We were lucky to catch up with Alison Soens recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alison, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I recently took on my 100 day “Doggie Doodle a Day” project. This project is dedicated to honoring my dog, and best friend of 15 years, who passed away in January 2025. Every day, for 100 days, I committed myself to drawing a doggie doodle a day each day and posting about it on my instagram and Facebook accounts.
Initially, my plan was to draw just dogs in general, but once I posted my first doggy doodle post, starting with a portrait of my dog, Oi-boy, the requests kept streaming in. Each portrait tells a story of a real dog, living or passed away, and all the love and joy that they have brought into their humans lives. Donations have also been made to local shelters in honor of this project, as each portrait has been a free gift to each dog owner.

The project has turned into this beautiful dedication to my dog and the incredible bond between human and dog. The love and companionship that we experience with these beautiful creatures is one like no other. If you have ever had the luck to experience that bond, you know it’s inextinguishable strength how lucky we are to have had it and share it with one another.

As a result, this project has opened up a whole new avenue of creativity for me and I will continue to doggie doodle into the future with my new business venture, Kasleberry Doggie Doodles.

Alison, 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?

I’m Alison Soens, aka Kasleberry. Born on Long Island, New York and hailing from St. Augustine, Florida, I am an independent graphic designer and artist living and working in Ventura, California since 2008.

Raised by the Atlantic ocean, nature has always held a strong place in my heart. I grew up surfing and spending many days on the beautiful beaches in Flagler Beach, Florida. I am inspired constantly by the beauty seen on this planet and the wonder of what lies beyond our universe. My respect for nature has been present in my art from a very young age.

When adrift in my artistic process the feeling is reminiscent of the lightheartedness of my childhood. The freedom of getting lost through color and lines brings me down to a safe welcoming place. The ability to share my works with others and leave a positive impression is my greatest delight.

My nickname, Kasleberry, originated from my younger years spent in a small surf town, Flagler Beach, Florida. It is an endearing name that I have carried with me throughout the years. After years of signing my art pieces with that name, I decided to name sole run design business Kasleberry Upcycled and Design.

I have been a freelance graphic designer for 20 years and started Kasleberry Upcycled and Design in 2022.

Presently, as a mother, artist, and nature enthusiast, I pour my heart and soul into crafting sustainable upcycled clothing and art. My passion stems from a deep love for our planet and a commitment to conserving its resources.

In my artistic pursuits, I strive to be as environmentally conscious as possible. Whether I’m scouring local swap meets and thrift stores for second-hand treasures or chasing after my energetic boys, I’m constantly inspired by the beauty of repurposing and giving new life to pre-loved items.

I create upcycled clothing (vintage and newer) that has been embellished with my original carved block print designs, hand iced dyed, bleach dyed, tie-dyed, or added original sun printed designs.
Each piece is one of a kind and handpicked locally at thrift stores swap meets, flea markets and even hand me downs! Each piece is also hand touched and made with love.
My shop also includes my original art, paintings, prints, custom dog portraits, greeting cards, stickers and Ecostiks, eco-friendly patches, made from recycled water bottles.

You can visit my studio space and Kasleberry Shop at Bell Arts Factory, Studio #33 in Ventura, CA.
Find my upcycled goods and art online at www.kasleberry.com. Also shop my goods at The Livery @theliveryventura, in downtown Ventura, and at The Arthouse @arthouseandcompany (also in downtown Ventura).

I spend my days off with my husband, two sons, surfing, exploring the mountains, dipping in waterfalls and skateboarding.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The most important thing is shopping small and supporting small businesses as much as you can. Keeping my business afloat has not been easy, but the support of my regular customers and friends is a huge motivator in keeping my momentum going. Even just showing up to an art show to show support can do a lot for an artist.

I am still pretty early in my small business journey and any support I get means the world to me.

And also referrals are so important to small businesses. Even if you can’t afford to buy something from a small business sharing their profile and art with another can go a long way.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

This mission for Kasleberry Upcycled is driven by my love to create! Having the freedom to create what I want is so rewarding and sharing it with everyone is priceless.
And my passion for protecting our lovely planet in any way I can, and inspiring younger generations to do so as well.

Shopping upcycled allows you to take part in combating waste in the fashion industry, conserving the Earth’s resources, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable consumer practices!

In other words, it’s like giving Mother Earth a big hug!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.kasleberry.com
• Instagram: @kasleberry

Image Credits

@scottsoens took a few pics
The rest are mine.