Quirky, upbeat and super fun are all words that describe Kyla. Kyla is all about felted goodness in all different forms. With a love for photography and and anything for tiny hands Forage Photography & Design was born.
Kyla – FORAGE PHOTOGRAPHY
WHAT DO YOU MAKE/SELL? TELL US ABOUT YO’ SELF.
I create Plush Toys, Cake Toppers, Felt Goodness and Photography. Felt is my medium of choice, and with my style for the most part no matter what I make, felt is included. I’ve lived in Calgary, AB my whole life, and I love it here. I currently reside in a cute yellow doored house with my boyfriend (Fiancé as of New Years Eve, eek!) and our 2 year old Husky Ruckus. I’m an avid believer in Diet Coke, rearranging a room at least once a month and naps!
HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR BUSINESS?
I’ve been creating for my whole life in some form or another; I suppose I’ve just always had the art bug. I knew from a very young age that if art school existed, I wanted to be there, so I eventually ended up at ACAD, and loved every minute of it! I first started a real platform for my little business in 2008, when I opened a shop on Etsy under the name OneLateNight.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
I started on Etsy with no intention of making money, but as an outlet during a very depressing time in my life. A relationship that I was involved in for several years ended, and I was left wondering what I was supposed to do with my time. Etsy provided that platform for me to see that there could be structure, I could be creative, and connect with others. I find myself to be really shy, and awkward in social situations, so this outlet was a blessing.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK?
I take inspiration from lots of things colours, textures, kick butt girl bosses, and smiling faces. Nothing makes me happier than when someone gets just as excited about what I create, as I do. I started making my items based on little hands. I like the idea of kids being able to have something plush and fun amongst the sea of plastic toys, and electronics.
WHAT DO YOU DREAM FOR YOUR BUSINESS IN THE FUTURE?
For the future, I hope I can devote the time necessary to make my business grow, and really push my social media. I know photography will always be a part of my life, whether I do it professionally or not. Over the last few years I have been introducing a more varied product line, from party supplies, cake toppers, and something new that Ruckus (yes my dog) and I have been working on behind the scenes. I just hope to grow, and continue to create an outlet that truly makes me happy.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM AND WHY?
Instagram is one of the best things to happen, ever. Quick snapshots of a moment in time, sent all over the world. I love following feeds that just ooze creative and colourful moments! I’ve been getting back into flat lays, and realized that thoughtful hashtags actually do make a difference if used correctly!
HOW DO YOU PICK YOURSELF UP WHEN THINGS GO WRONG?
Truthfully, I get frustrated when things go wrong. Sometimes something in your mind, doesn’t quite translate once you have created it. I just need to remember that it is all part of the creative process, and that if I still have the drive to continue I’ll figure out. My biggest issue is comparing myself to others, or dealing with negativity or rejection towards something I have created. I have to remember, that I create items that aren’t for everyone, and I shouldn’t take it so personally. My biggest pick me up is having the ability to be creative, even if it’s just for me. Once I pull myself back together I can approach a situation or creative endeavor with a more level head.
WHAT’S ONE THING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT YOU? GIVE US AN INTERESTING FACT!
Something you might not know about me is that when I was young, I wanted to be a Dinosaur SO badly. I would eat my food by holding the fork above my head, and then lowering it like I was Little Foot (the long neck) from The Land Before Time. I’m pretty positive; I would still like to be a dinosaur when I grow up. haha.
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPER POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE?
If I could have one super power, it would be snap cleaning. If you have seen Mary Poppins, you know what I’m talking about. With a few snaps your space has organized, and put itself away. I’m messy; so this would be the most amazing power to have!
WHAT ARE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES?
You can find me here:
Instagram: @foragephoto
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foragephotographyanddesign
Twitter: @foragephoto
Website: foragephotography.com
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR STUFF?
You can find me on Etsy here:
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ForagePhotoAndDesign
With any luck, you might be seeing me pop up at a few local Calgary brick and mortar locations in 2016, and hanging out at Market Collective as well.