Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Berra.
Jackie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been creative for as long as I can remember. I grew up in St. Louis taking art classes before I could even walk — drawing portraits, building with wire, constantly experimenting. That early exposure to art shaped how I see the world: through curiosity, structure, and storytelling.
My professional path began in-house at Protection 1, where I learned the importance of brand consistency and operational discipline. It was there that I started to understand how every touchpoint — from digital to print — must align to build trust.
From there, I moved to KU Athletics, where I saw firsthand how design fuels identity and community. Branding wasn’t just visual — it was emotional. It connected students, athletes, alumni, and fans. That experience deepened my understanding of storytelling at scale.
I later stepped into agency leadership at Dimensional Innovations, where I led creative teams and helped grow the design studio significantly. That chapter expanded my lens into experiential design — how physical spaces shape behavior and connection. I worked at the intersection of architecture, branding, and storytelling, ensuring ideas were not only creative but strategic and profitable.
I also spent time at InStore Design Display, gaining a deeper understanding of the retail environment and how design directly influences purchasing decisions. Retail sharpened my strategic mindset — everything must be beautiful, but it also must perform.
Alongside my professional roles, nonprofit work has always been central to who I am. I’ve had the privilege of partnering with organizations like Van Go, KC Sports Commission, Girls on the Run KC, and WIN for KC — supporting missions that strengthen youth, equity, and community. My long-standing relationship with Van Go, in particular, has been deeply meaningful. Investing creative energy into organizations that empower young people reminds me why I do this work in the first place.
Over time, I realized what I loved most was partnering closely with founders and mission-driven organizations — helping them clarify who they are and how they show up in the world.
That realization led me to start JBerra Consulting & Design.
Today, I work with small businesses, nonprofits, and growth-focused brands across Lawrence, Kansas City, and beyond. My background across corporate marketing, athletics, experiential environments, retail, and nonprofit partnerships gives me a holistic lens. I don’t just think about how something looks — I think about how it functions, connects, and builds long-term trust.
At the core, I’m still that kid who loved making art. Now I get to use creativity as a tool to help businesses and communities grow.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road — but in hindsight, I’m grateful for that.
Early in my career at Protection 1, I experienced a company bankruptcy. That was my first real exposure to instability in the corporate world. It taught me quickly that no role is permanent and that adaptability matters.
At KU Athletics, leadership transitions — including multiple football coaching changes — created constant shifts in direction and messaging. That environment taught me how to stay steady amid high visibility and evolving expectations.
Later, during my time at Dimensional Innovations, I experienced layoffs. And at InStore Design Display, I went through a company closure. Each of those moments reinforced something important: change is inevitable. The key is how you respond to it.
Those experiences strengthened my ability to handle uncertainty, pivot strategically, and lead with calm during transition.
Beyond external changes, I’ve also faced personal growth challenges — learning how to manage teams effectively, finding my leadership voice, and maintaining work-life balance while scaling responsibilities. Leadership isn’t something you arrive at overnight; it’s something you grow into through experience, humility, and self-awareness.
Looking back, the road wasn’t always smooth — but it shaped me into a more resilient, adaptable, and empathetic leader. And those lessons directly inform how I run my own business today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a creative director and brand strategist, and I specialize in helping businesses align who they are with how they show up in the world.
That can look like brand identity development, website strategy and design, SEO positioning, campaign creative, or experiential concepts — but at the core, my work is about clarity and growth. I don’t just design logos or websites. I help businesses think through how everything connects — messaging, visuals, digital presence, and long-term strategy.
Because of my background across in-house marketing, athletics, experiential design, and retail environments, I approach projects holistically. I think about how something looks, yes — but also how it functions, converts, and scales.
I’m known for being both strategic and steady. Clients often tell me I bring clarity to chaos. I can zoom out and see the big picture, but I can also zoom in and execute the details. That combination is powerful.
What I’m most proud of isn’t a single project — it’s the long-term partnerships. Working with organizations like Van Go for decades. Supporting nonprofits like WIN for KC, Girls on the Run KC, and the KC Sports Commission. Helping small businesses grow their visibility in Lawrence and Kansas City. Seeing clients gain confidence in their brand and start attracting the right opportunities — that’s incredibly rewarding.
What sets me apart is my range and my intention. I’ve led large creative teams and grown studios, I’ve worked inside corporate environments, I’ve designed for retail conversion, and I’ve supported grassroots nonprofits. That breadth gives me perspective. But just as important, I care deeply about the people behind the brands.
I’m not interested in one-off flashy projects. I’m interested in building things that last.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The best way to work with me is to start a conversation.
Most of my projects begin with a discovery call where we talk through where your business is now, where you want it to go, and what might be standing in the way. I work with small businesses, nonprofits, and growth-focused brands on everything from brand strategy and website design to SEO, campaign creative, and long-term consulting support.
I also collaborate frequently with other creatives, developers, marketers, and community organizations. Some of my favorite projects have come from partnerships — whether that’s supporting a nonprofit initiative, contributing to a larger experiential project, or helping another agency execute a vision.
If someone wants to support my work, the simplest way is to share it. Referrals mean everything in this community. Engaging with my content, recommending me to a local business owner, or inviting me into conversations where strategy and design matter — that’s how small, community-rooted businesses grow.
At the end of the day, I’m always excited to connect with people who care about building something meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jberraconsulting.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jberraconsultinganddesign/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackieberra/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jberra-consulting-and-design-lawrence
