We recently connected with Kendra Bandy and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kendra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Like most, my interest in art started in elementary school. Especially in those early, single-digit years, I looked forward to my art classes above my other extra-curricular rotation days. Those 35 minute classes were the highlight of my week.

Over the years, as my technical ability grew, I made sacrifices to take more art classes in high school, then eventually declared an art minor in college. I was acutely aware that I wanted art to be a part of my life, but didn’t know where it quite fit in.

Fast forward to many years post-college, and I can say with certainty that I learned what I know with disciplined time on paper and the support of dedicated, uplifting teachers. I can’t say there are particular ways I could have sped up my learning process, because my artistic development took years of trying new mediums, new experiences, new style and color.

But I will say that the biggest obstacle that stood in the way of learning more was distraction. It took me far too long to realize that my painting, calligraphy, and design should have had a front row seat.

Kendra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Lilac and Letter is an art, design, and lettering studio based out of Kansas City, Missouri. I started this business in January 2023 with the intention of creating pieces for weddings, home decor, and branding material. It’s grown to do just that and more.

I saw the need for customized artwork to fill the space of people’s everyday life. As convenient (and quick!) as it can be to order art on Amazon, many people are looking for more. Personalized artwork — whether in homes, at events, or on a website — brings elevated experiences and meaning to a moment.

I’ve been making and selling art for years now, but L&L has provided me with the opportunity to meet more people and create artwork outside the norm.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I’m a podcast gal through and through, but I can’t recommend enough the book “Show Your Work!” by Austin Kleon. If you’re on the fence about starting a small business, publishing your work, or trying something new — this’ll help you over it.

Also, Design by Laney video tutorials specifically help creative professionals. She does a deep dive into all sorts of topics: financial management, Amazon storefronts, social media growth, and so much more.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

At the onset of launching Lilac & Letter, I had rose colored glasses about nearly every aspect of running a small business. I’m sure many of you small business owners reading along can relate. The process was so exciting in the beginning, and I quietly had built hopes and expectations of what I saw this endeavor turning into.

Now, I’m not a manifestation kind of person — I’m a plan and pray kind of person. At this moment, this side hustle can’t replace the income of my full-time job, I don’t have a new project every week, and some artwork is much more strenuous than I care to admit.

However, I’m learning to take each new turn of ownership in stride and I’m thankful to see the positive. I meet amazing vendors and fellow creatives much more than I first anticipated, my work now lives in multiple cities and states, and I’m actually making a humble living on art — who knew!?

I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to make art, meet people, and connect the two.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lilacandletter.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilac.and.letter/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Lilac-Letter-100089279007919/?paipv=0&eav=Afb7Bw9pxyb1ES0Cz6_wii81BI2bgNq8vqL2rr0NLlM4OD0XWmy2kXgPXmCP-0kM9Z0&_rdr