Meet Lauren Muth | Nonprofit Website Designer

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

Hi Lauren, what principle do you value most?
While I live my life and curate my brand around many socially-driven values, the most important one to me is accessibility, in every form of the word. When we think of accessibility, we traditionally assume removing barriers for a physical limitation, but in modern day, it also applies to digital resources and everyday basics.

We live our lives day-in and day-out using our phones, computers, smart cars, and more, but what we don’t take note of is the user experience unless it’s either phenomenal or lacking in many ways. It’s important that we think about what accessibility means in our everyday, ranging from responsiveness on our phones from websites and applications to its most simplified form of even gaining access to a phone. When we go beyond our daily needs and think to third-world countries, accessibility can look like meeting a basic need such as clean water, another thing that can so easily be taken for granted.

In my roots as a website designer, I prioritize access in all that I do, in that our team provides training resources to allow individuals to grow their brands and organizations on their own. This grants them the ability to not only learn and gain understanding, but provide a sustainable solution to fueling their own growth. I strongly believe that education and accessible solutions are what will not only create the inclusive world we long for, but establish our community much stronger than before.

What should our readers know about your business?
Ever since I was young, I knew I had a passion for working with nonprofits. I also knew that I was meant to be a creative, as I found so much inspiration through storytelling, photography, design, and writing. After having run my business for more than three years full-time, I’ve learned a lot about myself and my own resilience to create a better, more inclusive community for all. I’ve found opportunities to truly listen to this cause and social-minded world to find at its core, the deepest concerns and needs for voices to be heard. I’ve always wanted to elevate beautiful stories and incredible people doing wonderful things in our world. Now more than ever is one of the best times to highlight these things in a world of division and hatred, so we can remind ourselves of the good in our communities and the positive light that so many of us are sharing every day.

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?
We would definitely tour Pearl Street in Boulder, as that’s one of my favorite places to spend the day. I absolutely love Trident Coffee & Booksellers, as I’m a lover of reading and adore their chai tea. It’s the perfect place to sit outside on their back patio! We would also stop by the Boulder Bookstore to show them the incredible features of this three-story gem, exploring more books, before heading to my favorite spot of all, the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. Their space is absolutely gorgeous and inspiring and their curry plates are to die for! Afterwards, we would go on a small hike up at the Chautauqua Trails to enjoy the scenery and view the flatirons. In the later afternoon, we would go to Acreage at Stem Ciders in Lafayette to share a flight of ciders while taking in that view, as well, before heading home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I think of someone who has inspired me to get me to where I am today, I immediately think of Eric Thomas, my journalism professor from the University of Kansas. He taught me so much, not only through storytelling and media understanding, but in my evolving relationships with others. One of the kindest mentors in my life, he encouraged me to not only follow my dreams, but helped give me the push into nonprofit work with the Make-a-Wish Foundation, before ever going into my own freelance role. His heart for his students and dedication to their growth inspires me to do the same in everyone I collaborate with in my work today.

Website: https://studiohumankind.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/studiohumankind

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/laurenpaynemuth

Twitter: https://twitter.com/studiohumankind

Facebook: https://facebook.com/studiohumankind

Image Credits
Lauren’s Portrait: Kaley from Kansas