Jala Smith-Huys is passionate about good, functional design. Design that works. Design that is memorable. And most importantly, design that inspires and encourages success.
For nine years home was Portland's locally owned and operated natural and specialty grocery store, New Seasons Market. Jala was hired in 1999 as one of a core group of twelve to develop the new company, which eventually grew to nine stores by 2008. During this time she kept her experiences eclectic and inspired by freelancing and starting a home-based maternity business which she later sold in 2005. Embark Creative was launched in the Fall of 2008. Jala's clients range from start-ups to non-profits to businesses leading the way in sustainable initiatives and product development.
In a city saturated with phenomenal local talent, Jala focuses on the prize — happy clients — which seems to be working for her. She's known for "getting it right the first time" and being flexible and easy to work with.
Jala and her husband, an interactive web designer, live in Portland, Oregon. They travel, work on their 1908 bungalow, and create.