Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kali Llano. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Kali 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?

Writing was my first craft. And it’s a strange craft. If you hold too tightly to a thought, it’s gone. If you overthink it, it becomes fuzzy. Writing has always been about an inner truth. Words are synchronic in that way. They mimic the ‘voice’ of how you’re feeling on the inside within a particular moment. So, I’ve learned that writing must come from a place of authenticity and purpose. Even if it feels strange and vulnerable, you have to let it breathe out and hold it up to the light without judgment until it’s done. Until it is out of you.

This is essential when working with clients on their writing and voice. Over time, if I can show them that their voice and their purpose are tied together, then I’ve done something right.

Photography, my other ‘craft’, is much the same. If you hold still too long and you never press the shutter release, you miss it. You have to move through it as a feeling. As organically as possible. And, you have to be courageous every time you show up to the editing process.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve been writing and taking photos since I was very young. Recording feelings in various mediums has always been really important to me. To give it more purpose in a working world, however, I wanted to have a plan. This is essentially where my business KALICO began. I fell into bodies of thought that I cared about, from environmental justice, and now, to leadership.

What’s interesting is that I actually majored in Sustainability Science because I saw all these connections between what society was or wasn’t doing in terms of working towards sustainable livelihoods. Because I have a science-based background, I really like to draw connections between what I do creatively and where it can actually make real change. I’m proud that I’ve been able to merge two dualities – the left and right brain working together fiercely!

With the other arm of my business (photography), I offer emotive dreamy photos through portraiture and nature photography. This helps me connect to people, places, and things within a visual framework that is geared around evoking feelings – even in the mundane.

In the background, I work on my own personal writings and art, look for new experiences, and step outside in nature – these are places where I fill my cup to come back time and time again to show up better.

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

I had to unlearn what the idea of success looks like. That there is going to be some star-burst momentum that pushes me where I need to go. Success doesn’t really look like that. It’s really just one small seed at a time. Going through a creative process, no matter what kind, you learn it’s a cycle. Each time you move through it, you transform.

The backstory is really just me squaring up with my imposter syndrome. It’s really hard to put yourself out there. But making it a weekly job to show up, reframe those imposter moments, and stay true to yourself is key…as both a creative and a business owner.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Right now, with my client work, my goal is to have a positive impact within the leadership space. Finding and following strong leaders has been a meaningful thread in my life. Having a leader in your life who can mentor and develop you to a higher potential is priceless. I’ve always considered this a key ingredient for success, and I’m thankful I get to write and work within this space.

Personally, in my career journey, I’ve always been driven to connect a purpose with a voice. I try to keep a ‘storytelling’ mindset in the way I weave and narrate my work. Whether it’s through the voice of others, or through myself. Still, there are so many stories left for me to tell. Delivering this to the world is why I believe I’m here, and I’m staying committed to that purpose.  

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kalicoclouds.com/
• Instagram: kalico_clouds
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalillano471/

Image Credits
Images by Kali Llano at KALICO