Create & Cultivate 100: STEM & Finance: Krystle Rowry
The Food Network. Disney. Cole Haan. Estee Lauder. These are just a few of the clients web designer and digital strategist Krystle Rowry has on her roster, and she’s adding more as we speak. But she’s not just a big-brands designer—Krystle also builds sites for content creators around the world via her business KrissDidIt.com. She saw a need in the community for clean, well-designed sites (or “online homes,” as she calls them) for entrepreneurs, so she filled it—and she went above and beyond to do it. Her work has been featured by BuzzFeed, Essence, Refinery29 and more.
Below, she tells us what makes her tick.
You’ve worked with some very popular brands and content creators helping them bring their vision to life on the internet and beyond. What’s been your favorite project to design and execute?
Oh goodness—that’s like asking which is my favorite child! If I HAVE to choose, I'd say designing the B-School program along with founder, Marie Forleo, and her incredible design team. The program has changed the lives of so many and given them the tools to build a business and life they love. It's been an honor to be apart of something with such an incredible positive impact.
Where do you go for inspiration and fresh ideas?
I find the best ideas when I'm out and about in Los Angeles. Whether it’s seeing the billboards, interior designs of a new jewelry shop, or the menu design at a restaurant, all of it inspires me and fuels my creativity.
What are your top 3 most-used apps at the moment?
Instagram, Pinterest, Spotify
You’ve shared on social media how important mentorship is to you, and you consistently support other creatives on their journeys. Who has been the biggest mentor for you professionally?
Before I started designing for Marie Forleo, she was actually one of my greatest mentors through her online program, B-School. From her lessons and guidance, I learned not only how to grow my business, but also the importance of personal development.
When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you find new roads + switch gears to find success?
I aim to be very strategic when it comes to my business and career, so when I need to switch gears, I find it's best to take some time for myself. During this time, I take a look at what isn't working and explore how I can be better fulfilled going forward. I look at these hurdles as a time to learn, pivot and get excited for what's next.
What about your job makes you feel the most fulfilled?
For the last 5 years, I have been fortunate enough to mentor over a hundred talented and driven creative entrepreneurs. I try to have a couple of one-on-one calls every week and it’s the highlight of my day. Seeing their businesses flourish and their lives change has been the most fulfilling part of my career.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Done is better than perfect.”
If you could live a day in the life of any other woman, who would it be? Why?
Beyonce. Her talent is unmatched and it would be amazing to know how it feels to move a stadium full of people who have such a deep appreciation for what you do.
What are the common challenges you've seen among female business owners and entrepreneurs?
The most common challenge I've seen is the expectation we put on ourselves to balance it all. We want to be great wives, daughters and mothers while still running a successful business. It can be terribly overwhelming, but I know letting go of the expectation can take a huge weight off.
What do you hope the future looks like for women entering into technical careers and entrepreneurship?
My hope is that women feel empowered and supported when entering into technical careers and entrepreneurship. I remember being a teenager who loved coding websites but not knowing who to turn to or where to go for advice because I didn’t see any women succeeding in web development. Representation matters and the future is looking bright!