Kristen Jane Stephens has cemented herself as an expert in branding and operational setup within multiple industries, drawing on two decades of experience to assist businesses in launching, developing branding strategies, setting up operations, meeting with clients, conducting presentations, assisting with office design and training employees. Her career has been distinguished by a series of entrepreneurial and leadership milestones that reflect her commitment to innovation and growth.
Since 2025, Ms. Stephens has excelled as one of the owners of Jalapeño Dragon, a Mexican sushi restaurant located in Mesa, Arizona. In this role, she has been instrumental in conceptualizing the brand, overseeing operations and collaborating with her partners to ensure the restaurant’s success. Her expertise in business development and branding has contributed to the establishment of Jalapeño Dragon as a unique dining destination.
Ms. Stephens has also found success as the director of operations, brand strategy and AI growth at Facet AI Solutions in Layton, Utah since 2016. In this capacity, she has played a pivotal role in integrating artificial intelligence technologies into business practices, enhancing efficiency and enabling staff to focus on client service. Through Facet AI Solutions, she has provided consulting services that emphasize the use of AI as a tool for business enhancement rather than replacement. Ms. Stephens’ proactive approach to problem-solving and her ability to quickly generate solutions have established her as a leader in her field.
Additionally, Ms. Stephens has been active as the owner of Kristen Jane Design, where she collaborated with designers and architects to create exceptional orthodontic practices and dental offices. Her work included designing and branding med spas, dental offices and pediatric dentist practices across the region.
Previously, Ms. Stephens worked as the founder and owner of Backyard Taco. She launched this restaurant as a passion project during a challenging period in her personal life. Despite facing adversity, she successfully developed Backyard Taco into a multi-location enterprise before deciding to step away from the business.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Stephens partnered with her then-husband, an orthodontist, to build an orthodontic practice from the ground up. She played an integral role in its development by working closely with consultants and firms eager to create outstanding practices. Her efforts not only improved office performance but also increased patient referrals to their practice.
A defining achievement for Ms. Stephens was her collaboration with a plastic surgeon who sought her expertise to establish his practice. Over approximately 10 years, she assisted with branding, logo creation, office design, employee recruitment and operational systems setup. Under her guidance, the practice grew from $74,000 in its first year to approximately $12 million by 2025 and now operates out of a 15,000-square-foot facility housing both a med-spa and surgical center. Ms. Stephens considers it her most notable accomplishment that she was able to help the surgeon build such a successful practice that he could hire an associate and spend more time with his family while maintaining long-term employee satisfaction.
Throughout her professional journey, Ms. Stephens has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth. After overcoming devastating personal circumstances that left her confidence diminished, she learned to forgive herself and recognize her own value. This personal evolution enabled her to approach new challenges with assurance and provide meaningful assistance to others seeking to improve their businesses.
Ms. Stephens distinguishes herself through decisive action and a solution-oriented mindset. She believes that taking immediate steps toward resolving issues sets her apart from peers who may hesitate or overthink decisions. Her philosophy centers on acting rather than remaining stagnant—a principle she encourages others to adopt.
Before embarking upon her professional path, Ms. Stephens earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, in 1997. She attributes much of her success to determination and a steadfast belief in her ability to solve problems step-by-step rather than giving up prematurely. Her academic background has provided valuable insights into human behavior and motivation, skills that have proven essential throughout her career in business development, team building and client relations.
In addition to her primary pursuits, Ms. Stephens has demonstrated civic commitment as the founder of the Smile Back Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships for children needing braces. She has likewise contributed to her community as a volunteer supporting regional job opportunities, financial assistance programs and local church initiatives.
Among her proudest achievements are seeing all of her children graduate from college and thrive independently as well as witnessing the continued success of the plastic surgeon’s practice she helped build. She takes particular satisfaction in having fostered enduring relationships within his team—many members have remained for over a decade—by instilling a culture that values people above all else. Looking toward the future, Ms. Stephens hopes that her latest business venture will generate residual income while providing meaningful help to others without requiring constant hands-on involvement on her part.