Today we’d like to introduce you to Dania Kheder.
Hi Dania, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Dania Kheder, and I’m the founder of Lioness Design, a Kansas City–based creative studio specializing in branding, packaging, and product development.
My journey began in Damascus, where I earned my first degree in Graphic Design. I’ve always been drawn to the power of visuals—the way design can shape perception, tell a story, and build trust. Over the years, I worked across a range of industries—from advertising and printing to retail—gaining hands-on experience that sharpened my eye for strategy and execution. After moving to the U.S., I pursued a second degree at the Kansas City Art Institute, expanding my work to include 3D visualization and deeper brand storytelling.
Lioness Design was born through years of hard work, challenges, and growth. Like many creative entrepreneurs, I’ve faced obstacles, moments of doubt, and the ups and downs that come with starting something from the ground up. But those experiences became the fuel behind the brand. The lioness symbolizes strength, clarity, and pride—qualities I wanted to embody and pass on through my work.
Today, Lioness Design helps businesses tell their stories with impact—visually, strategically, and authentically. We focus on branding and packaging systems that are not only beautiful, but thoughtful and effective.
Lioness Design is more than a studio. It’s a statement about rising through challenge, owning your vision, and creating something that truly lasts
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. I was born and raised in Syria, where I lived through war while trying to build a career in design. Later, I had to leave my country and my family behind to start over in the U.S., which came with challenges—cultural, emotional, and financial. I also went through a difficult relationship that tested my confidence and stability.
It wasn’t easy, but every challenge taught me something—how to be stronger, more focused, and more intentional. These experiences shaped the foundation of Lioness Design and continue to guide the way I work and create.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a branding and packaging designer.
I specialize in turning visions into visual stories—whether that’s through brand identity, packaging systems, or product development. I work closely with businesses to help bring their ideas to life in a way that feels authentic, strategic, and visually impactful.
What I love most about what I do is transforming a belief or a dream into something real and tangible. I believe every brand starts with a story, and that story is what makes it unique. My role is to capture that essence and bring it to life through thoughtful design.
I’m proud that I’ve been able to keep going through life’s challenges—with enough strength, faith, and clarity to continue growing on both personal and professional levels. I’ve learned that pain can either hold us back or be transformed into energy that pushes us forward. For me, it became fuel to create, to build, and to help others do the same.
I don’t believe I’m set apart because I’ve faced challenges—everyone has their own story. But I do believe it’s how we choose to see those struggles that defines us: whether we let them break us or use them to become who we’re meant to be.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Maybe that I’m still figuring things out, just like everyone else. People often see the work or the progress, but not the doubts, the overthinking, or the quiet moments behind it. And I think each person sees me a little differently, depending on how they’ve known me. There’s more going on beneath the surface than most people realize.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lionessdesign.framer.website/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lioness.design.25
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CcyzXo9ty/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dania-kheder/
