We recently had the chance to connect with Karin Haggård and have shared our conversation below.
Karin, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
That it is just branding and website creation. The reality is that most people know they need both, branding and website design when beginning their businesses but they don’t have the foundation set before beginning this process. Things like understanding; values, mission, future goals, ideal clients, how their offering changes their ideal client’s life, etc. That is the offering I have with KHD that makes the biggest difference. We help folks understand their business so they can take it further and truly thrive.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I am Karin! I was made in Sweden, but now live in California and I’m somewhere between an American and a Swede – although…my heart will always be with Sweden. I came to the United States on a golf scholarship where I attended a small university in New Mexico. However, my life took a turn when I survived a near fatal motorcycle accident, breaking nearly every bone on the right side of my body. This gave me a new perspective on life and after recovery I got my BFA degree in Computer Art and Design.
From there, I became the Founder and Creative Director of K.HAGGÅRD DESIGN, where I have spent nearly two decades at the intersection of thoughtful design and brand strategy, crafting contemporary, minimalistic, and impactful brand experiences that thrive in competitive markets.
My why – was and continues to be helping others design and build their grand visions to make a greater impact. For me that is to share my knowledge on how to build a strong foundation, how doing things the right way from the beginning sets you up for the long run, how using your unique skills make you come “alive” figuratively and literally and lastly how having a clear vision will set you up for tremendous growth.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The moment I thought I would die or never walk again gave me profound insight into what really matters, how to treat people, yourself and the world. I took a ride on a friend’s motorcycle without any leathers, helmet, or common sense and ended up in a near fatal accident. I was thrown 30 yards from the motorcycle, shattering or breaking nearly every bone on the right side of my body. I was then airlifted to the hospital. From there I was told I would be lucky to walk again. This completely rerouted my golfing dreams (something I had spent my entire childhood working towards).
And the most shocking moment during this entire thing was having someone calling my parents thousands of miles away in Sweden to let them know that I was mostly okay and in the ICU not communicating. I didn’t let the thought of not walking tell me how I would recover and so I worked at being able to move again. That alone told me to never take for granted the simple ability to move your body. But overall, I learned that kindness is so important because we never know what someone has gone through or is going through. We need to make our presence on this planet matter with what we do. And that our bodies are both so fragile and resilient at the same time. We can do hard things.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
My kind thing to my younger self would actually be advice that I wish I knew and had. That advice would be to start investing early in; financial, mindset, relationships, health – and the compound will take care of the rest. When we’re young we think we have time and then as we get older, we find ourselves wishing we started earlier.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I firmly believe in building giving back into your business and therefore your life. I wanted to make sure that what I was doing with my business not only helped those that hired me but gave to someone who needed it. I partnered with Bosh Bosh to sponsor education, inspiration and empowerment to young women in Liberia and Mexico. After every custom design project we complete, we donate to a young woman through Bosh Bosh in the name of our client’s brand. I try to also encourage my clients to build giving back into their businesses because I believe a rising tide lifts all ships. We need to be kind and supportive of one another.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel the most at peace whenever I am doing anything active outside (sports, walking, running), dancing and of course whenever I am doing anything creative.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://khaggarddesign.com/
- Instagram: @khaggarddesign
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinehaggard/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khaggarddesign
Image Credits
My image is Misha Rockava Photography IG: @misharockphotography
Additional Images are mockups created by the KHD team.
