Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Serota.
Hi Kayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in the wooded countryside of northwest Houston, in a small town of about 400 people, surrounded by nature, creativity, and a deep appreciation for history. Raised primarily by my grandparents, well-traveled parents, and a close-knit community, I spent my childhood immersed in hands-on adventures—building forts, trailblazing through the woods, learning carpentry in my grandfather’s workshop, and tagging along on treasure-hunting trips to estate sales, antique malls, and yard sales.
My grandparents, passionate antique collectors, built a five-story “castle in the woods” filled to the brim with artifacts and treasures from all over the world. Those early experiences shaped my resourcefulness, creativity, and appreciation for mixing different styles together. My father always told me, “Do what you love, and the money will follow,” and that mindset stuck with me.
From a young age, I had an entrepreneurial spirit. In kindergarten, I was selling Tic Tacs on the playground for 25 cents a piece. A little older, I was running a mini shop on the school bus, selling snacks and trinkets from a foldable shower caddy. I always had a side hustle—photography, vinyl crafting, babysitting—anything to fund my passion for discovering unique treasures.
During high school and college, I worked multiple part-time jobs to support my shopping habit, which had turned into more than just collecting—it was about finding homes for items that had history and meaning. The thrill of the hunt became my passion. I loved hearing the stories behind pieces I found and watching people connect emotionally with them. But reselling was never just about profit for me; it was about giving people access to these treasures in an affordable and meaningful way.
The turning point came when I realized how drained I felt working traditional jobs, juggling university, and trying to fit my business into the margins of my life. My workplace became controlling over what I did in my personal time, and I knew I had to break free. The growing support from my customers and the deep fulfillment I felt from curating The Quirky Cactus Co. made me take the leap. Last fall, I quit my job and went full-time with my business.
Since then, I have rebranded, expanded my collection, and traveled all over Texas for markets. The Quirky Cactus Co. is not your typical vintage brand. It’s quirky, colorful, bold, nostalgic, and filled with personality. I’m not about overpriced “trendy” vintage—I believe every piece has a story, and I want people to create spaces that reflect who they are, not just what looks good on Pinterest.
Looking ahead, I want to focus on pop-ups and markets, traveling across the U.S. to reach new vintage lovers. I also want to expand into high-end vintage and handcrafted jewelry, collaborating with other women-owned businesses that align with my values. My ultimate dream? To travel the world, sourcing one-of-a-kind pieces and bringing the most unique finds to my customers. The Quirky Cactus Co. is just getting started, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
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?
Not at all—it’s been a road full of twists, learning experiences, and unexpected challenges. But I think that’s what makes the journey so rewarding.
One of the biggest struggles early on was facing failure at in-person markets. My very first market was in my small town, and the only sale I made was to my uncle. After that, I had multiple slow markets where I lost money, and at one, my pop-up tent even collapsed due to high winds, breaking several of my items. It was discouraging, but over time, I learned how to navigate these events like a pro—perfecting my display setups, knowing which markets were worth the investment, and adjusting to challenges like theft, damages, and unpredictable crowds.
Another tough lesson came when I first tried launching a sticker business. I quickly became frustrated with my lack of resources and compared myself to small business owners online who had what seemed like the perfect setup. I didn’t have the funds to scale it the way I envisioned, and for a while, that left me feeling stuck. But I eventually realized that everyone starts somewhere, and rather than giving up, I needed to pivot. That shift in mindset pushed me to build The Quirky Cactus Co. into something that aligned with my skills and passions in a more sustainable way.
The biggest challenge, though, was deciding to take my business full-time. For years, I worked multiple part-time jobs while managing school and trying to grow my brand. I felt constantly drained, and over time, I realized that my workplace environment wasn’t the right fit for me anymore. I started feeling more fulfilled and motivated by my small business than by my job, and that contrast made it clear that I needed to take a leap of faith. The transition wasn’t easy, but it was the right decision—I now have the freedom to build something that truly reflects my creativity and passion.
Through all of these struggles, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to trust the process, be patient, and keep pushing forward. The road hasn’t been smooth, but every challenge has taught me something that’s helped me grow stronger as a business owner. And honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way. The hustle, the risks, the lessons—they make the wins that much sweeter.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m the owner and creative force behind The Quirky Cactus Co., a vintage, upcycled, and modern brand that curates unique and quirky home goods, gifts, accessories, jewelry, clothing, decor, novelty items, and gag gifts. I specialize in sourcing and styling one-of-a-kind treasures—pieces that have history, character, and a story to tell.
What sets The Quirky Cactus Co. apart is its personality. Unlike many vintage and resale brands that stick to a single aesthetic, I embrace the bold, the colorful, the unexpected, and the nostalgic. My collection is a mix of old and new, classic and quirky, all blended into a style that’s as eclectic as the people who shop with me. I don’t believe in overcharging or treating vintage as just a status symbol—I believe in finding the right home for the right pieces and making vintage accessible, fun, and meaningful.
I’m most proud of how much my brand has grown into an authentic reflection of myself. Every item I curate is handpicked with care, and I love that my customers connect with the same nostalgia and excitement that I do when finding these treasures. Whether it’s at a pop-up market, an online drop, or a one-on-one conversation about a special find, the joy of sharing these pieces and hearing the stories they spark in others is what makes my work truly fulfilling.
At the end of the day, The Quirky Cactus Co. is more than just a shop—it’s a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the thrill of the hunt. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I’d say resourcefulness is the most important quality that has led to my success. Growing up in a creative, hands-on environment taught me how to think outside the box, adapt to challenges, and make the most of what I have. Whether it’s sourcing unique inventory, styling items in an unexpected way, or navigating the ups and downs of running a small business, being resourceful has helped me stay flexible and innovative.
Another key characteristic is my genuine passion for the hunt. I don’t just buy and sell—I seek out pieces with stories, curate collections that feel personal, and build an experience around what I do. That passion translates into my brand’s identity and connects me with customers who share the same love for unique and meaningful finds.
Lastly, determination has played a huge role. There have been plenty of moments where things didn’t go as planned—slow markets, financial setbacks, or feeling stuck creatively—but I’ve never let those moments stop me. I’ve learned to pivot, keep moving forward, and trust that each challenge is just part of the journey. That mindset has helped me take risks, grow my business, and create something truly my own.
Pricing:
- Affordable & Fair Pricing
- Home Goods & Decor
- Market & Pop-Up Exclusives & Custom Bundles
- Gifts, Novelties & Quirky Items
- Jewelry & Accessories & Wearables
Contact Info:
- Website: https://quirkycactusco.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopquirkycactusco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quirkycactusco
- Other: https://quirkycactusco.square.site/upcoming-markets
Image Credits
@laurencmpbllphoto on Instagram & myself
