Jen Rarey blends her passion for dogs with powerful storytelling and design—partnering with veterinary practices, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations to create meaningful, emotionally resonant work.
Everyone who knows Jen Rarey, knows she loves dogs.
For Jen Rarey, storytelling is far more than a profession—it’s the connective tissue between her creative work, her compassion for animals, and her unwavering belief in doing good.
As founder and Chief Creative Officer of Rarified Creative, Jen has built a design team that doesn’t just design for clients—it gives voice to missions, heals emotional wounds, and holds space for the stories that matter most. Her goal for clients: to “Rarify [râr′ə-fī′, verb] brands, meaning “to elevate a client’s brand to an exceptional level
through strategy, collaboration, and creativity.”
“A basic human need is to tell stories and connect authentically with each other,” says Jen. “Our work is about asking a lot of questions, and listening, to find out what our clients need, what challenges they face and then create something beautiful that works for them.”
Designing Through Empathy and Reflection
In many ways, through design and that process, Jen and her team are embracing the stories of their clients—as well as their own—which is at the heart of narrative practice and the skill that emphasizes empathy, reflection, and self-compassion.
In 2015, Jen launched her design firm after 18 years as a creative director in product development at Hallmark. Since then, the Overland Park, KS resident and her team at Rarified Creative have helped organizations, nonprofits, and agency partners bring their stories to life through strategic branding, design, and marketing.
Whether working on a event branding for the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City or shaping narratives for Catholic Charities, Jen begins every project with a question: Who is this really for—and how do we honor their story?
“Our best work happens when we’re partnering with people who genuinely care,” Jen says. “Whether it’s a nonprofit serving families or a specialty vet clinic navigating life-and-death decisions, those stories deserve to be told with honesty and heart.”
But it’s not just her clients who care. Jen’s own heart has been tethered to animals since she was a young girl growing up in rural Ohio. “My family always had cats and dogs, plus assorted hamsters, parakeets and fish,” says Jen.
– Jen Rarey
It’s no surprise then that one of her design firm’s primary focuses has been animal health, particularly veterinary emergency and specialty hospitals.
With suicide rates for veterinarians up to two to four times higher than the general population, according to the Centers for Disease Control, Jen sees storytelling as a tool for healing—not just for pet owners, but for the animal caregivers who serve them.
“Veterinary medicine is often more advanced than human healthcare in its narrative practices,” she explains. “Vets don’t just treat symptoms—they talk to families, hold space for grief, and honor every life they touch. It’s where science and storytelling meet. It’s fulfilling to contribute to those whose missions make a real difference for pets and people alike.”
Since 2007, she’s volunteered with Midwest Shiba Inu Rescue, adopting three dogs of her own and fostering more than 20 others, along with her cat, Kismet. Since 2022, she and one of her pups, Koji, 5, have trained and competed in agility (timed obstacle courses) under the American Kennel Club (AKC), a sport built on trust, teamwork, and a lot of treats.
Whether it's a Shiba Inu with special needs or a friend facing their final chapter,” Jen reflects, “what connects us is the story. Being present, listening deeply, and holding space for each moment—that’s where the magic lives.”
Up Close and Personal
Recently she spent time with a friend who was restoring a large painted heart, “Tree of Life” sculpture—its gold shape covered in branches and butterflies, a living symbol of transformation. The friend was and is still undergoing cancer treatment.
It’s a metaphor for Jen’s own work: a blend of beauty, resilience, and reverence.
On Your Bark! Get Set...
Recently she launched a pet project (excuse the metaphor).
In announcing her shop, On Your Bark, a new line of dog-themed t-shirts, bandanas, stickers and other products, she wrote: “Hey everyone I know who loves dogs like I do—I'm finally launching my series of dog-sports-themed artwork, and hope you'll follow along. I'd love to hear what you think. (And you may recognize some of your dogs, who inspire me!)”
“I’m proud to empower people to brag about the amazing bond they have with their canine partners,” she says. “Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram (On Your Bark), and check out www.on-your-bark.com.”
When she’s not working, Jen loves traveling to Hawaii, Honduras, Mexico or other locales to pursue her personal passions running, hiking, kayaking and scuba diving.
“Diving is another powerful way I get to relate with animals and connect with their majesty,” she says. “I love watching the sea lions, the reef fish and even sharks. It’s like visiting another planet. The sea lions might be my favorite. They play just like dogs! That’s pretty cool when you’re 60 feet underwater.”
Snapshot: Getting to Know Jen Rarey
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Perfect happiness is being fully immersed in the present moment, especially in the company of friends and animals. It might be something extraordinary, like encountering a curious manta ray while scuba diving, or beautifully ordinary, like a backyard gathering with friends and their dogs. (Dogs are always invited to my house too.)
Which living person do you most admire?
My answer to this question will keep changing, but right now, Mel Robbins (New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, and former lawyer) stands out. I appreciate her transparency around personal struggles and her commitment to sharing science-backed strategies for growth and mental wellbeing. Through her podcast, she shares insights and expertise of authors, coaches, and medical professionals—from neuroscientists to death doulas. She embodies curiosity, empowerment—and generosity, because she shares so much valuable content for free.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I hope my greatest achievement is still ahead. I’m proud to have built and sustained a successful branding and marketing business for over a decade. Coming from an art school background where business education was minimal, I learned everything on the job—first in a corporate setting, then through experience working with my clients, and networking with the independent creative and marketing community. It’s taught me that you must have the courage to just begin—to take risks, learn fast, and see what paths emerge. (Steve Harvey’s speech about this resonates deeply with me.)
Who are your favorite writers?
I’m an avid audiobook listener and lean toward nonfiction with a focus on personal growth. I’ve learned a lot from Michael Singer, Manoush Zomorodi, Shannon Lee, and Greg McKeown. I also admire Laura Parker Roerden, a conservationist and poet whose work inspires young people to engage with ocean conservation in a deeply personal and responsible way that ripples to community impact. Her writing merges science and soul, and clarity with grace. Her nonprofit, Ocean Matters
Describe yourself in six words:
Boundless curiosity, busy mind, grateful heart (Still working to quiet my “busy mind.”) I just finished Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen and I recommend it.
What are you most grateful for?
I'm deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to travel and learn from different people and ecosystems. And to return home to the friends and pets I love so much. I would be remiss not to mention how much I appreciate the opportunity to work with Narrative Mindworks on their logo and marketing materials, it’s been a joy to support their mission.
What’s next on your bucket list?
After several years grounded by COVID and other immutable life circumstances, I’m ready to explore again—near or far. I hope my next “big” trip will be with Mom to celebrate our recent birthdays.
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