Meet Hannah Saunders, the Owner and Creative Director of Palindrome Studio, where intentional design meets purpose-driven branding for women- and wellness-focused brands.
With a background in corporate advertising for household names like Huggies and Walgreens, Hannah left the big-city scene of Chicago for the mountains of Jackson Hole. Inspired by her sensitivity and empathetic nature, she founded Palindrome Studio to break away from the high-volume, impersonal approach of big agencies. Instead, she offers clients a collaborative, one-on-one experience. This personalized touch has fostered deep, long-lasting relationships, often turning clients into friends and building a business rooted in trust.
We asked Hannah about the evolution of her studio’s mission, the power of embracing her uniqueness, and the advice she would give her younger self if she were to start her entrepreneurial journey over again.
Can you delve deeper into the evolution of Palindrome Studio’s mission and values over time?
I started Palindrome out of a personal need. When I moved from Chicago to Jackson Hole, I needed to “BYOJ” (bring your own job) in order to live. That said, I also started it as an alternative to the big agency model I had worked under in Chicago. It felt increasingly like a rat race and detached from authenticity and purpose. It turns out my clients felt the same way. They currently come to me for a meaningful one-on-one relationship and a true commitment to their goals and dreams that big agencies just can’t offer.
Have you ever felt like you’re “different”? If yes, in what ways has this contributed to your journey as an entrepreneur?
I’ve always been incredibly sensitive and attuned to other people’s feelings. This is an asset for me as a creative entrepreneur. My clients often come to me with very abstract visions for their brand or even visions based solely on how they want the brand to feel. As a highly sensitive person and empath, I am able to take in their feelings and dreams about their business and turn them into a tangible brand identity, website, and social presence. My sensitivity and inward nature also didn’t jive especially well with the churn and burn big agency model. I love having the freedom now to arrange my days in a supportive manner. For example, I can take slow mornings or afternoon yoga breaks. It allows me to take care of myself and therefore take the best care of my clients.
"As a highly sensitive person and empath, I'm able to take in my clients' feelings and dreams about their business and turn them into a tangible brand identity."
What’s been the hardest and most rewarding part of your entrepreneurial journey?
By far the hardest part of my entrepreneurial journey has been loneliness. There are so many great things about being a one-woman business based remotely, but I’m not sure it’s the most natural setup for a human. It can get really isolating. I honestly still don’t have this aspect figured out. But the most rewarding aspect of my work has been championing small businesses and startups. Oftentimes when they see the logo or website I’ve created for them, it’s the first time their business feels “real,” and they feel like they can really believe in what they are doing.
We dare you to brag. What achievements are you most proud of?
The way my clients often become my friends. I get almost all of my business through word of mouth. This is such a lovely endorsement that people enjoyed their experience with me enough to recommend me to others. I’ve never paid for advertising, SEO, or anything. I absolutely don’t have the perfect funnel in place, but overall, it's pretty amazing to have run this business for over seven years through the simple intention to do honest, quality work and help people build their dreams.
Has your definition of success evolved throughout your journey as a founder?
I’m starting to define success less in the financial sense alone and more in the context of whether I have work-life balance, freedom to take care of myself, and freedom to build a multi-faceted life. In addition to running Palindrome, I’m also a 500-hour certified yoga teacher, I write a Substack about wellness and healing, and I’m a singer/songwriter performing at open mics around town. Success feels like working toward the fullest expression of myself.
What would you tell your younger self if you were to start your entrepreneurial journey all over again?
Don’t aim to fit into the existing mold. Pursue your own way of being even if it's more difficult and different from what “everyone else” is doing.
