Meet Jules Henson, Digital Designer & Developer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jules Henson.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been as interested in art and creating as I have in business and growth. This story began in my 20s – when I was doing only a little design work, and not a whole lot of sleeping. I was one of the first online retailers to offer daily deals (before companies like Groupon, Zulily, and Woot made their entrance). We catered to parents who were looking to buy all the best things for their babies at a whole lot less than they could buy at regular retail.

I’m thinking at this point you may ask – what does any of this have to do with design or development? And I’m hopeful it’ll flow as the story unfolds a bit more. I learned a grand amount from that business, mostly because I was one of two owners with one employee, and my responsibilities ranged from keeping all the company’s books to the details of our website.

And this is truly where my journey began because when that adventure came to a close, my next one started. And of course, here’s where a whole LOT of design comes into the picture. I left one type of business world to move into another, and burrowed deep into the part I was most passionate about in the first – which was design, UX, brand work, and development – all things that empower a business to reach its potential from an artistic perspective.

And as I delved into years of study, years of experience as an employee, and then (here and now) years of helping solopreneurs and small to midsize businesses realize their digital/professional dreams, I relish in the fact that I do so love the artistic work that I do, and I am thankful (in a BIG way) to the journey that landed me right where I am.

Has it been a smooth road?
Smooth like butta. Ha! Just kidding. Pretty smooth though. As a human, of course, there’s been some challenges. But with time and study, I’ve come to understand life, humanity, and my heart quite differently, and so these things just don’t seem to rattle me as much as they used to.

Sometimes all we can do is just keep “riding the bike.” This is, of course, my own goofy interpretation of Einstein’s bicycle quote — but I find that if I focus on balance and moving forward, I’ll end up getting to the other side of the road – bumps or no bumps.

Mostly though, I take comfort that it was the challenging times that define both what led me to expand my business and also what helped make it possible to do what I do today. Also, taking the time and care to make sure every client is comfortable throughout the process, and happy, beyond their expectations, brings me peace and always softens any rough edges along the way.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I help individuals and businesses design and develop their digital/online presence. I specialize in creating unique, branded, and boutique style websites for entrepreneurs looking to not only reach their clients or customers but also to move them – inspire a more humanistic response. My process is transparent, and always UX focused. I stay educated in the industry so that I provide the most modern concepts at all times. These are all things that are vital, and they take their place in each project.

What makes a dynamic difference is that I work hard at deeply understanding who my clients are, and where they want to take their brand/their business. I make it essential to understand their needs and their vision, and then we fill in all the blanks in between. Each client comes with a different idea of what they’re looking for. Some know exactly what they want and need, and their vision is crispy clear. And for some, the details aren’t so focused.

So my first job is to sort through until I undoubtedly understand each client, their brand or how we will develop their brand, who they are as a business AND as a human (we don’t realize sometimes how important it is to portray ourselves in our brand), and to ultimately design and develop the end product which exceeds expectations and makes each client smiley. I’d like to think that smiles are my specialty. I’m deeply grateful for the trust that each of my clients has in me.

Sometimes something beautiful comes from doing a service which not only builds up a person’s business but also builds up a person. And so, beyond the ins and outs of the services I offer, I fervently hope that my craft is a way I can help human beings find their potential and grow. Working with such a diverse and beautiful group of people certainly helps me expand as well.

It’s always an honor and a pleasure to help in any way that I can – whether it’s building a solopreneur’s digital business from the ground up, or designing and developing a uniquely crafted website for a larger business having not yet reached their peeps in the digital sphere.

I encourage those who have questions always to feel they can reach out to me. It can be tricky navigating the digital sphere, and knowing which direction to take. It’s also hard to know who, if anyone, you can trust. If I can continue to be a comfortable resource, that would just be a very lovely blessing.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Oh gosh yes. This city radiates with a strong diversity and intellect. We are a melting pot for all kinds of entrepreneurs. There is a good amount of networking groups to get involved with, and I encourage that.

My clients range from doctors and lawyers to lifestyle bloggers and photographers, and you can imagine all the diversity that falls in between. So, yes, Chicago is a great place for anyone just starting out. I continue to have a swelling respect for this bustling and growth-charged city.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://juleshenson.com/
• Phone: 414-759-7134
• Email: j@juleshenson.com

Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.