I was born and raised in North Alabama, specifically, a small mountain town called Grant. I’ve been a Huntsville resident since 1998, except for that short 4 years at the University of Alabama. Graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in Advertising & a minor in Studio Art was the beginning of a lifetime journey with design. Although, interested in the quips of the advertising world, I quickly found out I was not cut out for the knock-you-down-to-get-to-the-topbig design firm work life.
about jacki
about us
Huntsville, Alabama is home now, and although being in the creative industry in a left-brained town isn’t easy, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m in love with all things design, and always on a quest for the next best font. It’s a beautiful thing when a passion and a career come together.
I’m the the wife to an amazing husband, Rudy. He goes to work every day so that I can continue to live my dream of owning my own business. We have two daughters, Gemma & Pippa, who are the joy of our lives. Our favorite things in life are tropical vacations, DIY house projects, & Disney World.
I took whatever job I could find, and found myself selling ads for magazines, working for a tile shop, designing graphics for a local news station, and coupons. In 2012, I finally landed an awesome job at a local church where I learn all about print, paper and multiplied my design skills.
Became Mrs. Rudy Gil, Jr.
I went into choosing my major based on one thing—which paths have the least amount of math. I loved to write and design, so Advertising + Graphic Arts seemed like the perfect fit. I graduated in 2009 during one of the worst times to find a job for anyone, but definitely for “non-essential” jobs like the major I had chosen.
In the summer of 2013 my wedding photographer asked if I’d be interested in making paper goods for a styled shoot she was putting together. Designing that first invitation set was the beginning of the road to owning my own business. After a year of designing as a side-hustle, in May of 2014, I finally began working from home as my own boss. There were so many lessons learned in those first couple of years, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Graduated from the U of A
the road to now
founded Salt + Paperie
A big reason for wanting to own my business was the freedom to take care of my future kids. In 2017, that dream also became a reality! In preparation for our daughter’s arrival, I wanted to protect Salt + Paperie’s name by applying for a national trademark. A long story short, a big company told us that we couldn’t do that because of similar names and businesses. I was forced to separate all business and branding design from Salt + Paperie’s name and website, and Jacki Gil Design was born.
Became a Momprenuer
In 2021, my second daughter was born a "Covid Baby" and it was a whole new learning curve being outnumbered, and trying to work from home! I was a little more prepared mentally, and I knew the baby stage wouldn't last forever. #2 went on to half day MMO a lot sooner than #1 (typical!) and it gave me more space to work early on.
Now, both girls are thriving in school, and I am able to keep my head down to work while they are at school, and give a lot more dedicate time to them at home—and I even get to be a room mom! What a life to live!