What matters most is to keep creating, even when you’re not happy with the work—it’s all part of the process.

A major turning point for me came when I was diagnosed with autism at 27. It completely shifted my world. I had to reimagine my life and rebuild it from this new perspective. This included my work. I realized I couldn’t thrive in a traditional full-time job, but I had a wealth of diverse experiences I could draw from. By embracing my passions, I molded those experiences into a multifaceted business that aligns with who I am.

I want people to know that experiencing a significant life shift as an adult—whether it’s a diagnosis, a career change, or something else—can be a powerful opportunity to reimagine your life. It’s never too late to reshape your story and pursue the things that make you come alive.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting me in Denver, Colorado, for a week, I’d plan an itinerary to give them a mix of great food, fun adventures, and beautiful scenery. We’d kick things off with dinner at my favorite neighborhood spots: Six Capital Brewery for its cozy vibe and craft beer, or Sushi Totoro for some of the best sushi around. Throughout the week, I’d also make sure to spoil them with delicious home-cooked meals because nothing beats the comfort of a meal made with love.

For outings, we’d start with a visit to the Denver Zoo, my favorite place. Downtown Denver would also be on the list, but where we’d go specifically would depend on my friend’s style—whether it’s the artsy vibes of RiNo, the chic boutiques of Cherry Creek, or the lively energy of Union Station.

One day, we’d take a trip up to Estes Park to indulge in a slice of pie at You Need Pie and soak in the breathtaking views of the town and Rocky Mountain National Park. A hike would definitely be on the agenda too—probably at Red Rocks Amphitheater. It’s an incredible place to experience Colorado’s natural beauty and history, and we’d check out their museum while we’re there.

If it’s summer, we’d spend a day at Cherry Creek Reservoir for some outdoor fun, and if it’s winter, we’d go for a magical walk on a frozen lake. Denver has so much to offer, from vibrant city life to serene mountain escapes, so I’d make sure to design an itinerary packed with diverse activities that show off the best of the area.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the small technology agency I began my career in. Working there was an incredible opportunity that shaped my understanding of business from the ground up. Because it was a smaller agency, I had the chance to work across all departments—strategy, creative, client services, operations—and really see how a business functions as a whole. It wasn’t just about marketing; it was about learning how to run a business. What made the experience even more impactful was that the owner was a trailblazing woman in a male-dominated field. She not only led with strength and vision but also took the time to mentor me personally. Her guidance and example taught me so much about leadership, resilience, and navigating challenges with grace. On top of that, I was privileged to work with clients from a wide range of industries during those early years, which broadened my perspective and taught me how to adapt and bring value in so many different contexts. The skills and insights I gained there continue to influence everything I do today.

Website: https://fartypets.com

Instagram: @fartypets

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070830056954

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/farty-pets-aurora

Image Credits
Justienne Savaiano

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