A woman with long brown hair, smiling, wearing a light gray sweater, sitting in a cozy room with warm lighting and wooden furniture.

Jen Shadowens

FOUNDER & STRATEGIST

With 25 years experience in research and strategy, Jen has helped numerous clients understand their customers, identify whitespace, prioritize strategic levers, and develop growth opportunities. Her approach is both analytical and creative, centering listening and evidence alongside ideation and opportunities.

A graduate of DePaul University’s College of Business and the University of Minnesota Humphrey School for Public Affairs, she bridges business insight with social understanding — helping brands make smarter decisions rooted in real people’s experiences.

What clients have said…

  • “Your partnership is unmatched. You came so highly recommended and lived up to the hype and more.”

  • "You've been phenomenal. We are excited about what's next."

  • “It was so easy to partner with you and the team. We appreciated your willingness to challenge our thinking.”

  • “You did an excellent job keeping us on track despite the demanding timeline, without being so rigid that we couldn't flex as needed.”

Extended Team

All projects are led by Jen, alongside a team of hand-picked, vetted collaborators.
Below are a few Portrait co-workers.

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dustin studelska, phd

Strategist

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maggie collette

Strategist

A woman with long blonde hair smiling at the camera, wearing a white top against a plain gray background.

liz skretkowicz

Strategist

A woman with dark hair wearing a red sweater and blue jeans sitting on a leather couch, holding a newspaper in her lap and a pencil to her chin, looking at the camera.

Foram nyberg

Creative

A young woman with shoulder-length brown hair and light skin outdoors, wearing a black shirt and blazer, with a blurred background of trees and sunlight.

Kristan Nolan

Producer

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gordon mcintyre-lee

Designer

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