We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kayla Jones. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kayla below.
Alright, Kayla thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
It all began in 2022, a year that was meant for celebration and new beginnings. I had just gotten engaged, and the excitement of planning a wedding filled my days. As I navigated through the whirlwind of floral arrangements, table settings, and guest lists, I found solace in creating my own wedding gifts and decor. Each piece I crafted was infused with love and personal touches, reflecting the joy of my upcoming nuptials.
The process was not just a hobby; it became a therapeutic escape from the stresses of wedding planning. I spent countless hours in my living room, pouring my heart into handmade centerpieces, personalized gifts, and charming decorations to make my perfect day reflect my vision. As the big day approached, my creations transformed our celebration into something uniquely ours, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.
After our wedding, as I looked back at the beautiful moments we had created, an idea sparked. I realized that the handmade gifts I had poured my heart into could benefit others—especially upcoming brides who might be searching for that perfect touch to make their own celebrations special. What if I could offer these pieces at a discounted price? With that thought, my business journey began.
I launched my small venture with a simple online store, focusing on affordable wedding gifts and decor. I poured my passion into every item, ensuring that each piece was crafted with the same love and attention I had given my own wedding. Word spread quickly among friends and family, and soon, I found myself receiving inquiries from brides eager to create memorable moments at a budget-friendly price.
As orders started to roll in, I realized I was onto something. My business quickly gained momentum, and I started to expand my offerings. I introduced a range of products that catered to different tastes and budgets, ensuring that everyone could find something special. The joy I felt in helping others create their dream weddings was immeasurable, and I was determined to make it accessible to as many people as possible.
As the months went by, I noticed a shift in the market. Many brides were looking for more luxurious options, and I saw an opportunity to evolve my business further. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to quality, I began to incorporate luxury-style gifts into my collection. I sourced premium materials and created exquisite designs, all while maintaining a selection of affordable pieces.
This dual approach not only diversified my offerings but also allowed me to reach a wider audience. I wanted to ensure that whether a bride was on a tight budget or seeking something more opulent, my shop could cater to her needs. The combination of accessible pricing and luxury options became a hallmark of my brand.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve been the kind of person who sees potential in everything around me. As a child, my imagination was my playground, and crafting became my favorite way to explore it. I spent countless hours experimenting with sewing, drawing, and even molding clay into whimsical shapes, that were more about fun than perfection. Whether it was creating handmade gifts for friends or crafting decorations for family gatherings, I found joy in the process of making something beautiful.
Growing up, I was often found in my room surrounded by an array of materials—fabric scraps and art supplies—each waiting to be transformed into something unique. My family always encouraged my creative endeavors, fostering a spirit of do-it-yourself that would stay with me throughout my life. I learned that crafting wasn’t just about the finished product; it was about the joy of creation, the satisfaction of using my hands, and the thrill of bringing my ideas to life.
As I transitioned into adulthood, my passion for crafting never waned. I became known among friends and family for my handmade gifts and personalized decorations. Birthdays, holidays, or just because—I poured my heart into every creation, always striving to make each piece special. I loved the challenge of turning simple materials into thoughtful gifts that would bring smiles to faces and warmth to hearts.
It was during the planning of my own wedding that everything came full circle. My love for crafting took on new meaning as I designed and created the decor and gifts for my special day. Each item was a reflection of my personality and the love I felt, making our celebration truly memorable. After the wedding, I thought about how many other brides might be looking for that same personal touch, that same sense of creativity in their own celebrations.
That’s when the idea struck me: why not share my passion with others? With the experience I had gained over the years, I decided to turn my crafting hobby into a business. I wanted to help brides and event planners capture the essence of their special moments through handcrafted gifts and decor. My goal was to offer pieces that were not only beautiful but also meaningful, each telling its own story.
With a blend of nostalgia and excitement, I launched my venture, focusing on accessible yet stunning creations that could transform any event. My background as a do-it-yourself crafter became my foundation; I knew firsthand the joy of creating something from scratch and the pride it brings. I aimed to make that experience available to others, ensuring that every piece I crafted resonated with the same heart and creativity that had defined my own journey.
As I connect with clients today, I love sharing my story—how a childhood filled with crafting led me to this moment. I want my clients to know that when they choose my creations, they’re not just selecting decor or gifts; they’re embracing a piece of my passion and a commitment to making their special moments unforgettable.
How’d you meet your business partner?
As I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I was filled with passion and determination. My business began as a solo endeavor. Every day, I poured my heart into designing gifts and decor, meticulously handcrafting each item to ensure it resonated with my clients. It was a labor of love, and while I thrived in the independence of being my own boss, there was an underlying challenge that came with running a business solo.
