In this episode, I’m diving into a conversation that’s been circling the design space for a while: Do you really need a niche to succeed—or is versatility the key?

There's been a lot of noise out there: "niche is dead,” “you are your niche,” “be the one-stop-shop.” And while there’s some truth in the intention behind those ideas, they can also create confusion. So, today I’m breaking it down.

We talk about the role of experimentation, why staying scattered too long can hold you back, and how niching doesn’t mean restriction—it means clarity. I also share my own journey from specialist to generalist and how that path helped me attract aligned clients, build authority, and avoid burnout.

Here’s what I want you to walk away with:
 → You can be versatile—but start with a foundation.
 → You can specialize—but still stay creatively expansive.
 → You can find your place—by choosing intentionally.

We’ll talk about:

• Why niching isn’t the enemy—it’s actually your anchor.
• How I evolved from working in Illustrator to directing design teams.
• The real reason many designers stay stuck (hint: it’s not skill).
• What “you are your niche” really means—and how to not get boxed in.
• How to use your strengths as your starting point to attract the right work.

If you’re tired of feeling scattered and unsure about where to focus your time, this episode will help you clarify your next step.

🎧 Tune in and let’s talk about what it really takes to gain momentum—your way.

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Ready to find your niche?
Join me for Find Your Niche—a free 3-day challenge to help you define your space in the surface pattern design industry with purpose and direction.

👉 https://lesliekenehan.com/nichechallenge

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