To begin, could you share a little about your personal and professional story with my readers?

So my name is Kaylie, and I have always been a very creative gal. As I grew up I knew i wanted to do something grand, that would have me happy to go to work everyday. Once 10th grade hit, I started getting chronic migraines and my epilepsy started getting worse. I slowly started to realize college was now off the table for me, and I needed to change course with my dreams. I didn’t really know much about starting your own business when I was young, I thought that was impossible for someone like me. With more time at home and research, I knew I at least had to try even if it was a failure. I knew I had skills, I just had to learn the business side of things as well. I tried many things from resin making, digital art, candle making, and now graphic design.

What obstacles did you encounter along the way and how did you overcome them?

Many of my obstacles have to deal with my chronic migraines and epilepsy. Learning how to have my own business, having to do multiple different jobs everyday, always showing up for my business, etc can be quite challenging with my health issues. A lot of my medicine causes many different side effects that make life more difficult, and then just my migraines and epilepsy can cause me to not be able to function as well as I would like some days. I overcame this by how passionate I am about design and art, and how much I wanted to make something for myself so I can be in a safe environment (my home) while working. Having that drive has helped me never give up on this dream.

Were there any failures along your path and how did you handle the failures?

Yes! I ran a pretty successful art business before I started my graphic design business. This business blew up back in 2020, and my pain was a lot worse back then. I didn’t know how to take breaks, and how to truly listen to my body. I was packing 100s of orders a day, drawing everyday, consuming nothing but coffee, and promoting my work 24/7 even though I was close to burn out. I actually did end up having the worse burn out of my life over a yea into this business. I had to shut it down and not create anything for over a year, my brain just could not create.

What was the most difficult moment and how did you manage to overcome it?

Probably having to shut down my art business. Financially, I was at the place I wanted to be, but it was causing me great stress and pain. It took me months and months to finally walk away and be okay starting over doing something else. The way I managed it, was finally realizing that sure, I have the money, but I’m not healthy and happy. Which is the whole point in me creating a business and being able to be at home.

How did you manage competition or limited resources?

I try my best to not view others as competition (which is hard). I fi catch myself doing that, I’ll log off for a bit and focus on my own confidence and self worth. Everyone is so different. I truly feel no one has my exact style and personality, and whoever out there that wants a designer that creates like me, and communicates like me, won’t go to someone else since they’re looking for ME. when it comes to limited resources, I have lots of those. I now know packaging things myself is probably not the smartest, and since I’m growing a new business without another full time job I don’t have tons of funds rolling in. I’m very blessed to have family who I can fall back on if everything blows up, but I try to move as if that’s not an option. I’ve taken time to learn how to manage money, which courses will propel me forward, how to network from. my home, how to do my own taxes… honestly I have tried my best to learn how to do everything I need by myself, and I only have necessities around me.

What were your strategies for keeping motivation high during difficult times?

Safety and peace. Me working from home, doing something that doesn’t cause my body intense stress is the best route for me. During the hard times, we usually learn the most and come out much more confident.

What was the turning point that led to the success of your project?

I started my design business back in November 2023 (knew design much longer, tho!). I wouldn’t say I’m successful yet, but I already have raving reviews and a full portfolio that I am absolutely in love with. I’ve had a handful of clients, and returning clients. I am honestly so blown away and grateful that my business is taking off faster than I expected. For me, the turning point was networking. Since I have had past businesses, I knew so many people who owned businesses themselves. Once I started my design business, I already had a strong level of trust with so many businesses who knew how passionate and happy this job makes me.

What tips would you give to other people facing similar obstacles to yours and wanting to realize their own project?

When it comes to mental / physical limitations – take things slow. You are different and it’s okay to treat yourself differently. You cannot give yourself the same expectations as you’d give someone who has never experienced anything close to what you do daily. Give yourself time and grace. If you try to work and move like most people, you will crash and burn harder. When it comes to starting a new business in general, do something you love and look at how it may grow and if you can handle that. If I had asked myself “can I market, package tons of orders, respond to emails, and create art daily?” I would’ve said no, that’s not sustainable. Many people start a business not seeing the big picture, and that can hurt us in the long run as we grow.

What is your vision for the future of your industry and what opportunities do you see emerging?

In my opinion, I hope the design industry gets more open minded about self taught designers. This is such a creative field! Tons of people can look at one design and all think something different. For me, I think there’s room for everyone as long as we do take time to learn design, the history of design, design programs, and more.