Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Kendrick.
Hi Kayla, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I picked up my first pencil and started writing my name at the age of 3. Fast forward to the age of 9, I was cutting up my clothes to make outfits for my Barbie dolls. My mom always had a fit about it. Lol! I would ride my bike around the neighborhood to find cool houses or cars to draw. I would sit in front of my subjects for hours to try and perfect my sketches. All of a sudden, grown-ups started to pay me to sketch something for them. In high school, we had to wear uniforms. Neck ties for the guys and bow ties for the girls. The ties had to be blue, black, or khaki if I could remember correctly. As bland as uniforms are, students still wanted to stand out. That’s when I started designing denim jackets, vest, and bow ties. I would sell them to the students to make some extra cash. That’s when my entrepreneurial skills kicked in, and it was up from there. I had a skill that people would pay for, and that made me so happy. After graduating at the top of my class, I went on to study fashion design at the University of Cincinnati. Spent 6 years obtaining two degrees, lifelong friendships, and professional connections. After I graduated, I hopped into the workforce of corporate America. It had nothing to do with my degrees, but it was gone pay the bills. I did corporate for about 4 years gaining skills and experience within the different industries. Now, I’m living day to day as an artist, designer, consultant, stylist, makeup artist, hairstylist, seamstress, etc. I wear many hats!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Life will eat you up and spit you out. I had no idea life was this real until I got out on my own. Things are hard and expensive. Just waking up in the morning will send you into debt. Lmao! Relationships and friendships put me through the so much. Even with all that, God remained to be as good as he always been. Through everything, he has kept me safe and sound.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love to paint, sketch, sew, and anything else that I can do with my hands. I have sold over 250 pieces of art in the last few years. Whether it was canvas, paper, or clothes. I have sold over 100 articles of clothing that I have made or altered. I’m known for my creative mind and my useful skill set. I’m proud of myself. After everything I have been through, I continue to stay motivated enough to produce art. I don’t think anything sets me apart from others. We all are the same at the end of the day. Trying to make it in a world that doesn’t want you to make it.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Only advice I have for finding a mentor and networking in general is to understand that all people aren’t good people. You have to watch what they do and what they say. We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. Some people only want to take. Some people only want to pour into you. Learn the difference and act accordingly. I’m still learning this lesson for myself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: kvylvkvy
- Facebook: Kvylv Kvy
