Meet the Member: Kathryn Hinnant of Monarch Atelier
We are so thrilled to launch Volume 6 of The Scout Guide Houston in December 2021. So thrilled, in fact, we can’t wait for the official launch to start introducing the local business owners who will grace this year’s guide!
Follow along as we share their stories, inspiration, and motivation in our newest series, Meet the Members. Up next, Katherine Hinnant Founder and CEO of Monarch Atelier, a design agency committed to transforming brands.
TSG: Kathryn, we are so thrilled to welcome you to Volume 6 of The Scout Guide Houston! Having a talent such as yours as a part of our network is such an honor. Can you share a little bit about the vision for your business?
Kathryn Hinnant: Thank you! At Monarch Atelier, we want to help businesses discover, define, and fine-tune their brand and its identity. We’re passionate about working closely with each brand to create strategies that produce creative results. In our experience, there’s a different formula for every business when it comes to branding, social media, and web presence. And while we love content and design, we’re informed on data so that we can create and implement a custom strategy for businesses we work with!
TSG: We love your data-driven creativity. Where should our readers keep an eye out for your work?
KH: I’ve worked with many brands, including Holman Hope, Tommy’s Pimento Cheese, Salmeron, and more!
TSG: Such beautiful brands! And they clearly represent your style while also feeling very unique!
KH: You can definitely tell that I’m a font-type lover! I love different typefaces and have hundreds of favorites, although I often find myself reverting back to only a couple in my top favorite.
TSG: Creativity is at the heart of your business, and while we know many creatives who are very successful entrepreneurs, we want to know what drove you to take the entrepreneurial leap?
KH: I learned from an early age that I did not want to work for someone else, that I wanted to open a world of endless creativity for me. Working for one company from 9-5 was not ideal for me and I could not maintain a creative/inspired stride.
TSG: What’s the best part of your job?
KH: That I get to work with endless companies, clients, and all types of brands! It keeps me on my toes learning new strategies in how to better market certain businesses or brand others. I am constantly learning about new industries too, which is also a bonus! I never thought that my business would lead me to gain so much insight into so many other businesses and careers!
TSG: How do you stay inspired?
KH: I’ve found that inspiration is difficult to come by if you don’t make an effort to spark it. So, I seek inspiration through researching brands in-person and online. I am a sucker for branding, which – I guess – reverts back to my love for typography. But, when I’m interacting with a new (or new-to-me) brand, I am always exploring the ideas, “could I create that,” and “how could I make that better?” I also seek inspiration outdoors, whether it’s by gardening or enjoying a glass of wine. Taking time to breathe and enjoy the moment is the most important thing to me when I am trying to find inspiration because I often find myself looking up at the clock and realize the day has gotten away from me. When I am in the garden with my butterflies and plants, I am constantly living in the moment and thinking through the inspiration I’ve encountered lately.
TSG: How do you balance life and work?
KH: Balancing work and life? What is that? Haha! I have to remind myself that no great work ever came out of endlessly working. Take time for yourself every now and then, especially in a creative industry. Like Stephen King wrote, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”
TSG: Speaking of life, let’s talk about life in Houston! How long have you Houston home?
KH: My entire life – and we don’t need to talk about how old I am!
TSG: A native-Houstonian! What’s the best part about living in Houston?
KH: The diversity. Houston is extremely diverse not only when it comes to businesses, but also the people that live here. I am grateful to be able to live in such a well-rounded city with so much opportunity.
TSG: What’s your favorite part of town?
KH: I love the Heights, because it has so much to offer – it seems that everywhere you turn, there’s something new and exciting to experience! I also love the Memorial area, but I am biased because that is where I grew up.
TSG: What’s your favorite restaurant?
KH: That is a hard question because I’m lucky enough to work with many fabulous restaurants and I want to show my loyalty! I do love Le Colonial, as well as State of Grace in River Oaks!
TSG: Go-to happy hour spot?
KH: Love The Rustic on Post Oak and 6-10. Live music, mezcal cocktails and amazing snacks!
TSG: Aside from fantastic restaurant + bar recommendations? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
KH: There is never a bad time to start something new. Just start!
We look forward to sharing more of Kathryn and Monarch Atelier’s story and work with you over the next year – in the meantime, make sure to follow along with her on Instagram. She is a wealth of talent working with some of Houston’s favorite hot-spots and would love to work with you and your business. To learn more about her process and schedule a consultation – reach out to her here, and don’t forget to tell her Scout sent you!
