Typefaces designed to enable communication: Nicole Dotin of Process Type Foundry

Elena—the typeface (above)—captured my attention. It was designed by Nicole Dotin, co-founder and partner of Process Type Foundry in Golden Valley, Minnesota. With her husband, Eric Olson, their studio originated on this intent: to make typefaces they desire to use, hoping others would too. Here, Nicole gives her opinions on making typefaces.

On being a typeface designer:

How did you arrive at what you do as a typeface designer? 
Was there an initial encounter of typography that played...