Today we’d like to introduce you to April Kuykendall
Hi April, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a creative at heart. My roots are in Memphis, but I’ve also found a sense of home in Texas and now Virginia. Memphis will always have a special place in my heart; my family is there, and that connection keeps me coming back. With my business, HT Design Agency, I’m thankful to operate virtually, which means I get to work with amazing clients all over.
Creativity runs in my blood, and I come from a family that embraced it fully. My dad had a TV show in the ’90s called Building Blocks on a local Memphis public access channel, where he talked about politics, the city, and his ministry. I think that same spirit of innovation and service lives on through me.
My journey with technology began when I was just a kid. My mom, always looking out for my future, enrolled me in a tech summer camp where I learned to disassemble and reinstall a motherboard. Looking back, I realize I was ahead of my time—my mind was ready to grasp it all! From that moment, I became fascinated with how things worked.
In college at The University of Memphis, I worked in the IT department, managing learning systems, doing some basic coding, and troubleshooting internet and VPN issues. Later, during my years as a Spanish teacher, I taught myself the latest learning management systems and eventually started training my colleagues. That’s when I found my true love: web and logo design. It felt so natural, and that creative spark has never faded.
As a foreign language educator, when the pandemic hit, it shook things up for all of us. That’s when I took a leap and started my virtual one-on-one Spanish tutoring business, ASK ProTutors. Over time, my creative side kept calling, and I knew I wanted to do more, so I launched HT Design Agency. It felt like a natural progression—I’ve always loved branding and design, and I saw a need for businesses to have a brand identity that truly reflected who they were.
Now, I’m an entrepreneur and tech enthusiast, balancing my passions between running my businesses and being present at home with my husband and our twins. Family life keeps me grounded and motivated, especially as we navigate the unique lifestyle of a military family. Through it all, I’ve come to appreciate the blend of creativity and discipline that shapes my work and home life every day.
In a full-circle moment, I recently self-published my first children’s book, Rory and Peyton’s Brave Climb, the first in my series called Heroes Like Us. That entire journey has been so fulfilling. I love being able to control my narrative, and there’s something empowering about seeing a project through from start to finish on your own terms. It’s not just about the final product but about the process of creating it. The book was a labor of love and a testament to my belief that every child should see themselves reflected in stories of resilience and courage. I even designed the book cover and interior illustrations through HT Design Agency, blending all of my passions into one project. You can find the book on Amazon and at www.aprilik.com.
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?
Overall, yes, but running a business comes with its own set of challenges. I’ve had my seasons of growth, especially when it comes to handling tough clients. In the beginning, I had to learn how to improve my communication to be clear and transparent, set better boundaries, and articulate what was in the contract. I realized the importance of protecting my time and energy, and how crucial it is to stick to the terms and deliver exactly what’s requested, rather than allowing myself to be overextended or swayed beyond that. It was a learning curve, but now I’m confident in delivering high-quality work while maintaining those boundaries. Those experiences taught me the power of honoring commitments while providing excellent service.
One of my biggest challenges—and honestly, one of my proudest moments—has been stepping out of my comfort zone. Running HT Design Agency has pushed me into projects I never imagined. I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, from those in reintegration programs—helping individuals transition back into society—to doula and birth brands, realtors, and even staffing companies. Each one has a unique story, and I’ve been humbled by the opportunity to help elevate their brands. It wasn’t always easy, but every challenge became a growth point, and I’m truly proud of the progress I’ve made. It’s been both humbling and affirming. I’ve been stretched and forced to confront fears about whether I could deliver at that level. But I did, and I’m proud of how much I’ve grown.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
So, “HT” stands for High-Quality and Timeless, which reflects not only its initials but also my approach to every project I take on. It’s about craftsmanship and delivering work that stands the test of time.
HT Design Agency is all about helping brands tell their stories visually, specializing in branding, web design, and creative direction. What really sets us apart is our ability to tailor each project to feel personal and aligned with the client’s vision. I mean, you could say that we do it all—whether it’s creating a complete branding suite or setting up an eCommerce platform for small businesses. We offer a range of packages to fit different needs, from start-ups to established brands.
Some of our most popular services include The Prestige Package, which combines logo and web design—perfect for businesses ready for a rebrand. Then there’s the Luxe Package for those looking to dive into eCommerce; it covers everything from product listings to inventory management. I also offer an Author Package, which is especially close to my heart. In this package, we design book covers, page illustrations, and author websites, and I’ve seen firsthand how empowering it is for authors to have a professional brand behind their work. I love being part of that journey.
One thing I’m truly proud of is the diversity of clients I’ve had the chance to collaborate with. I’ve partnered with organizations across various sectors, each with their own unique vision and mission. That’s the beauty of what I do—being a part of so many different journeys and helping to bring their stories to life.
And I also love giving back. That’s why I started a Referral Incentive Program. It’s a simple way to thank clients for spreading the word—every successful referral earns them a 10% credit toward web design or branding services. It’s a win-win as they help others elevate their brands, just like I helped elevate theirs. It’s just one more way I love building community through my work. If you want to learn more about us, head over to www.htdesign.me.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Oh, absolutely! I’d be lost without a few key tools. I often use the voice memo app on my iPhone to record thoughts—whether for my business or when I’m writing. I usually create content directly from those voice notes, transforming them into stories or reflecting in my journal. This process helps me stay connected to my creativity, especially as I juggle multiple projects.
Padlet has also been a game-changer for organizing my thoughts. Whether it’s for client projects, podcast episodes, or writing endeavors, it’s my go-to. Padlet has both an online platform and an app; if you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend it. It’s like having a digital vision board, keeping me connected to my thoughts and creative flow.
On the creative side, resources like Answer the Public and Google Trends have really helped me gain better insights into what specific audiences need and the current trends, ensuring that I remain relevant.
When it comes to books, I can’t say enough about The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It truly shifts your perspective on how you interact with the world. One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken from it is not to take things personally—it’s been incredibly freeing in both my personal and professional life. That book transformed how I view life and relationships, especially regarding how I manage offense and stay grounded. Another personal favorite is Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow. That one? Life-changing.
I’m also a huge fan of Gary Vaynerchuk—his podcast and his book Day Trading Attention are essential. Gary has this way of making you see that creating organic content and building authentic relationships are the foundations of any business, and I’ve definitely applied that philosophy to my work. He reminds me to focus on the long game, which is exactly what I’m doing with HT Design Agency and my own creative projects.
Lastly, I enjoy binge-listening to Jade Beason’s podcast, The Creator Project. It covers everything related to social media marketing and content creation. I also love Karima Neghmouchue’s podcast, Creative Minds Think Alike. As a web and graphic designer, she talks about the reality of being a creative entrepreneur.
And honestly, what helps me do my best in life? It’s the balance of family, creativity, and business. Long walks with my twins are essential. There’s something about being surrounded by nature; it gives me space to breathe, think, and dream bigger. Those moments of stillness help ideas flow. I do some of my best strategizing out there, away from the noise. Thank God for the Notes app on my phone—I use it religiously to capture those ideas before they slip away.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.htdesign.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/htdesign.me
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/htdesignagency
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkhgqaz5GHYMi4Nhn6CshaA
- Other: htdesignagency@gmail.com
