We were lucky to catch up with Kyzandrha Zarate recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kyzandrha , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The White Squirrel Artisans Market (WSAM)

This project is the most meaningful project to me because it encompasses everything creative I’ve ever wanted to pursue in life. When I was young, my parents and teachers would ask what I wanted to be or do in life, and my answer was always the same. “I want to help people.”

I started the White Squirrel Artisans Market in Brevard, North Carolina last year. My goal was to bridge artisans & musicians (such as myself) to their community in a safe environment. In doing so, I’ve used all my artistic, design, music & marketing skills to make it a success. On top of that, I raise money for a local nonprofit at each event.

As an artisan & musician, I find we’re the draw at a large event, yet, our needs are often placed on the back burner. Communication is lacking. With WSAM, the talent is my first priority. I communicate often with them, provide them with the marketing materials needed to draw a crowd, provide them with full coverage from Mother Nature, and ask for feedback afterward so I can make the next event even better.

With only two events under my belt and 3 more planned for 2023, I feel this is the most meaningful and successful project I’ve ever worked on and hope to continue for years to come.

Kyzandrha , 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?

I’m originally from Brownsville, Texas. My mother is from Mexico with ancestors from Spain & Portugal, and my father is also from South Texas with Native American ancestors. I grew up in a very vibrant & creative household.

At a young age, I began dance in various styles. My mom danced Flamenco & various styles (including point) for over 12 years professionally in Mexico. She taught me how to dance Flamenco, designed my costumes, and I ended up performing it as my talent in my high school pageant. I became Miss Wolfson 1999.

I attended the University of North Florida and earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2004. During my last semester, I began working at The Florida Times-Union in the Photo Department and over the years, made my way up to being a Graphic Designer in the newsroom. It was such an incredible learning experience and one that allowed me the freedom to create fine art by hand and then digitize it for print.

I went on to work as an Art Director at a print shop, Graphic Designer and Videographer at an ad agency, and Marketing/Communications Manager at a nonprofit organization. In 2016, I took the leap of moving to the mountains of Western North Carolina. This is where my fiance and I began started the music duo, Gypsy & Me and made the decision to focus our efforts on growing my small photo/design business, Lifestyle & Living.

As Gypsy & Me, we have released 5 albums. As Lifestyle & Living, we serve most of the real estate companies in our town of Brevard, North Carolina capturing residential, commercial & rental properties. As an artisan, I design polymer clay and upcycled guitar string jewelry & home decor as ARThropology. My work can be found in four local small retail businesses. Last year, I organized the first White Squirrel Artisans Market and hope to host three in 2023. My main goal in life is to utilize my skills in ways that build bridges between the community & my fellow small business owners & artists.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

It’s so important to keep in mind that we live in a fast-paced, “I want it now” society. This, in turn, causes us to overlook talented artisans and independent musicians. If you truly want to support creatives, go out to events featuring local artisans and musicians. Take a moment to listen to their creative process. If you are drawn to them, purchase something. Don’t just grab their card and let it get lost in your bag or car. A purchase from an artist is an investment in that artist’s dream. Their merchandise took countless hours to make. They invested their money in those business cards, vinyl signs, displays, table, tent & packaging. They set up their own booth and stay until the event is over to pack it all up. If you hear a musician you like, buy the CD and upload it to your computer, iTunes library or device. Asking if their music is available online and streaming it is sweet, but did you know they only earn pennies for those streams… versus the $8-20 from your merchandise purchase? Musicians earn more off of merch sales than online streams! Know that when you purchase from a creative in person, they feel that in their soul and sometimes, that’s all it takes for them to feel motivated to keep pursuing their dream.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

We don’t have to work a 9-5 corporate job with a 100K+ salary to be successful. In the United States, we live to work. In my travels around the world, I’ve learned that other countries feel bad for us because all we do is work and feel guilty when we take time off. By the time we retire, we don’t have the energy to do half the things we dreamed of doing.

I worked behind a desk for years. I earned awards for my work. Since focusing on my small business, I find I work day and night for months at a time, but I also set my own schedule. If I need to take time off to focus on my mental health, or see family, or to visit places outside of my bubble, I can. Do I make as much as I used to? Not right now, but I’m much happier and I’m doing what I love. I feel a true purpose. I take time to learn techniques to monetize on what I’m investing my time in. “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest,” said Benjamin Franklin. I’m in the process of scaling my career and always remind myself that I’m surrounded by opportunities… I just have to keep my mind & heart open to them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lifestylelivingphoto.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyzandrha/
• Facebook: facebook.com/whiteSquirrelArtisansMarket
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyzandrha/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHPeWuN-7JgxwtdkReP3ZVA
• Other: instagram.com/whitesquirrelartisansmarket/