Kristen Le doesn’t just design brands. She builds community. As Avid Design’s creative director, she shapes the Vail Valley’s visual identity. Whether creating marketing campaigns for nonprofits, hosting live engraving experiences or mentoring young leaders, her work fuels passion and purpose.
BRINGING STORIES TO LIFE THROUGH DESIGN
The most fulfilling projects create lasting impact. Her design work with Small Champions, a nonprofit transforming and empowering youth who face a variety of cognitive and physical challenges, is a beautiful example. Branding, newsletters and marketing campaigns amplify their mission and share powerful stories of youth.
Working closely with the Eagle River Coalition, she enjoys the creative freedom to push boundaries. Deeply connected to the river as part of their daily lives, the young, passionate team views conservation with a fresh fluid perspective. As a result, Le was encouraged to step outside the traditional conservation brand style to design a ‘70s-style concert poster for a fundraiser and introduce a quirky fish mascot.
Photo by Connie Terrado
PEAK’S EDGE: WHERE CREATIVITY MEETS EXPERIENCE
Creativity isn’t confined to digital. Le has helped grow Peak’s Edge, a custom engraving business founded by her friend Connie Terrado. Specializing in personalized cutting boards, water bottles and signage, they bridge the gap between creativity and connection. Beyond the traditional path, a commitment to sustainability products led to a partnership with Gravity Haus to engrave hotel key cards and toothbrushes.
With an event production background from her time as marketing director at Native Roots and executive director at TEDxVail, Le sees potential for marketplace differentiation. With a portable engraving machine, Peak’s Edge now brings personalization to events, engraving custom pieces on the spot. “There’s something special about making a tangible product,” Le says. “People love seeing their ideas come to life. It’s not just a product; it’s a moment.”
Photos courtesy of Kristen Le
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
Involved with TEDxVail since 2017, Le led first as executive director and later as a TEDxVail Youth mentor. But mentorship isn’t one-sided; it’s a two-way exchange.
Troy, a high school freshman, wasn’t just another student when he launched TEDxVail Youth. He was determined, organized and relentless in making an impact. “If you put in the work, people take you seriously, no matter your age,” Le says. She watched him bring ideas to life with no fear, from AI explorations before the tech boom to considering a run for local government. Now at Columbia University, Troy’s path proves the power of mentorship. ROI isn’t just return on investment — it is a return on impact. Knowledge shared comes back in unexpected ways, rippling through the community long after a project ends.
Since moving to Vail in 2012, Le has juggled roles, each fueled by her love for storytelling and design. How does she do it all? “They give you so much energy. It’s fulfilling. I don’t feel like I’m putting in more than I’m getting back.” Le is leaving her mark. On products and people.