We recently connected with Kacey Offenberger and have shared our conversation below.

Kacey, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

My biggest passion is giving back to our local community and I hope to one day be able to help others near and far, not just in Arizona. My husband and I started a nonprofit, The Youth Village back in 2019. Since then we have been able to raise funds for sports and extracurricular activities, as well as collect gently used sports equipment that we give to those needing a little extra help to get started in their chosen activity, with no questions asked. Being able to see our youth participating in sports and activities after school even though they may not have the resources at home to join, makes all the work worth it. It takes a village, more so than ever these days and we love to lend a helping hand. We do not want hard times to be a reason our youth cannot participate in activities of any kind, we feel they need the support and mentorship outside the home, and we are so thankful to be able to help many families these last 5 years and we hope to continue to raise funds so we can continue helping our youth for years to come.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Today I love being able to create with my clients & friends, whether it’s a unique photoshoot idea, bringing a logo to life for their dream business, or even creating unique custom & personalized apparel for a special occasion or everyday outfit. While working with my clients I always keep an open mind, pay attention to all the details, and truly care about my clients & the end result which I think set’s me apart. Life hasn’t always been filled with the opportunity to be able to giveback or create, unfortunately I lost my mom to suicide due to mental health my Junior year of High School. It took me a while to grieve and accept the new life I had, with no parents at 16 I went through some tough times and forgot my worth. I tried to commit suicide at 18, thankfully unsuccessful. Since then, I have tried to do things that make me happy daily.  I’m also a mother, and wife. I have an 18 year old special needs daughter, who we love to involve with our non-profit. I give my all to everything I do and wear my heart on my sleeve. I am so thankful for all the support throughout the years, it allows me to be creative often, as well as give back to our community which my heart has enjoyed since I was a child as it was something my mom and I did together often.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is establishing relationships with my clients or other creatives in the community while also helping them bring an idea to reality that they may not know how to do themselves. Being a small part of the process and usually beginning phases is truly an honor and I never take it lightly. 

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In 2007 my daughter was diagnosed with a rare disease that attacked her mitral valve and her brain. Leaving her blind and 70% brain dead. I was told she would never do anything purposeful ever again if she even survived. I was 21, a new mom with no parental support. It was not easy, to say the least. But I also felt what the doctors were telling me was not an option for my daughter. From that day forward I have advocated for my daughter so she can be her best self despite the challenges against her.
Recently I was laid off from my day job of 3 years in October of 2023. At first I panicked, knowing I was losing consistent income, I needed a new job fast in my mind. But after sleeping on it, I realized it was time to put more into my creative outlets which I only was doing PT while working FT. Though it has been stressful the last 4 months, I am so thankful for those who want to work with me whether it be photography, graphic design, custom apparel, or help with our nonprofit.  Beyond grateful for the community’s support.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://111kustomapparel.com
• Instagram: @KaceyAnneArtistry1 @LifeofKaceyAnne @111KustomApparel
• Other: https://theyouthvillageaz.org

Image Credits
Photography- @KaceyAnneArtistry1 Model- @Beautybytyneiija