Meet Nicole

Hello, I'm Nicole, a UX Designer based in Austin, Texas, where I craft digital experiences that drive results and delight users. At Blackhawk Network, I’ve had the privilege of working on impactful e-commerce projects, including GiftCards.com, Spafinder, and BHN Rewards. I bring together strategic thinking and user-centered design to elevate B2C and B2B2C platforms, making interactions seamless, intuitive, and effective. One of my proudest achievements was leading the homepage redesign for GiftCards.com, which led to an 82% increase in sales—a testament to my belief that thoughtful design can truly make a difference.

For me, design isn’t just a career; it’s a way of seeing the world. I draw inspiration from the interplay of light and shadow, the simplicity of clean lines, and the quiet elegance of modern architecture. These elements shape how I create digital spaces that feel purposeful and alive, where form meets function in ways that truly resonates with users. My creative pursuits and interests outside of ux design—painting, sketching, reading, visiting coffee shops, and making mood boards—further inspire my work. They fuel my creativity and deepen my appreciation for the details that transform a user experience from merely functional to genuinely meaningful.

Beyond my work at Blackhawk, I’m passionate about sharing my UX insights and experience with small business owners and content creators. By leveraging my knowledge in digital strategy, creative innovation, and business strategy, I help clients achieve their business objectives while enhancing user engagement. I approach each project with a mindset of curiosity and creativity, always looking for new ways to bring a touch of humanity into digital interactions.

Before my journey in UX design, I founded an online magazine during the pandemic, where I sought to amplify the voices of women in business. Our monthly publications featured events like LA Fashion Week and interviews with industry trailblazers, growing into a platform that celebrated leadership and entrepreneurship. Leading a team of 15-25 volunteers, I learned the power of storytelling and the impact of thoughtful design in shaping how audiences perceive and engage with content.

Guided by the belief that design can inspire meaningful change, I approach each project with a dedication to human-centered creativity. As Eleanor Roosevelt wisely said, 'Small minds discuss people, average minds discuss events, and great minds discuss ideas.' It's this pursuit of powerful ideas that drives my work, pushing me to craft digital experiences that resonate and make a lasting impact.