Rising Stars: Meet Kendra Davis of Denver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Davis.

Hi Kendra, 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 started my career at a small marketing agency, where I built a strong foundation in branding and digital marketing. From there, I moved on to help launch and run the marketing department at RE/MAX Masters Millennium. My role initially focused on company-wide marketing, but I was eager to grow both creatively and make more money. I proposed a plan to the broker-owner to create a structure where agents and partners could hire me directly for additional marketing support. I made more money and so did he it was a win-win. During that time, I handled SEO, SEM, and social media management, and I also began learning photo editing and design. In my spare time, I was constantly experimenting in Photoshop, creating fun and creative projects for myself and friends.
When the pandemic hit, I decided to take a leap and transition fully into freelance work. All of my existing clients came with me, and through word of mouth, I continued to gain new ones. Around 2023, a blast from my past reappeared when a friend asked me to help with design work for a new venture called Shroomski. As I looked into the brand, I realized I already knew the founder; we had worked together years earlier when I picked up a side marketing gig through Craigslist shortly after college. This time, we decided to reconnect in a bigger way. I became a partner at Shroomski, helping run day-to-day operations, plan events, and design the magazine from the ground up.
Today, I still lead all of the design work, plan events, and occasionally work the booth as well. I genuinely love interacting with the community and being hands-on in every aspect of what we’re building.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Some years are much smoother than others. I’ve always felt a strong internal pressure to prove myself and to constantly do more or be more, which can be both motivating and exhausting. Going freelance was incredibly rewarding, but it also came with real challenges. You have to be prepared for late payments, unpredictable income, and the stress of covering bills if a client falls through. It forced me to become not just a designer and marketer, but also a business owner who had to plan ahead and stay adaptable.

Being part of a startup has brought its own set of challenges as well. Collaborating closely with partners especially when someone else has the final say can be difficult at times. There’s also the pressure that comes with each new issue to create something advertisers are excited to invest in, while also producing work that impresses and honors the incredibly talented artists we feature. It requires a lot of trust, clear communication, and the ability to separate ego from what’s best for the business. I’ve learned how to clearly articulate my ideas and recommendations, while also becoming comfortable when we choose a different direction. Just as importantly, I’ve learned when to step back and let people with more experience or insight in certain areas take the lead.

Overall, the struggles have pushed me to grow in ways I never expected, building resilience, improving communication, and learning how to balance creative passion with practical decisions. Looking back, those challenges are what shaped the way I work and lead today.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work currently lives at the intersection of design, marketing, and community-building. I specialize in visual storytelling; creating brands, layouts, and experiences that feel innovative and emotionally engaging. I’m known for my ability to take a vision, even when it’s still messy or evolving, and turn it into something tangible and cohesive, whether that’s a magazine, an event, or a full brand identity.

I am very proud of my work with Shroomski but especially the very first Magazine I designed (second issue). I was very upfront about my lack of print design skills when I was brought on, I took on the challenge, designed all 88 pages under tight deadlines, established a cohesive visual system, and even wrote the editor’s note. Seeing it printed for the first time was incredibly rewarding and affirmed my ability to step outside my comfort zone and deliver polished work in unfamiliar territory. Recently, one of the things I’m most excited and proud of is bringing my love of fashion into Shroomski. We’ve produced two fashion shows highlighting different local designers, creating a new way to showcase creativity within the community.

Beyond the design itself, I’m deeply proud of the community that grew from this project. Shroomski has allowed me to build meaningful friendships and uplift the people around me. I have been able to bring on my friend Amanda for web development, Megan and Lacy for modeling, Allie and Heather for writing, and Anne for event support. What truly sets this work apart is its purpose: Shroomski isn’t just a magazine, but a platform that thoughtfully showcases psychedelics and art through creativity, storytelling, and education, and I’m proud to be part of something that helps move that conversation forward.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’ve had countless ideas that never panned out, and I’ve always had side gigs while working full time, but every part of that journey was worth it. One thing I’ve learned is that it’s okay to love something purely as a creative outlet without feeling pressure to monetize it. Not everything needs to make money to have value. Some of my most ridiculous Photoshop work was created just for fun, and even now I don’t sell it I make funny art as gifts, and that brings me a lot of joy.

I want the readers to stay open to trying new things, taking some new courses, even the ones you think aren’t “for you,” because growth often comes from unexpected places.

It’s okay to feel unsure or like you don’t have all the answers. Most of the time, no one really does. Giving something a real shot, being open to learning, and trusting people who are more knowledgeable in certain areas can truly help you grow. But at the end of the day, trusting yourself is the most important part; everything else tends to fall into place from there. Like my Gigi always said, “what is meant for you won’t pass you”.

Pricing:

• Design-Based on Project

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shroomski.com/
• Instagram: @Misskendraann
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendradavis303/

Image Credits
Sam Silkworth