We recently had the chance to connect with Kathryn Ikle and have shared our conversation below.
Kathryn, 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 is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day in my world is a blend of creativity, service, leadership, and intentional living. I start my mornings slowly — usually with coffee in hand — giving myself space to think through what I want to accomplish that day before the whirlwind begins.
From there, my workdays unfold in varied ways. As a founder of Third Entity, I spend a good amount of time at my laptop with dual screens, designing, strategizing, creating content, and supporting clients through UX, branding, and digital experience work. Some days are more outward-facing — meeting clients at coffee shops, mentoring and coaching, attending events, or heading to inspiring places to refill my creative cup.
My time is divided among the organizations I care deeply about: supporting projects for the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden, contributing to the Dallas Museum of Art League, leading initiatives for the Art Club of McKinney and AIGA Dallas, and co-hosting The Well Podcast, where meaningful conversations and creative connection fill me up in the best ways.
And in between it all, I carve out moments for my own artistic expression through Iklé Creative Designs — painting, designing apparel, developing workshops, or dreaming up new ideas.
Since my kids are in college, my days tend to stretch into the early evening, usually wrapping around 6 PM — unless I’ve been going hard, in which case I stop and reset earlier. At the end of the day, my partner and I debrief, catch up on social media (since I manage quite a few accounts!), brainstorm content, and wind down together. We eat dinner, settle into our nighttime routine, and usually end the day with something light — a “bubble gum for the brain” show — or a bit of reading before bed.
It’s a full life, layered with creativity, leadership, community, and love — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a UX strategist, artist, creative director, and community leader based in Dallas, Texas. I run my own business with my partner, Andrew Leff, and serve as the Head of UX & Marketing for Third Entity, a consulting studio that blends design, strategy, and innovation to help individuals and organizations elevate their digital presence and unlock their potential.
Beyond client work, I serve as President of several arts organizations, including the Art Club of McKinney and AIGA Dallas, and I support the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum by building and managing their new website. I also create the member directory for the Dallas Museum of Art League. In addition, I co-host The Well Podcast, which Andrew and I started to share our experiences, connect with others, and have honest conversations — with plenty of laughter along the way.
I’m also the artist behind Iklé Creative Designs, where I transform my acrylic paintings and hand-carved linoleum block prints into wearable art and home goods. Across everything I do, my mission is rooted in one belief: creativity is connection. I’m passionate about building spaces — in design, in community, and in art — where people feel inspired, supported, and seen.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding Third Entity’s client offerings, growing The Well Podcast, mentoring emerging creatives, and preparing for several upcoming art shows and collaborations.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
For most of my life, I’ve been a giver. Volunteering, supporting organizations, helping people, and offering my skills, time, and expertise has always felt natural to me — and honestly, deeply fulfilling. I love lifting others, building community, and contributing to something bigger than myself.
But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I’ve given so much to everyone around me that my own creative desires have often taken a back seat. Not intentionally, not out of regret — just quietly and gradually. I think there’s a delicate balance between generosity and self-neglect. You never want to become selfish, but you also can’t pour endlessly from a cup you don’t refill.
There’s a quote I remind myself of often: “You can’t set yourself on fire to keep others warm.”
Boundaries aren’t barriers; they’re a form of self-respect. And time is precious — one of the few resources we never get back.
So the part of me I’m releasing is the version that gives without remembering to also give to myself. The part that says “yes” out of habit, or obligation, or because I want to help — even when it means sacrificing the projects that light me up inside.
In 2026, I want to prioritize the things I long to do:
my creative work, the messages I want to communicate, the projects that help me grow, and the expressions that come directly from my soul.
It’s not stepping back — it’s stepping into a fuller version of myself, where giving and creating coexist in balance. This next chapter is about aligning my energy with what fuels me, not just what needs me.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me things that success never could — humility, resilience, perspective, and a deeper understanding of myself. Success can make life feel effortless, but struggle reveals who we truly are. There’s a quote that says, “If you want to know the character of a man, give him everything.” I believe the opposite is just as true: if you want to understand a person’s depth, take something away.
Losing comfort, certainty, or even parts of yourself forces you to grow in ways achievement never demands. Suffering taught me to appreciate what matters, to rebuild with intention, and to carry compassion for others walking their own difficult paths. Success may elevate you, but suffering shapes you.
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. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely — what you see in public is the same person you’d see at home. I don’t put on a different persona for the world; the way I show up in my work, my community, and my relationships is genuinely who I am.
The only real difference is that people don’t always see how tired I get. The long days, the constant creating, leading, supporting, and showing up — that part happens behind the scenes. But the heart, the humor, the drive, the creativity, the care? That’s the same no matter where I am.
So yes, the public me is real — just a slightly more energized version of the one who kicks off her shoes at the end of the day.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when my family is doing well — when everyone is healthy, grounded, and there’s harmony in our household. There’s a calm that settles over me when the people I love are thriving at the same time. It’s in those moments, when there’s no tension or turbulence, that I can truly exhale and feel a deep sense of peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.kathrynikle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iklecreativedesigns/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynrebeccaikle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynrebeccaikle/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWell-WithKatAndDrew/shorts
