Women in Design with​​ Chavi Khatri: Empowering Brands Through Storytelling

Despite women making up nearly half of the design industry, few hold leadership positions and many still need help to be equally compensated and recognized for their work. Design is one of the few industries that offers multiple paths for entry, from earning a standard degree to being self-taught. The Women in Design series aims to highlight the unique stories and lessons of women in the design industry, across different experiences and expertise, at every stage and niche.

Chavi Khatri, a brand designer and artist, shares her journey into the design industry, which began with a passion for painting and has evolved into a career that combines creativity with empathy. She talks about her career change from working at an agency to freelancing, as well as her love for Bold Minimalism.

“Design isn't just about aesthetics; it's about storytelling, problem-solving, and creating something meaningful. That's what inspires me every day.” — Chavi Khatri

Can you share a bit about your journey into the design field?

My journey into the design field has been an exciting blend of discovery, passion, and continuous learning. I’ve always been artsy, loving painting, especially watercolor. This led me to pursue a degree in Visual Communication, even though I had no idea what Graphic Design really was.

In college, I explored everything from fine arts and photography to animation, 3D modeling, and web design. The one thing that stood out to me was design, and I knew it was what I wanted to do because I enjoyed it so much. 

Along the way, I delved into communication theories and psychology, understanding that branding hinges on empathizing with the audience. This insight has empowered me to craft brands and experiences that deeply resonate with people, nurturing lasting connections built on trust and loyalty.

What inspired you to pursue a career in design?

Post-graduation, I landed a job at a startup branding agency. There, I had the opportunity to collaborate closely with my colleagues and clients, further refining my skills and understanding of the industry.

However, due to some management issues, the agency had to shut down, leaving me unemployed for a few months. It was a challenging period—I sent out countless job applications with no luck, and I started to doubt myself. Then, something unexpected happened. A college friend connected me with two passionate women, two mothers who wanted to start a sustainable diaper brand called 'The Good Bamboo'. They needed help with their branding, and I eagerly took on the project.

Working with them changed everything for me. They were my first clients, and seeing the brand we created come to life, with the packaging being sold all over the country, was incredibly fulfilling. It was more than just a job—it was a chance to make a tangible difference and bring someone's vision to life. That experience reignited my passion and solidified my decision to help and empower small businesses by creating stand-out and meaningful brands. I realized that design isn't just about aesthetics; it's about storytelling, problem-solving, and creating something meaningful. That is what inspires me every day.

What does a typical day look like for you in your current designer role?

A typical day for me as a designer is quite structured yet creatively stimulating. I usually kick off my day with a detailed to-do list that I categorize into three sections: personal, business, and clients. This helps me keep everything organized and ensures I stay on top of my priorities.

For the business side of things, I spend time on ongoing client projects. These vary from day to day, but they often involve brainstorming sessions, sketching out concepts, and refining designs. I find this part of my day really energizing because I love bringing clients' visions to life.

Social media is also a big part of my routine. I post my work on Instagram six days a week, which helps me showcase my portfolio and stay connected with my audience. It's fun and also a great way to get feedback and inspiration. Engaging with fellow designers on Instagram is something I genuinely enjoy. I catch up with their work, leave comments, and sometimes even collaborate. This community interaction keeps me motivated and inspired.

I always make sure to leave some time for myself. After a productive day, I like to unwind with a much-deserved gaming session. It's my way of relaxing and recharging for the next day.

So, my day is a mix of focused design work, social media engagement, and personal downtime. It’s a balance that keeps me productive and creatively fulfilled.

Can you describe one of your favorite projects that you've worked on? What made it memorable?

One of my favorite projects was an expansion initiative by my client, The Good Bamboo, to launch 'Her,' a line of sustainable female sanitary products. This project was memorable because of its meaningful impact and the creativity it required. I was driven by the mission to provide eco-friendly and safer alternatives in a space often overlooked. Developing the brand identity for 'Her' was a blast, focusing on a modern, bold, and empowering look with custom illustrations and various shades of red. The successful launch and positive customer feedback were the cherry on top, making it a project I look back on with pride, knowing we made a difference.

How do you cultivate creativity in your work? Are there any particular sources of inspiration you turn to regularly?

Staying connected to the vibrant community of designers is essential for my creativity. My biggest inspiration comes from the incredible work of fellow designers online, pushing me to think more creatively with each project. I often look to impactful brands for ideas, using platforms like Behance and Pinterest. Behance showcases high-quality projects with creative branding, while Pinterest offers a diverse mix of unexpected ideas. Immersing myself in these sources continuously expands my design horizons and keeps my passion for design alive.

What is a current design trend that you're most excited about?

I'm really excited about the trend of Bold Minimalism. It's this fantastic blend of modernity and naturalness that really speaks to me. The idea is to strip away all the unnecessary elements and focus on clean, simple lines, but then you inject these bold, unexpected pops of color or design elements that make everything stand out.

One of my favorite projects where I got to play with Bold Minimalism was with the Holymole! Guacamole brand. I wanted to create something that felt fresh and contemporary but also natural and approachable. So, I used a lot of white space and clean typography to keep it minimal, but then we added these vibrant colors and real images of avocados to give it that bold punch. It was so much fun to see how those elements came together to create a brand that feels both sophisticated and lively. It really captured the essence of what Holymole! is all about – modern, natural, and a little bit cheeky.

Looking back, what is one thing you wish you had known when you started your career in design?

In my early days at the agency, I was caught in a cycle of overworking, tirelessly accommodating clients' endless revision requests to prove my dedication as a fresh graduate. This approach, driven by a desire to impress, led to burnout and diminished the quality of my designs. Now, having started out on my own, I prioritize setting clear boundaries with clients regarding expectations and project limits. This shift has not only improved my work-life balance but also enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of my design process.

It’s a lesson that has profoundly shaped my approach to work and life, and one I’m grateful to have learned, even if it was the hard way.

What are the most rewarding and most challenging parts of being a woman in design?

The most rewarding part of being a woman in design is empowering other female business owners. There's something incredibly fulfilling about collaborating with women who are carving out their own paths and bringing their visions to life. It’s more than just creating beautiful designs; it’s about building a supportive community where we uplift each other. I get to witness firsthand the impact of my work on their businesses and confidence, which is deeply gratifying.

Fortunately, I haven't faced any discrimination in my career, which I know isn't the case for everyone. I've been lucky to work in environments that value diversity and inclusion. However, I recognize that challenges do exist, and it's important to remain vigilant and supportive of those who might not have had the same experience. Being a part of this industry is about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for everyone, and that makes every project and every client relationship incredibly meaningful to me.

What's your (recent) favorite design tool?

Google's Gemini - Truly mindblown with the results.

Stay in Touch with Chavi!

Follow Chavi on Instagram and visit her portfolio on Behance.

Discover more in Women in Design, our interview series where talented designers share their creative journeys and personal thoughts.