Today we’d like to introduce you to Kari Sorensen.
Hi Kari, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I spent over 15 years in education—first as a public school teacher, then designing workforce‑reentry training for adults on everything from résumé writing to Microsoft and Google tools. Along the way, friends and colleagues started asking me to help with websites, branding, and messaging “just because,” which lit the spark for something more.
I thought an agency would be the next logical step, but instead I found a toxic environment that stifled creativity and dismissed me frequently. Being unexpectedly laid off became the catalyst: I realized if I wanted a space that truly valued my skills—and the flexibility I needed as a parent—I’d have to build it myself.
That’s how Kinship Creative was born: a boutique studio where I could marry my teaching roots, storytelling passion, business & marketing degree, and passion to design to empower women‑led & other small businesses to feel seen, supported, and strategic every step of the way. Along the way, I’ve learned many of my clients had a yearning to leave the corporate world because they were treated similarly and they were sick of it. My clients come to me with dreams and I help make them a reality.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Far from it. In addition to facing workplace discrimination for being a working mom, I endured a life‑altering divorce and a near‑fatal car accident in 2017 that left me rebuilding everything—from learning to walk again to re‑establishing my independence, all while discovering who I was in this new season of my life.
Those experiences taught me resilience, sharpened my standards, and fueled my commitment to lift up other women who’ve been underestimated or stuck. It also reminded me how quickly your life can change without notice and drove the fire in me to spend the typical “40 hours a week” doing something I loved rather than watching a clock.
Every challenge reinforced my belief that we don’t have to settle for “just surviving”—we can rise, rebuild, and thrive
As you know, we’re big fans of Kinship Creative LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Kinship Creative, I wear three hats:
Website Design & Build: Custom, strategy‑driven sites that feel as good as they look.
Branding & Creative Direction: From logos to full photoshoot planning, I ensure every asset tells a cohesive story.
Consulting & Marketing Support: High‑touch guidance on offers, systems, and growth tactics.
What truly sets Kinship Creative apart is the “your business best friend” approach. I never drop off a project and vanish—I hold my clients’ hands through strategy, design, launch, and beyond. My background in teaching and my own journey through hardship mean I know how to break down complex ideas into doable steps and to champion each woman’s unique vision
Brand‑wise, I’m most proud of the way our work has fueled real confidence shifts: watching clients step into bold new territories, secure higher‑level projects, and build businesses that honor their values and families.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up in Big Bear Lake, where my dad was a Forest Service ranger & my mom owned a hair salon. Our small‑town community vibe ran deep—neighbors always looked out for one another, and you left every place better than you found it. From age five through eighteen I was a Girl Scout, which taught me leadership, teamwork, and that every patch earned told a story.
Middle and high school were tough years—I was severely bullied, which gave me a big soft spot for the underdog and a burning belief that character matters above all.
Even then, I was the kid planning themed parties on a strict budget, doodling in art class, and helping friends and family with anything from marketing a new business to tutoring them on Google and Microsoft tools. I went on to study business, marketing, and art, and earned my teaching credential so I could keep working in education while my side passion—supporting small businesses—grew. Those early experiences grounded me in creativity, resourcefulness, and a deep love for helping others succeed—values I carry into Kinship Creative every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kinship-creative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinshipcreative805
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinshipcreative805
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sorensen805/
- Other: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kinship+Creative+LLC/@54.9777807,-91.6105561,11127603m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x6d9e43f6d2401325:0x3041ec8be2ed4f6c!8m2!3d46.423669!4d-129.9427086!16s%2Fg%2F11wg8c2wlp?entry=tts&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwOC4wIPu8ASoASAFQAw%3D%3D
Image Credits
Leigha Smith
