We were lucky to catch up with April Kuykendall recently and have shared our conversation below.

April, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Some of the most interesting parts of our journey emerge from areas where we believe something that most people in our industry do not – do you have something like that?

I’ve always believed learning never really ends, but it’s surprising how many people in our field think they’ve “arrived” once they’ve mastered a certain skill or tool. Personally, I’ve found that the minute I stop searching for new ideas or techniques, I’m cutting off my ability to truly serve my clients.

I remember getting asked to do illustrations for a flyer, a skill I hadn’t fully developed yet. At first, it felt intimidating, like I was stepping into uncharted territory. But taking on that new challenge brought out a different side of my creativity. Learning on the fly reminded me that staying curious keeps me inspired, relevant, and ready to deliver my best.

April, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve always had this deep curiosity about how things work. As a little girl, that meant taking apart a computer at tech camp or dreaming up entire storylines with my dolls. Creativity and technology were always at play in my life. When I got to college and started working in the IT department, I realized technology wasn’t just a cool hobby, it was powerful and could help bring big ideas to life.

The real turning point came when I started teaching Spanish. I found myself setting up online learning systems to make learning easier for my students and got hooked on design. That’s when it really clicked for me: I love creating beautiful, functional spaces that tell a story. Before I knew it, I was taking on small design projects for friends, which eventually grew into HT Design Agency.

Now, I get to blend all those pieces, tech, a passion for storytelling, and a real love for design into one business. At HT Design Agency, we offer services tailored to meet a range of needs. For branding and web design, our packages cover everything from a one-page responsive website in the Essentials Package to full eCommerce integration, advanced SEO, and long-term support in our Luxe Package. Each one is designed to help businesses, no matter their size, create a brand identity that truly represents who they are.

We also specialize in helping authors and podcasters bring their creative visions to life. Our Author’s Suite includes custom book cover design, metadata optimization, and even eCommerce-enabled websites, making it easier for authors to get their work into the world. For podcasters, our Podcast Launch services include promo graphics, trailer setup, and launch strategies to help them build their audience from day one. And for authors exploring new platforms, our Audiobook Launch package ensures their work reaches listeners through professional editing, narration guidance, and distribution support.

What sets me apart? It’s the way I meet people where they are. I listen to their stories, understand their needs, and then work with them to create something that feels like “them.” Whether it’s helping an author self-publish their first book, launching an audiobook, or rebranding a business, I’m here to make sure the final product captures their essence.

At the end of the day, HT Design Agency is about so much more than just a pretty logo or polished website, it’s about creating something that resonates. I pour my heart into every project because when your design truly speaks to who you are, that’s when the magic happens.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Honestly, word-of-mouth has been everything for me. I love staying in touch with clients the same way I’d catch up with an old friend, just a genuine, “Hey, how are you doing? Anything I can help with?” No sales pitch, no pressure, just authentic check-ins. It’s amazing how those real conversations turn into referrals, because people naturally want to share good experiences with the folks they care about.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I see NFTs as a really exciting technology with so much potential, especially when it comes to building communities and offering real value. It’s not just about digital art or collectibles, but about creating unique experiences and perks for people like exclusive access, membership benefits, and personal connections.

I think NFTs can completely transform industries like art, entertainment, and even real estate because of their ability to merge the digital world with real world benefits. Of course, there’s a lot of hype, and there are definitely risks, but l believe when done thoughtfully with a long term mindset, NFTs have the power to revolutionize the way we interact with both online and offline communities.

Patience and understanding the underlying tech of it are key to making the most out of this space.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.htdesign.me/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/htdesign.me
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/htdesignagency?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkhgqaz5GHYMi4Nhn6CshaA
• Other: [email protected]