Hello. Ciao.
& Namaste.
I’m Stacy — a creative professional with over 20 years of experience bringing ideas to life. I’m a big-picture thinker who also sweats the details, balancing vision with execution to create thoughtful, purposeful work.
My approach always starts with “why.” When you understand the purpose behind a project, the “what” becomes clearer—and far more meaningful. I believe strong work is rooted in intention, shaped by strategy, and brought to life through design and content that connect.
For me, the joy of creativity lives in the process—the thinking, the making, the problem-solving, and those moments when ideas click into place. I thrive in environments where curiosity is welcomed, ideas are challenged, and the best solutions take shape through collaboration. Creativity works best when it’s both intentional and a little bit fun.
Over the years, I’ve led and contributed to projects that reflect growth, partnership, and discovery. I invite you to explore them throughout this portfolio.
Professional Journey
After a meaningful pause from the corporate world, I founded Chara Creative—a boutique studio built to put the joy back into creating. Rooted in the Greek word χαρά (chara), meaning deep, unwavering, untouchable joy, my work lives at the intersection of strategy and imagination—with a renewed focus on graphic design at its core. I partner with brands to shape ideas with clarity, direction, and purpose—and bring them to life through thoughtful design. Blending analytical thinking with creative instinct, I create brand identities, visual systems, and content that feel as good as they perform—crafted with clarity, energy, and intention. Creative. Strategic. Energetic. Joyful. “Consider it all joy.” — James 1:2
For six years, I wore many creative hats at Hy-Vee, the Midwest’s largest grocery retailer. I began as a Creative Producer for Helpful Smiles TV (HSTV) — a first-of-its-kind platform for original video series — and quickly advanced into a leadership role, guiding a team to produce 1,800+ videos across 45 series, generate 50M+ views, launch an app, build a shoppable video platform, and direct A-list talent including 50 Cent, Mark Wahlberg, and Bryan Cranston. When HSTV wrapped, I transitioned into Director of Creative & Content Marketing, leading content strategy and creative production across Hy-Vee’s social and digital channels. I oversaw creation of 6,500+ organic social posts and pins, led paid media and internal video initiatives, helped transform Seasons Magazine into a digital Discover experience on Hy-Vee.com (bringing shoppable video to life here as well) and supported campaigns for RedMedia. Through strategic storytelling, data-driven decisions, and platform-specific creative, my team helped make organic social one of Hy-Vee’s strongest acquisition channels—driving +47% revenue growth and +150% new users year-over-year. Whether directing on set with food stylists or filming with Caitlin Clark, my goal has always been the same: make the content the star.
Before Hy-Vee, I spent nearly 15 years at ITA Group, growing through multiple creative roles and ultimately serving as Experiential Creative Director. There, I partnered with clients across industries — including T-Mobile, NAPA Auto Parts, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and EMC Insurance— to create incentive marketing campaigns and experiential events that united creativity with business strategy. The work sharpened my skills in concept development, storytelling, and leading cross-functional teams, and taught me how to balance inspiration with impact—turning complex objectives into memorable experiences that moved people and brands forward.
My professional career began at 3E Electrical Engineering as a Marketing Coordinator, where I designed co-op marketing, newsletters, and promotional events—and learned all about ballasts and Kohler generators. That early experience sparked my lifelong passion for connecting creative strategy to tangible results through content and design.
Beyond the Work
Creativity flows through everything I do — but I also make time to play. My husband and I love to travel, discover new foods, and kick back on our deck. We’re avid soccer fans and proud supporters of Can Play Sports. You’ll often find me at sweating it out at CrossFit, worshiping at Church, or jamming out in my car to an eclectic mix of hymns and 90s hip-hop (and when Queen comes on, car karaoke will ensue). Fun fact: I worked at a dry cleaners for 13 years, so I know my way around starch, stains, and perchloroethylene. I love to laugh, adore my niblings, and have a lifelong fascination with dinosaurs.
