We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathryn Ikle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathryn, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
Growing up, I often felt judged. As a parent—especially through my kids’ middle and high school years—I made it my mission to build a nonjudgmental home. I wanted them to feel safe telling me anything. That doesn’t mean I never share my perspective; it means I listen first. I don’t interrupt, I don’t react with a raised eyebrow or a dismissive comment. I take it in, give it space, and come back with a calm, thoughtful response. Today, at 18 and 23, my kids will tell you they can share their dreams, fears, and mistakes with me without worrying I’ll “fly off the handle.” Creating that kind of safety has been the most impactful thing I’ve done as a parent—and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

What should our readers know about your business?
Our business, Third Entity, was founded by my partner, Andrew Leff, and I to help people and organizations grow with purpose—and to do it with unwavering integrity. We’re a consulting and creative firm that blends strategy, design, and innovation, but our true differentiator is how we build relationships: through listening, mentoring, and meaningful conversation.

We love mentoring and coaching—from seasoned professionals to emerging creatives. Grabbing coffee and taking time to truly listen has become a blueprint for how we work. In a world where so many people feel unheard and isolated, we believe thoughtful, two-way conversation is the foundation of trust. That trust, paired with integrity, is what every engagement rests on.

Getting here wasn’t easy. Entrepreneurship rarely is. We navigated uncertainty, tough tradeoffs, and the constant pressure to do more with less. What got us through was staying rooted in our purpose—serving people first—while staying adaptable, communicating openly, and choosing long-term relationships over short-term wins.

What we’re most proud of is the way our values show up in the work: clients feel seen, teams get aligned, and ideas become real. We don’t hand over a deck and disappear—we co-create, mentor along the way, and leave clients stronger than we found them.

The biggest lessons we’ve learned: listen before you lead, measure what matters, and protect your values—especially when it’s inconvenient. Integrity compounds over time.

What we want the world to know about Third Entity is simple: we’re here to help people thrive—professionals and creatives alike—by fostering spaces where honest dialogue sparks clarity and momentum. If you’re looking for partners who will listen deeply, challenge thoughtfully, and show up with heart, that’s us.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1 — McKinney Magic
Coffee at Collective Coffee, a morning of antiquing on the Historic Square, lunch at Harvest Seasonal Kitchen, and a laid-back evening with art and live music at TUPPS Brewery.

Day 2 — Frisco & Plano Favorites
Breakfast at Berries & Batter (a personal fave), gallery wandering, and dinner at Haywire in Plano—Texas comfort with style.

Day 3 — Dallas Arts District
Explore the Dallas Museum of Art and Nasher Sculpture Center, stroll Klyde Warren Park, dinner at The Henry, and a nightcap at Monarch with stunning skyline views.

Day 4 — Deep Ellum Adventure
Street art, Kettle Art Gallery, a thrift-store crawl, BBQ at Pecan Lodge or tacos at Revolver Taco Lounge, and live music to close.

Day 5 — Fort Worth Museum Day
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, the Kimbell, and (time permitting) the Arlington Museum of Art; dinner in the Cultural District.

Day 6 — Hill Country Reset
A creative, slow day at Falcon’s Nest Art Retreat in Leander—nature, art, and breathing room.

Day 7 — Community & Renewal
Brunch in McKinney, a final coffee and gallery stop, and time enjoying community—including a message from a local pastor offering encouragement and spiritual nourishment. Unhurried evening to reflect on a week well spent.

For me, the best trips are stitched together by meaningful conversations, creativity, and connection—that’s the heart of North Texas.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe so much to my community. First, to my partner, Andrew Leff, my kids, and my parents—your steady love is my foundation. I’m grateful for my creative family at the Art Club of McKinney and my fellow leaders who inspire me daily: Denise Holguin (Lewisville Visual Arts League), David Chalker (Visual Arts of Prosper), Jennifer Bejtovic (Visual Arts Guild of Frisco), and Lisa Halperin (Art Club of Fort Worth). Deep thanks to the incredible boards and volunteers at the Art Club of McKinney and AIGA Dallas, where I serve as president. And to the friends who champion and lift me up—Oshi Sanyal, Deana McGarr, Janis Buck, Melinda Whitten, Chris Turner, Amanda Beggs, Devika Chand, Amani Sodiq, Sajin Devidas, Ron Brustein, Jay Singh, Aimee Woololverton, Tanay Sharma, Heather Karlsson, Celeste Seitz, Sumeeth Maheta, Connie Brown, Lori Sylvester, Wilmer Olano, Val Ortiz, Paris Garcia, Melanie Dowling, Rosilyn Rayborn, Sherri Murphy, my neighbors, and my amazing LSR Book Club ladies—your support means everything. My story is a tapestry woven by many generous hands, and I’m endlessly grateful.

Website: http://www.kathrynikle.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iklecreativedesigns/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynrebeccaikle/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynrebeccaikle

Image Credits
Photographer: Amani Sodiq

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