We recently connected with Kayla Petersen and have shared our conversation below.

Kayla, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on was a series of greeting card designs to support the Million Tree Project by Shanghai Roots and Shoots, aimed at combating desertification in Inner Mongolia. This project was particularly significant to me as it marked the first time I realized I could use my art to raise awareness for environmental issues I deeply care about.

I created five unique greeting card designs featuring animals native to Inner Mongolia, including the Jerboa, Spermophilus pallidicauda, Long-eared hedgehog, Melanocorypha mongolica, and Peregrine falcon. Working closely with Shanghai Roots and Shoots, I committed to donating 50% of my profits to the tree-planting initiative, with the remaining 50% reinvested into my business for future projects.

The goal was to plant 500 trees, with each tree costing 25 RMB (approximately 3.44 USD). To achieve this, I participated in numerous craft fairs and actively sold my designs throughout my school. I also created informational posters to educate customers about the project’s importance and how they could contribute.

This project was my first major charity initiative, and it taught me valuable lessons about using my creativity for a greater cause. While our plans to organize a school trip to Inner Mongolia to plant trees were unfortunately derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project still filled me with immense pride. Knowing that my art contributed to environmental conservation and spread awareness among my community was incredibly fulfilling.

This experience was a turning point in my journey as an artist and entrepreneur, showing me the power of combining creativity with social responsibility. It set the foundation for future charitable projects and reinforced my commitment to using my skills to make a positive impact on the world.

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.

From a young age, I’ve always had a passion for creating personalized greeting cards for friends and family. Growing up in Shanghai, I found the commercially available cards lacking in both design and humor. This gap in the market, combined with my love for drawing animals, sparked my entrepreneurial journey.

At 13, I took my first steps into the business world by hand-making individual cards and selling them to friends and family for a dollar each. While this wasn’t the most profitable business model, it laid the foundation for what was to come. The following year, I discovered Procreate, which opened up a world of possibilities for digital design and mass production.

My favorite thing about my work is the combination of cute animal characters with humorous scenarios. Some of my popular designs include a birthday card featuring a pig making a mess of a cake, and a sloth floating away on sloth-shaped balloons. As my skills developed, I expanded my product range to include canvas bags and pencil cases. One of my bestsellers is the “Mahjong Dog” design, showcasing four dogs gathered around a mahjong table.

A core aspect of my brand is its charitable focus. Each year, I create a new design pack and select a different charity to support with the proceeds. This approach not only allows me to pursue my passion for art but also to contribute to causes I care about.

Over the five years I ran my business in China, I learned valuable lessons about marketing, audience targeting, and continually improving my artistic skills. The growth was slow but steady, and I’m proud of the brand I built from the ground up.

Now, as a college student in the US, I’m embarking on a new chapter. I’m adapting my business model to use print-on-demand sites, which allows me to continue creating and selling my designs while balancing my studies.

What I want potential clients and followers to know is that my work is more than just cute designs – it’s about bringing joy, humor, and a touch of whimsy to everyday items. Whether it’s a greeting card, a canvas bag, or a pencil case, each piece is created with care and a commitment to quality. I’m excited to continue growing my brand in the US market and to see where this new adventure takes me.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative entrepreneur is the freedom to express myself without constraints. Owning my small business allows me to create art that truly reflects my vision and passion. There’s an unparalleled joy in seeing people’s faces light up when they receive my cards or bags as gifts.

What truly warms my heart are the countless stories of customers approaching me, recognizing me as the creator of a card they received from a friend. Their genuine appreciation and comments about how much they enjoyed the card are incredibly fulfilling. These moments of connection and the knowledge that my art brings joy to others are the greatest rewards of my creative journey. It’s not just about selling products; it’s about creating experiences and memories that resonate with people on a personal level.

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

From a young age, I’ve always been deeply concerned about the environment and passionate about being part of the solution. This commitment has been a driving force behind my creative journey and business endeavors. When building my business, I focused on ensuring it had a positive environmental impact. For instance, I switched to using only recycled paper for my cards and envelopes to reduce waste.

Additionally, I choose charities that have a significant impact on the environment and incorporate elements related to my environmental goals into my designs. For example, I often use animals from regions that need protection to raise awareness about their plight. My goal is to spread awareness through my art and make a tangible difference in the world.

By aligning my creative work with my environmental values, I aim to inspire others to care about and take action for the planet. This mission not only gives purpose to my art but also allows me to contribute to causes I deeply care about, making my creative journey all the more meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://KaylasKards.redbubble.com
• Instagram: @kaylaskardss
• Other: http://tee.pub/lic/gG5BHOOy-Fw