Caucasian girl smiling at camera. Professional headshot.
Designer by day, Quilter by Night

Katherine Barnette Pinillos

Innovative designer, educator & entrepreneur

with a strong business background.

Designer | Entrepreneur | Educator

Welcome! 

I'm Katherine Barnette Pinillos - an experienced designer with an entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for visual storytelling. My career has spanned multiple industries—magazine publishing, sporting goods, higher education, and K-12 education—each providing opportunities to expand my expertise as both a creative professional and businesswoman.

With a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communications + Art History and a Master’s in Business Administration + Management from Francis Marion University, I’ve cultivated a unique blend of design and business acumen. Recognizing the evolving relationship between creativity and strategy, I pursued my MBA to deepen my understanding of the business side of design—allowing me to elevate my career and impact.


In 2017, my MBA journey led me to the desire to launch my first business - an organic, holistic bath and body company - Southern Fields Soap Company.

In 2021, I transitioned into K-12 education, joining Colleton County School District as a Visual Art teacher while earning my teaching certification. Passing the Praxis and becoming certified in 2023 marked a new chapter where I could integrate my skills in design, marketing, and business to inspire and educate the next generation of creatives.

In 2025, I took my second leap into entrepreneurship and founded Lowcountry Quilt & Embroidery Co., combining my love for design with the art of quilting and embroidery. This venture allows me to merge creativity with craftsmanship, offering custom textile designs that bring personal stories to life. Building this business has been an exciting challenge—one that blends my background in design, marketing, and business strategy with my passion for creating meaningful, high-quality pieces and storytelling. I’m excited to grow Lowcountry Quilt & Embroidery Co. and connect with others who appreciate the artistry of visual storytelling.


When I'm not busy brainstorming, you can find me exploring the Lowcountry of South Carolina and bird watching. 

My Brands

My Work

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Designer

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Quilter

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Entrepreneur

I enjoy taking ideas from concept to reality

    My skill set is unique

    Visual Arts Instructor

    Colleton County Middle School • August 2022 - Present

    • Curriculum design and development for Visual Arts program
    • Engaging students through interactive lessons 
    • Art Club advisor 
    • School Improvement Council Member 


    Wedding & Event Planner / Office Manager

    Classic Planning & Design Co. • February 2021 - October 2022

    • Event planning for bespoke wedding in Charleston, SC 


    Social Media & Marketing Manager

    Grand Forest Inc. • February 2021 - April 2022

    • Develops advertising plans for multi-brand distributor
    • Crafts Digital Marketing Campaigns
    • Manages e-commerce and social experiences  
    • Communicates project requirements to relevant departments and employees to keep progress on track.



    Project Manager

    Francis Marion University • University Communications • April 2017 - January 2021

    • Develops advertising plans for internal & external University communications
    • Crafts Digital Marketing Campaigns
    • Tracks Project budgets 
    • Prepares financial and progress reports and communicates information about these to relevant staff.
    • Manages graphic designers and student interns 
    • Communicates project requirements to relevant departments and employees to keep progress on track.
    • Managed financial cycle including bidding & proposals, purchase orders, and approval of vendor invoices


    Saboni & Owner

    Southern Fields Soap Company • April 2017 - Present

    • Multi-sales channel bath and body company
    • Designed and created seasonal recipes 
    • Managed inventory and wholesale customers  



    Senior Graphic Designer

    FRANCIS MARION UNIVERSITY • UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS • AUGUST 2015 - APRIL 2017


    Junior Graphic Designer

    FRANCIS MARION UNIVERSITY • UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS • NOVEMBER 2012 - AUGUST 2015


    Junior Designer & Layout Assistant

    SHE MAGAZINE • FLORENCE, SC • AUGUST 2010 - NOVEMBER 2012


    Pre-Production Designer

    ALL STAR SPORTING GOODS STORE • FLORENCE, SC • AUGUST 2010 - NOVEMBER 2012


    Head Lifeguard + Swim Teach Coach

    McLeod Health & Fitness Center • FLORENCE, SC • December 2010 - May 2012


    Assistant Aquatics Director & Swim Team Coach

    Florence Family YMCA • FLORENCE, SC • August 2008 - December 2010


    Design Lab Assistant

    Francis Marion University • FLORENCE, SC • January 2009 - May 2012

    Let's Connect!


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