Featured Member August, 2019 - Karen Vick

Each month we feature a member of the Jamaican Women of Florida as a way for us to learn more about each other and share the stories of the powerful women who make up this wonderful organization. This month’s featured member is also a founding member of the organization. We’re proud to have Karen Vick as a member and wish her continued success in all her endeavors.

Karen Vick

Graphic Designer/President

Karen Vick is a web and graphic designer living in South Florida. Karen, a Jamaican national, is currently the Internet Marketing Manager of PuroClean, Tamarac, FL and is also the President of Island Design Studio, a web and graphic design service specializing in designing and developing websites and marketing solutions for individuals and small to medium-sized businesses. 

Karen holds a Bachelor's Degree in Multimedia and Web Design from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. The formal training received at The Art Institute combined with her years in Retail Management serves as the foundation for her keen ability to conceptualize her clients' vision and needs in delivering websites that produce the most return on their financial and emotional investment. Clients include City College, Nerium Biotech, David I. Muir of DAVIDiPhoto and Pieces Of Jamaica.

When Karen isn't busy designing, her family takes center stage, starting with her son, Jamil, and her brothers and sisters. Learn more about her work at www.islanddesignstudio.com

Can you describe yourself using 3/5 words?

Loyal, Passionate, Curious, Nerd, Teacher

What motivates you?

Wanting to be more like Christ every day, my family, especially my son and my sisters.

Name something you are passionate about and why?

I'm passionate about the work that I do as a designer and marketer who works with small businesses and those who do good in our community. I love teaching what I know and finding ways to be a problem solver for them. I also get so excited when I see the results of the work in the life of my clients and those whom they serve.

Who has impressed you most with what they’ve accomplished?

My niece Yanique Redwood, Ph.D., M.P.H. To see this young lady that I grew up with accomplish all she has and continues to do as the President & CEO of the Consumer Health Foundation makes me very proud.

What age do you wish you could permanently be and why?

This one is tough. Many moments in my life have been such a blessing that it's hard to pick one age... Probably, 23 when I had my son because having him was such an amazing experience that hasn't ended even 28 years later.

What’s something you like to do the old-fashioned way?

Send and receive letters and greeting cards. I don't do much letter writing because of the time. I like this because it is such a personal and selfless act to take the time and send a card or letter. It shows how much you care about someone. I love going through old cards and letters; the memories they bring back give me a great sense of joy.

Which books are on your reading list?

Exhale by Amy Carroll & Cheri Gregory, and Love Does by Bob Goff and Everybody Always by Bob Goff

Why JWOF?

I love this idea of building a community with other women who "get" each other and who want to keep the Jamaican culture alive in our home away from our homeland. I also believe JWOF is an extension of my family. When I'm around the ladies, I feel like I'm with my sisters. When I got the opportunity to be a founding member I jumped at it because I always dreamt of being a part of an organization like this and I'm happy to contribute to the organization.