We recently connected with Kaliya Smith and have shared our conversation below.
Kaliya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?
We’re big on relationships as you can tell from our mission, so we’ve naturally built a close relationship with our frequent customers and neighbors.
In February we had a grand opening for our expanded shop space. Myself, and the two cofounders Nicole and Devon shared remarks and we asked our staff and champions to help us cut the ribbon! In that moment our neighbors, customers, friends and staff joined us as we cut the ribbon. That moment we shared is what like to call the Upcycle Magic! The initial reaction f the folks our organization has grown close to over the years spoke volumes in that moment! We appreciate everyone who helps us lead this work and spread the word of our mission to others!
Kaliya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Kaliya Smith, I’m a 26 yr old woman born and raised in Cleveland Ohio! I’ve always had a passion for community, making others happy and providing ease to others lives has always brought me pure joy.
Matching this, with my limitless imagination and niche to make things with my hands, entrepreneurship has been a big part of professional journey and continues to grow in ways I couldn’t even imagine!
I attended MC2Stem high school where I learned a lot about engineering, architecture and of course making things with my hands! This expanded my knowledge even more, adding dimensions and acrylic to the cardboard nail racks I would make and sell to my friends. From there I pursued a career in the beauty industry and obtained my manicuring license and started a virgin hairline.
After completing beauty school I attended CSU where I graduated with a bachelors in Organizational Leadership, minor in communications and certificate in public management.
My time at CSU landed me a fellowship with Cleveland Neighborhood Progress where I learned the ins and outs of how Community Development works first hand! I remember my first project was to research the world’s safest cities to live in and try to find qualities that we can foster here and implement in our 27 community development corporations that support the neighborhoods. I would open my laptop and get goosebumps and the information I would discover! It’s a feeling I’ve been chasing since, those goosebumps have led me on the path that I’m on today. It’s been about 4 years since that fellowship and I’m not the Executive Director of a Creative Reuse Center in Cleveland Ohio called Upcycle Parts Shop located at 6421 St.Clair Avenue.
My two worlds of creativity and community have finally collided in my current position and it’s been so fulfilling.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Upcycle recently featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show (the most recent re air was on 8/23) and that’s been such a fun time meeting new customers in our retails shop, and connecting with people who found us from the show!
Here’s the link if interested
Do you have multiple revenue streams – if so, can you talk to us about those streams and how your developed them?
Yes, we have a retail shop where we sell low cost art supplies and crafting materials. We also offer programming both internally and externally where we setup crafting workshops that promote sustainability. Our mission is to provoke creativity and promote community through reuse, resourcefulness and relationships!
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.upcyclepartsshop.org
- Instagram: Upcyclepartsshop
- Facebook: Upcycle Parts Shop
Image Credits
Upcycle Parts Shop