We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kathia Ramirez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kathia below.

Kathia , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

I was fortunate to grow up in a school district that nurtured my artistic talents, supported by parents who encouraged my interest in the arts. Since middle school, I’ve participated in art programs and was often told I was talented.

As a first-generation immigrant and the daughter of immigrant parents, I was also raised with a strong sense of responsibility and work ethic. Being a hard worker wasn’t something I chose—it was simply the expectation. Because of this, my journey in the arts felt fluid and natural, from early education through to college.

I followed a familiar path: I did well, was well-liked, and built a reputation for being both creative and dependable. But over time, I realized that constantly striving to meet others’ expectations came at a cost. I wasn’t taught how to navigate conflict or hold space for disagreement. Much of my overachievement stemmed from a desire to please others and prove I belonged.

That awareness has shaped the way I approach my work today—with more intention, self-awareness, and the understanding that growth isn’t just about doing things right, but also about learning how to stand firm in who you are.

Kathia , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a designer and illustrator with expertise in creative direction and branding. My journey into the industry began with a simple but powerful love for art. I’ve been fortunate to turn that passion into a meaningful career—one that not only supports me but also allows me to tell stories through design.

My design style is shaped by my experience as a Mexican immigrant and the vibrant Texan culture I was raised in. These dual influences are reflected in my visual storytelling and in how I connect with clients from all backgrounds.

I help individuals and businesses build brands that are clear, intentional, and rooted in who they truly are. My role often goes beyond design—I collaborate closely with clients to uncover their core identity, strip away the noise, and craft a brand that’s not only visually striking, but deeply authentic.

Illustration has long been one of my favorite creative outlets—something that allows me to fully lose myself in the flow of making. It’s a space where I can explore, play, and express freely. While it started as a personal passion, I’m continuing to find ways to integrate it more into my professional work and grow it as a source of income.

What sets me apart is my belief that good design belongs to everyone. I meet clients where they are in their journey—whether they’re just starting out or looking to evolve an established brand. I bring both strategy and heart to every project, offering guidance, resources, and design solutions that are thoughtful, inclusive, and true to their vision.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the range of people and communities I’ve worked with. From various industries and cultural backgrounds, each client has helped shape the way I approach my craft—with care, curiosity, and intention.

Most of all, I want potential clients to know: no project is too big or too small. I see potential in every idea, and I’m always open to exploring it with you. My goal is to build something that not only looks right, but feels right—for you and your audience.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is that I don’t have to have it all together all the time—and I definitely don’t have to keep it all together alone. It’s not only okay to ask for help, but more people than you’d think are genuinely open to offering it.

As I mentioned, I’m a Mexican immigrant, and I come from a family of incredibly resilient, hardworking people. They’ve always put others first and pushed through tough situations without complaint. That’s something I deeply admire and value. But over time, I realized that constantly showing up for others without pausing to care for yourself isn’t sustainable.

There comes a point where you have to give yourself permission to slow down, to be a little selfish, and to let go of the idea that everything has to get done in a single day. That’s a lesson I’m still learning, honestly. There were pivotal moments in my life where, on the surface, it looked like I was holding everything together—but internally, I was feeling the weight of pressure I didn’t need to carry alone.

Learning to let go of that expectation and embrace support has been freeing, and it’s helped me create more balance in both my work and personal life.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

As a designer, especially one in leadership or collaborative roles, you inevitably work with a wide range of personalities. To do that well, you have to first understand yourself. Building self-awareness is key—it’s the foundation for understanding others, leading with empathy, and communicating effectively.

That kind of inner work has been essential to my growth, and there are a few books that have really shaped the way I think about leadership, people, and the creative process:

What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry – This book gave me a deeper understanding of trauma, resilience, and how people’s past experiences shape how they show up. It’s powerful and compassionate.

Dare to Lead by Brené Brown – A must-read for anyone leading creative teams. It helped me embrace vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness, and taught me how to foster trust in collaborative spaces.

The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga – Despite the title, it’s not about pushing people away. It’s actually about freedom, self-acceptance, and understanding how to break away from people-pleasing and societal expectations.

Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson – A fascinating read on communication styles. It explores different personality types and how to navigate conversations and collaboration more effectively.
Each of these books helped me deepen my emotional intelligence and rethink how I approach leadership—not just in business, but in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Kathiaramirez.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathia.ramirez_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathia-ramirez/

Image Credits

Headshot image by Angelica Carrete
Yellow mural in Starbucks location image by Chelsea purghan Autrey