Hidden Gems: Meet Jade Hunter of JH Namaste Designs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jade Hunter

Hi Jade, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was lucky enough to travel and spend time in Nepal and Kenya after graduating from High School. One of my passions has always been photography and while traveling this became even more apparent. When I returned to the States I took several restaurant jobs, and in 2020 when covid hit I lost both jobs on the same day. I started working at Sprouts, a local grocery store but quickly realized this was not what I wanted to do with my life.

A friend of mine, Zack owned a small business called Last Chair Customs, an Alpine-Inspired Fabrication company that refinishes ski chairs and gondolas from mountains all over the country for homes and businesses. Last Chair Customs started getting very busy with new clients and Zack asked if I would help him run the business. I took a HUGE leap and quit my job to help Zack run Last Chair Customs. I handled all customer communications, social media, photography, and marketing. And I still do to this day!

I loved how passionate Zack was and that sparked my journey to create JH Namaste Designs. My goal is to help other small businesses grow with an online presence and stunning photography. Let me be passionate about your passion!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest struggles of starting a business has been finding a work-life balance. When I started my business in 2020, my work-life balance was non-existent. If you ask my friends and family, they’d tell you I didn’t even have a clue what that was. I was scared—scared I’d miss an important email from a client, scared I’d mess up, and, worst of all, scared I’d fail. I brought my computer with me everywhere I went—literally everywhere—even to dinner at a friend’s house.

Looking back, I realize a lot of that fear came from being terrified to make mistakes. I thought failure, even in small ways, would mean the end of everything I was working so hard to build. But over time, I have learned that mistakes aren’t just inevitable—they’re essential. Every time I made a misstep, whether it was a missed detail or an overcommitted schedule, I learned something valuable that helped me grow. Embracing this mindset has been transformative.

Now, over four years later, I’ve found much more balance in my life. A big part of that shift came when I discovered competitive roller derby in 2022. It’s become a passion of mine, and it’s taught me the importance of making time to stay fit and healthy so I can perform at my best—not just on the track but in every aspect of my life. Roller derby has forced me to be more intentional with my time. I’ve learned to organize my days so I can prioritize myself, my loved ones, and my work in a way that feels sustainable.

Starting and running a business is never a smooth road, but the challenges have shaped me into someone who can face obstacles with more resilience and self-compassion. The journey has taught me that failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s often the path to it.

As you know, we’re big fans of JH Namaste Designs. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’ve always had a passion for life, travel, and helping others, and those passions are the foundation of my business. JH Namaste Designs specializes in helping entrepreneurs, small businesses, and creatives bring their visions to life through beautifully designed websites, intentional social media, and stunning photography.

What sets JH Namaste Designs apart is my personalized approach to every project. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions—each design, brand, or photo session is thoughtfully tailored to reflect the unique essence of my clients’ businesses. My goal is to not only create something beautiful but also to create something functional, impactful, and authentically you.

One thing I’m especially proud of is the relationships I build with my clients. It’s not just about delivering a product; it’s about truly understanding their needs, their stories, and their dreams. I love being part of their journey and helping them shine.

Beyond design and branding, my photography services add a unique edge to what I offer. Whether it’s capturing the perfect headshot, product photos that tell a story, or lifestyle imagery that elevates a brand, I strive to create visuals that resonate deeply.

At JH Namaste Designs, my mission is to help businesses grow and thrive while staying true to their core values. I believe in the power of creativity and connection to make magic happen.

For readers, I want you to know that when you work with me, you’re not just getting a service—you’re getting a collaborator who’s as invested in your success as you are. Let’s create something extraordinary together!

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest piece of advice for anyone just starting out is simple: just do it. Don’t overthink everything, and don’t let fear hold you back. I’ve been there—I know how scary it can be to put yourself out there, wondering if you’re going to mess up or fail. But here’s the truth: the worst thing that can happen is that something doesn’t work out how you thought it would, and even then, you’ll learn and grow from the experience. Every mistake is an opportunity to get better, and every step forward is a step closer to your dreams.

When I started my business, I was so afraid of failing that I nearly let it paralyze me. But over time, I learned that perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. Trust in yourself, believe in your vision, and take that leap!

One thing I wish I knew when I was starting out is that imposter syndrome is completely normal. It’s something most of us face, but it doesn’t have to stop you. You don’t have to have all the answers or feel 100% ready to start—you’ll figure it out as you go. The key is to keep showing up, even when you’re scared.

Starting something new is always going to feel a little uncomfortable, but that’s where the magic happens. Embrace the discomfort, trust the process, and remember that growth comes from the challenges we face along the way. You’ve got this!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jhnamastedesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jhnamastedesigns
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JHNamasteDesigns/

Image Credits
@ekrphotography_
@matthewjonas