As the orders began to pour in and my little venture grew, the demands of entrepreneurship became more intense. I found myself juggling everything—from crafting and marketing to managing finances and fulfilling orders. It was exhilarating and overwhelming all at once. But through it all, I was fortunate to have my husband by my side, silently cheering me on.
Though I started this journey alone, my husband quickly became an integral part of my business, offering support in ways I had never expected. At first, it was small gestures—helping me package orders and offering his thoughts on designs. But as time went on, he became deeply involved, becoming my rock in this exciting yet challenging endeavor.
His willingness to step in was a game changer. He began taking on tasks that allowed me to focus on my creative work. He would gather supplies, organize my workspace, and even tackle the daunting task of shipping. Every day, without fail, he would take the completed boxes to the post office, ensuring that my creations reached their new homes on time. His efficiency and reliability relieved so much stress, allowing me to pour even more energy into what I loved.
Beyond the practical help, his encouragement was invaluable. He celebrated every milestone with me, no matter how small, reminding me of how far I had come. When I faced moments of self-doubt, he was there to reassure me, reminding me of my vision and the passion that fueled my work. His belief in me was a constant source of motivation, propelling me forward even during the toughest days.
As I transitioned into full-time entrepreneurship, I realized that while I was still the driving force behind my business, my husband had become the best business partner I could ask for. He understood my dreams and goals, often anticipating my needs before I even voiced them. I may have been the one crafting and creating, but he was the unseen force that kept everything running smoothly.
Together, we’ve navigated the challenges of scaling my business, brainstorming new ideas and strategies. His insights have often led to improvements I wouldn’t have considered on my own. I’m grateful for the partnership we’ve developed—not just as husband and wife, but as collaborators in this journey.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
In 2022, I took a leap of faith and started my business, fueled by my lifelong passion for crafting and creating meaningful pieces. What began as a small side project—creating personalized gifts and decor for weddings and special occasions—quickly blossomed into something I never imagined possible. As I poured my heart and soul into every creation, I was thrilled to see the positive response from new clients.
To my astonishment, by the end of 2022, my sales had quadrupled within just twelve months. The excitement was palpable. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and disbelief. Every order represented a connection, a celebration, and a shared moment that brought joy to others. I found myself spending late nights and early mornings in my workshop, crafting away, driven by the desire to keep up with the growing demand.
As 2023 unfolded, I realized that my business was more than just a side hustle; it had the potential to be my full-time career. The thought of leaving my 9-to-5 job began to take root in my mind. I envisioned a life where I could dedicate all my energy to my creations, where my passion could flourish without the constraints of a traditional job.
The decision wasn’t easy. Leaving the security of a steady paycheck and benefits was daunting. I weighed the risks and rewards, constantly reminded of the struggles that come with entrepreneurship. But the thought of pursuing my dream full-time ignited a fire within me that I couldn’t ignore. By early 2024, I made the bold choice to take the plunge and commit to my business entirely.
The transition was both exhilarating and challenging. Suddenly, my days were filled with crafting, marketing, and managing every aspect of my business. I was finally able to dive deep into my creativity, exploring new ideas and expanding my product range. However, I quickly learned that entrepreneurship was not without its hurdles. I faced the realities of managing finances, understanding customer needs, and navigating the complexities of running a business.
There were moments of doubt and struggle—days when orders were slow, or unexpected challenges arose. I often found myself questioning if I had made the right choice. But with each obstacle, I was reminded of why I started this journey in the first place. I drew strength from the positive feedback from clients and the joy that my creations brought to their lives.
Along the way, I sought help from resources and communities that understood the entrepreneurial journey. I learned to embrace the struggles as part of the process, using them as stepping stones to build a stronger foundation for my business. Gradually, I began to figure things out, adjusting my strategies and refining my processes.
As I look back on the rapid growth from 2022 to 2023 and the leap into full-time entrepreneurship, I feel a profound sense of accomplishment. Each challenge has taught me invaluable lessons, and every success, no matter how small, has fueled my passion even further. I am proud to say that I am now fully invested in my business, and the journey is just beginning.
With each passing day, I continue to embrace the adventure of entrepreneurship. I am excited for the future and all the possibilities that lie ahead. My dream is to create not just beautiful pieces but also a lasting impact on the lives of those who choose to celebrate their moments with my creations. As I navigate this path, I am reminded that every struggle is an opportunity for growth, and I am committed to making my business thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: vivianveil.com [COMING SOON] , https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCraftyTravelher
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecraftytravelher?igsh=MWp3b3lxdW8weXQwYg==
