Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Delgado.
Hi Kyle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story begins during 2020 as my job was taken and I wanted to spend my time productively trying to create something for myself. I discovered my passion for woodworking and making ear plugs for stretched ears. I personally react to most of the materials used in stretching jewelry. I wanted to create something for people like me and other natural-based stretching jewelry. I then moved to watching videos of how to work with epoxy resin, I was told that I could really be good at it if I just researched. I did and spend hours upon hours, not sure exactly how long, but so many videos and articles before I ever even purchased my first resin kit. I bought my first set of molds which was a coaster set, ashtray, and a set of jars. I started working with any resin and a basic set of color pigments both powder and alcohol-based ink. I bought a set of keys and gears as my original intention was to go with a steampunk style design as my “signature move”. I made a couple ashtrays and decided I actually want my signature move to be hiding my thumbprint in all my pieces so that It’s the most original signature of mine as possible. I started practicing more and more just charging people enough to purchase more materials as I practiced with each order. I challenged myself consistently. Trying to learn new techniques and textures, different patterns, and pushing the boundaries of what’s appealing to the eye. I had many failures and once again went and researched more and more so really develop my craft as I learned everything on my own. I almost gave up many times within the last 2 years, through many failures and lack of orders from when I originally started getting 5-6 orders a day. I felt like I was wasting my time, ultimately feeling defeated. I spoke to one of the closest people I have to me, as he watched me go through and learn everything always trying new techniques and trying to get better but also seeing me feel defeated as time went by and no orders came in. He told me to keep pushing and really gave me the pep talk I needed at that time. Now looking forward to today officially having my KRW Designs business going for little over a year now, I am hopeful and proud of everything I have learned and all the failures I’ve had as without those I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am always challenging myself and trying new things to become a skilled artist with resin. I now have over 100 plus colors in 3-4 different styles and textures. Charms to put in, I have successfully accomplished learning resin work on canvases and sold my very first canvas sets in the last couple of months. I have gained over a hundred followers on my Facebook private group where I post live videos and chats, pictures of things I’m working and developing new techniques all the time. I’m expected to have my very first vending opportunity at a hand-crafted festival in Powell, Ohio this September. I have an amazing group of people who constantly support me and I am very grateful for them all. I am also stretching my limits and will complete my very first large engraved by hand wooden trunk inspired by the “Tree of Life” Celtic symbol. A lot of my inspiration comes from the “old ways” as follows with my personal spirituality and belief system. By the end of the year, I will have also made my first couple sets of wooden river epoxy tables. KRW Designs has more growth to come in the future and I look forward to every step of the way. I have grown so much already I can’t wait to see where it takes me from here. Working a full-time job plus running my own side business as well as financing everything on my own. By the end of the year, I will also have my LLC established and become fully seen as a business. My Instagram name is @krw_Kyles_Designs. My logo is the profile picture of my Instagram page. I accept all followers and encourage all feedback. Ordering can also be done by direct messaging me on either my Facebook platform or my Instagram. I can also be reached currently at my email ka517212@gmail.com to inquire about any orders until my official etsy and or website has been published for easier convenient ordering. Follow my pages to keep updates on any live vending shows/festivals coming up as well as new projects and items for sale that can be customized in any color I have. I love new challenges!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This has definitely not been a smooth road. As I’ve said previously, I almost quit many times because I didn’t think I was really creating stuff people wanted. With all of the events happening in the last couple of years as well, people have been more protective on money so it makes sense why orders are slower. Officially starting to get my name out there and building a solid following will also aid my growth. Many challenges I’ve faced are personal funding as I’m keeping up with my typical spending but also personally financing the whole business myself. It can be difficult at times because orders may not line up well with my bills which can leave me strapped for a little bit because I want to make sure every custom receives their items in a reasonable and fast pace time. Shipping is a current hurdle I have come to but I am working it out so that can be available for an easier convenient purchasing as well as convenient for customers out of state to learn my name and help build my reputation. Teaching myself everything I have learned on my own has been an interesting but amazing experience, as my confidence has grown so much with each piece whether it’s a failure or a pure triumph.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work with Epoxy resin mediums, doing molds and creative adorable crafts. I have coaster sets, trays, makeup tray designs that can be customized to fit the customers’ needs of the tray. I have worked on canvas art pieces with resin and created pretty cool designs if I say so myself. I am incorporating wood into the pieces as well now, finally merging the two passions of working with wood and epoxy. I am very proud of my 1. Overall Growth 2. The canvas creations I have made. I place my personal thumbprint in every piece I make to provide a very personal touch and proof of my pride in my work. The piece is not finished officially yet but I am already so very proud of it, is I engraved by hand a very large “Tree of Life” inspired design into the top of a wooden trunk. Watching this piece grow the more time I spend on it is amazing to me, just watching the growth unfold in front of me.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Never to give up, I would not be where I am currently if I had given up because of the feelings of defeat I had. I am thankful for A close friend of mine, Zach, who really helped push me forward and reminded me of all the growth I’ve had in such a short while. Challenging yourself also was a big one in this adventure, even if it leads to failure that’s how I have learned how to fix many mistakes and also learned what not to do in situations.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krw_kyles_designs/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/krwdesigns16/?_rdr
