Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyleah Bell.
Hi Kyleah, 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 name is Kyleah Bell, I am originally from San Diego, CA, and can now say at the age of 25 that I have lived in three different time zones. I began my small business wanting to make DIY wreaths for extra cash to get my family gifts for Christmas during the COVID-19 Pandemic. I had just graduated from my graduate program, receiving my Master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration, as a first-generation graduate. With the hardship of the pandemic the profit, I made with my small business that winter season was more self-sustaining than the job I had at the time. I enjoyed creating new wreaths and designs that fit the customer’s personality perfectly. With that being said, I invested into a Cricut machine to expand the range of services and products I wanted to offer. I have since, made apparel for wedding events, and sell personalized Starbucks cups, thermal cups, mugs, and tumblers. My goal is to turn Ky’s Kraft Shoppe into a full-time job where I can depend on myself to make the company thrive while having a flexible schedule.
I am lucky enough to have gotten into the 360 Camera business before I relocated. My dad was able to purchase the 360 cameras for my mom and I to expand the family business to here in Dallas, Tx. When I relocated, I decided I wanted to head two businesses, with the help of my mom, Viviana Nevarez. My mom has since quit her 9-5 job where she was experiencing a high volume of discrimination and racism, to pursue her life passions, while assisting me in pursuing my own. KKB 360 Cameras is about the experience, we have with our customers. We enjoy helping others make memories last, especially for nights to be remembered.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey on the path to entrepreneurship has been really rocky, I have thought or considered giving up so many times. However, I am not a quitter, nor is quitting in my blood. I have struggled financially, trying to create more or new products for consumers to see and investing the money from my full-time job into my businesses. I was operating in a one foot in one foot out method for about all of 2021. I was job searching for a career in higher education, and trying to be committed to my businesses. The beginning of this year I had an honest conversation with my mom, asking her what her thoughts were on my decision to forget the job search (I had been on for 2 years) and invest in myself and these business opportunities right in front of me. I proceeded to explain, ” I followed the plans for my future and tried and it has not worked out. I believe that God has been calling me to do something else” which she replied with encouraging thoughts and ideas. I then asked her ” do you believe in me?” she answered “yes.” That “yes” has been my driving force through any struggles or roadblocks. I have struggled with getting new customers and building clientele for my businesses. I have struggled with learning all there is to learn about running your own business, from marketing to budgeting, to shipping, to expanding my designs, to researching how to grow your business in every sense, etc. Although I have hit roadblocks, too many to count, I have shifted my mindset to accepting the roadblocks as stepping stones. Mistakes come with lessons.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a small business owner, I strive to be unique, creative, efficient, and transparent. We push ourselves to meet the needs and wants of every customer. My purpose is to design products that are tailored to the specific person. For Ky’s Kraft Shoppe, I receive order requests by building rapport with every customer and then following up with a joint discussion on what exactly they are looking for. I make products for historically marginalized groups. My focus has been to provide products with a statement. Whether the statement is style, luxury, social justice, diversity, etc., it remains evident there was time, energy, and love put into each product sold.
My crafts are truly unique due to the audience I am centering. People of color have not been the blueprint for items found at your local store. Instead, BIPOC has had hard times finding their style, names, faces, and bodies, on or at the local store. My products are designed to make each customer feel like they are seen and heard. I create custom holiday wreaths, home, and door décor. In addition, I personalize coffee cups, mugs, water bottles, shot glasses, make-up bags, coasters, tumblers, and more. I create apparel designs and items in bulk for birthdays, weddings, or events. Lastly, I provide graphic design services for new and upcoming small business logos.
My greatest accomplishment within the last two years is discovering my talent and creativity. I’ve learned that the possibilities of my craft are endless, I have challenged myself with various designs from customers and each customer has continuously come back with more complex ideas. A huge accomplishment for my business was getting exposure out at the right time in the right way to my consumers initially, via a Facebook group called Black in San Diego. Through my experience with Ky’s Kraft Shoppe, I am able to assist my mom with our family business here in Dallas, KKB 360 Cameras and Events.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I used to play basketball competitively year-round throughout high school. During my time back in San Diego, during the pandemic, I got the opportunity to coach high school girls’ basketball! It brought back great memories, I hadn’t picked up a ball in 7 years prior to that opportunity and my girls went 14-3 this past season!
Pricing:
- Corporate Events/weddings start at $750/2hrs
- Birthday/anniversaries/parties start at $550/2hrs
- School events/ sport events start at $700/ 2hr
- Additional hours price goes up $175
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kkb360cameras.com & www.kyskraftshoppe.com.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyskraftshoppe/ & https://www.instagram.com/kkb360cameras/
