We had the good fortune of connecting with Lori Patton O’Hara and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lori, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my business as a “moonlighter,” aside from full-time work as an entry-level designer. Freelance was more exploratory for me to see if this was something I wanted for my future. After a few years of working with great teams, an opportunity to become a contractor for a firm I formerly worked for crossed my path; I dove into becoming a full-time business owner. While that was a scary transition at first, I believe the things that helped me with the change were establishing a client base and harnessing good community relationships.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.`

I have enjoyed my career journey, even with any bumps and bruises. I wouldn’t say anything was “easy” about so much of it, but I will say that it all requires hard work and dedication—showing up.
I am a Navy Veteran, which might have much to do with my mindset today and my sense of structure and commitment in everything I do. I have received comments like, “you must be so disciplined in what you do,” While that statement feels like it might be a struggle for some, it comes naturally to me., as it comes at the heels of training and structure, which became a big part of my life recipe.
My brand, Design5sixty4, was an evolving creature. Through a name change in its early development and my growth as a professional. Eventually, I leaned into looping in one of my favorite activities, cycling into the storyline of Design5sixty4 and a tagline of “we’ll take you there.” I also brought in language around this branding project to communicate the need. Sometimes a potential business or brand experience can feel like you’ve just got a flat tire, “feeling flat,” or maybe a need to “shift gears” in a different marketing approach. While there are staples to the creative process, everyone’s brand story is different and might require another “gear” or method.
Aside from the marketing piece, I am a huge advocate for building relationships. As mentioned above, not a single project I’ve worked on is the same. Everyone has a story, which should be uniquely crafted from a design perspective, and, ultimately, uniquely told to the client’s specific audience. Treating each client and project in their own respect created excellent opportunities to build long-lasting relationships.
My career journey has “shifted gears” a little bit as well. And I think about how that affects my approach to business. I recently went in-house to work at a non-profit, Griffith Centers, as the Director of Development. Griffith Centers offers a full spectrum of mental and behavioral health services to care for populations who have experienced trauma and hardships to support our clients in building resiliency, hope, and healing. While Design5sixty4 is still rolling, I’ve scaled back to focus more energy on our organizational communities across the state and how we support our clients. The new role has been outstanding to step into, and I am excited to continue to lean in with the organization and be a part of the journey to carry its mission forward!

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.

Oh, I love exploring Colorado when my besties visit. I have some regular spots for the first-timers, especially. On a week-long visit, I’d propose various ideas and let my guest pick and choose. I’d likely recommend the following restaurants:
• Westside Cantina in C.S.Co.
• Burrowing Owl in C.S.Co.
• Adam’s Mountain Cafe (brunch) in Manitou Springs
• Dat’s Italian in Old Colorado City
• Coati in Downtown C.S.Co.
• Adelita’s in Denver
• Watercourse in Denver
• Zeppelin Station in Denver
• In the summer, a lovely outdoor patio for a cocktail — several options come to mind.
For Art:
• Cottonwood Center for the Arts in C.S.Co.
• Fine Art Center in C.S.Co.
• RiNo District in Denver
• Denver Art Museum
For Scenery and Exploration:
• A walk through Garden of the Gods
• Cog train or drive up to Pikes Peak Summit
• Snowshoe around Monarch Pass (if visiting in winter, of course)
• A day trip to Frisco/Breckenridge for the views, a hike or walk, and dining
• A day trip to the Sand Dunes
• A hike in the nearby foothills in Colorado Springs or the Manitou Incline if my guest wanted a challenge
• A drive out to the Stanley Hotel
And for relaxation and a chill day/evening would look like a home-cooked meal, cocktails, and sitting around a fire pit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

AIGA, The Professional Association for Design, has been a pillar for building and strengthening community and relationships to further reach beyond my local community to a nationwide of peers and friends. Being involved with AIGA through the local chapter in New Mexico to fulfilling a role in the national organization played a significant role in professional development, community service, and relationship building. I am very grateful for this organization and the folks that I worked alongside!
In the way of individuals, I have so many I would love to mention. How much space do I have?! Kidding. In an overarching shoutout, I want to say that the women business owners and leaders I have worked with have inspired me. Some of us have grown together, supported each other’s businesses collaboratively, and many have been great mentors. While I want to be all-inclusive, I do want to give a couple of special shoutouts:
Amy Miller of AMM Consulting Strategies has been an excellent collaborator and partner in several meaningful legislative and non-profit projects. Allowing me to lean into work that is impactful and fulfilling.
Leslie Hoffman of LEH Consulting has similar reasons for shoutout as Amy. Also, she continues to push me to grow my business strategy and strengthens my positioning in the arena. She understands the value in creatives’ work, and I am very grateful for that mindset.
Tania Sossi, CEO of Griffith Centers, is truly an inspiration. While we have been working side by side in a recent shift in my trajectory, I have admired her professionalism, passion, and dedication to her role and work within the organization since our first conversation.
On a personal level—my husband, Tim O’Hara. He is supportive and always encouraging. And an inspiration in everything he does to expand his own life experiences.

Website: design564.com, griffithcenters.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/design564/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Design5sixty4

Image Credits
Gabriella Marks (headshot) Rebecca Rivas (bike photo)

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