After many years as a fashion entrepreneur, designer, and marketer, Pernille Fristad found herself at a crossroads. She had built and run the clothing brand Kepaza for years, designed websites, and worked closely with marketing across multiple industries.
I worked extensively with websites, both for my own brand and for other businesses. When I reached a turning point last year, choosing to deepen my skills in UX Design felt like a very natural step. Pernille Fristad
Pernille’s interest in user-friendly digital solutions began early. At just 19, she built her first website for Kepaza, marking the start of a long journey in design, communication, and digital services. When she sold the brand in 2024, new opportunities opened up, and the answer became UX Design at Noroff. The fact that the programme is one year long and offered online was also a major advantage.
Balancing work with flexible online studies
Pernille is studying UX Design online while working part-time as a UX designer and contributing to the development of a language-learning app. Life as an online student gives her the flexibility she needs.
– The best thing about online studies is the freedom. I can study from home, at a café, or while travelling. We spent three weeks in Spain in March, and it was amazing to be able to study while it was cold and snowy back home!
Group work also provides a strong sense of community, even in an online setting.
– We collaborate closely, support each other, and work on assignments together. The lecturers are also just a message away, so the follow-up is excellent.
Creativity at the core, a perfect fit for a designer
With a background in fashion and visual communication, Pernille sees the programme as a natural extension of her creative skill set. As a UX designer, creativity plays a central role in her work, from idea development and sketching to workshops and designing websites, apps, and even smartwatches. She thrives on creative work, which is why the programme feels like such a perfect match. Even after many years in the workforce, the career change feels both meaningful and exciting.
Photo: London Fashion Week show with Kepaza
Starting over is a little scary, but I truly feel that UX Design is the right path for me. I get to use everything I’ve learned as an entrepreneur, marketer, and designer, while also adding new, highly relevant skills. Pernille Fristad
Pernille has learned how crucial it is to keep the user in focus and to test products throughout the entire design process. She has also gained a deeper understanding of how essential digital accessibility is, something she believes everyone working with digital solutions should prioritise.
Pernille’s advice for others considering a fresh start
– Just go for it! Find a programme that plays to your strengths. You’ll learn a lot and grow as a person. It’s never too late to start over.
The goal is clear:
– I hope to work full-time as a UX designer, and I can genuinely see myself doing this for the rest of my career. The skills I’m gaining at Noroff are also transferable to many other roles, that’s what makes UX so exciting.
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