Join in a candid conversation with the former partners of Studio HMVD, Heather-Mariah Dixon and Abigail Kerns, as they unpack the closing of a business while navigating interpersonal dynamics. In this tell-all event, Abigail and Heather-Mariah chronicle what led to the end of Studio HMVD, how they landed on their feet, and stayed friends throughout a rocky time.

Heather-Mariah Violet Dixon

Heather-Mariah is an award-winning creative director whose work blends and bends disciplines from design to photography to poetry. She’s also a partner at Overeasy, a strategic design office founded in 2024. Prior to Overeasy, Heather-Mariah dedicated her twenties to building her eponymous practice, Studio HMVD (2018-2024), a boutique branding and photography agency. Her client work has spanned the gamut from indie darlings (Boy Smells, Disco, Berczy) to behemoths (M·A·C Cosmetics, Johnson & Johnson), and has been recognized by AIGA, The Dieline, The Brand Identity, Type Director’s Club, Communication Arts and more.

Heather-Mariah holds a BA in Design from Western Washington University, and has completed continuing education at SVA and Type @ Cooper. Outside of work, she studies and collects vintage designer clothing and catalogs vernacular typography.

Abigail Kerns

Abigail is a freelance account director, with expertise in brand strategy, visual identity, and photography production. Her award-winning work builds structure through empathy and transparency allowing creativity to flourish. From 2019 – 2023, she built Studio HMVD’s strategic and operational practice as a partner working with a diverse range of clients including Boy Smells, Berczy, Strella, LBBA, and Image Skincare. Her work has been featured by The Brand Identity, Type Director’s Club, Communication Arts, The Dieline, AIGA and beyond.

After completing her BA in Design and BFA in Dance at Western Washington University, a one-way ticket brought her to NYC where she lives and works. As a new parent, she enjoys sharing her passions with her family through frequent museum visits and outdoor adventures.