Meet Karthik Naralasetty

I am a UI/UX designer at Levi's in Austin, merging my design passion with creating intuitive digital experiences. With an eye for aesthetics and understanding of user behavior, I specialize in crafting user-friendly interfaces. Forbes 30 Under 30 recognized my outstanding contributions in UI/UX design.

My Roots

Every journey begins with a single step, and mine started in a small village in India, where community, family, and hard work were the pillars of life. Growing up in a modest home, I learned the value of perseverance, the importance of education, and the power of unity. My parents instilled in me the belief that no dream is too big and that with determination and the right values, anything is possible.




My journey to the United States began as a young student, carrying a scholarship and the dream of making a difference, but without any family by my side. I chose Rutgers University for its academic opportunities and quickly found a community that embraced me. While at Rutgers, I was pursuing a degree in computer science. However, I made the bold decision to drop out and return to India to start my first company, Socialblood, which aimed to solve the blood donation crisis. Despite leaving university, I remained committed to continuing my studies in public administration, knowing that education and entrepreneurship could work hand in hand.

At Rutgers, I had founded a student organization that connected peers, advocated for important causes, and helped hone my leadership skills. These formative experiences taught me the immense value of collaboration, innovation, and staying true to my values.

As I ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, Socialblood expanded to 21 countries, ultimately reaching millions of people. Facebook took the idea global, and today, Socialblood is used by 120 million people worldwide.My next venture, Pawsh, connects dog owners with groomers and has helped create thousands of livelihoods. These projects reaffirmed my belief that with vision and determination, we can create meaningful solutions that improve lives.

Beyond startups, I taught myself product design and now consult for Fortune 500 companies like Apple, Walmart, and Levis. I focus on impactful design projects that push the boundaries of technology and deliver human-centered solutions.

These experiences have shaped my vision for The Hills. I believe that The Hills can be a place where everyone thrives, regardless of background. As I run for mayor, I am driven by the lessons I’ve learned throughout my entrepreneurial journey, and I believe that, together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future grounded in shared values and mutual respect.


Family

Family has always been at the heart of everything I do. My journey took a wonderful turn when I met my wife, Aditi, while working a part-time job during my early years in the United States. What started as a chance encounter quickly blossomed into a deep connection, and together we’ve built a life full of love, laughter, and shared dreams.




Aditi and I are blessed with two beautiful children, Leilani and Jaivyn, who bring endless joy and inspiration into our lives. Watching them grow, learn, and explore the world has been one of the most fulfilling experiences.
Our family life is enriched by the strong values we share and the deep bond that unites us.

I want to take a moment to express our deep gratitude to my in-laws, who live in New Jersey. Their unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in helping us build the peaceful life we enjoy today. They have been with us every step of the way, offering their wisdom and encouragement, and we can’t thank them enough for all they’ve done for us.


Living in the Hills has been a true blessing, not just for the beautiful surroundings, but for the sense of community we feel every day. It’s a place where our family has truly flourished. I’m especially grateful to have my parents living with us, adding another layer of love and support to our household. The wisdom and guidance they provide are invaluable, and I cherish the moments we all share together under one roof.


Our home wouldn’t be complete without our two wonderful dogs, Hachi and Hiro, who bring even more love and energy into our lives. Whether it’s a playful romp in the yard or a quiet evening by the fire, Hachi and Hiro are always by our side, reminding us of the simple joys of life.

Our home is filled with the warmth of family traditions, the joy of shared meals, and the laughter that echoes through our halls. It’s a reminder every day of the importance of family, and how much it shapes who we are and what we strive to be. As I run for mayor, I am motivated by the desire to create a community where every family can thrive, just as ours has.

Why We Moved to The Hills

Our decision to move to The Hills was guided by a deep desire to find a community where our family could thrive, surrounded by the natural beauty and warm spirit that this area is known for. After years of living in bustling cities and experiencing the fast-paced lifestyle they bring, we longed for a place where we could put down roots, create lasting memories with our children, and build meaningful connections with our neighbors. The Hills offered exactly that—a serene environment where the sense of community is strong, and the quality of life is unparalleled.

Before coming to The Hills, we lived in California, where a life-altering event reinforced our need for a safer environment. We weren’t part of the COVID wave of relocations; our move was driven by the terrifying experience of a shootout right outside our home while our two children were inside. That day, we realized that we needed to make a change to ensure the safety and well-being of our family. The Hills represents everything we were looking for in a community, where the safety of our loved ones is a priority. We chose The Hills because we wanted a place where our children could grow up free from fear, and I promise to uphold the safety that drew us here every day.

Whenever we come back from a vacation and enter The Hills, we always feel like we’ve entered another vacation—like we’re coming home to our very own retreat. The peace, beauty, and tranquility of this village make it feel like a vacation home, and I’m sure many of you share that feeling. The Hills is not just where we live; it’s where we truly feel at home, surrounded by the comforts and serenity that make every day here special.