Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Kessler.
Kimberly, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Southern California, influenced mostly by my mom who painted and my father who had a photo darkroom in our garage. Creativity always surrounded me, so when I went to college I studied graphic design and photography and graduated in with a fine arts degree. I took the photography route the first two decades of my career living in Los Angeles and photographing fashion for stores, magazines, and clothing clients. Then, in 2015, my whole career went on hold because I was newly married with my first baby. I had a new passion and love and that was my son. With becoming an instant stay at home mom, I still craved to do creative things, so I started making felt pillows. I started using my graphic design skills to create whimsical children’s pillows, and colorful party decor for friends kids and other moms. We then moved to San Diego and I had no more photo jobs, so I thought I would start selling my decor online and that’s what started Cloud Envy Decor. Today, I design, create, and sew all my felt decor out of my home and am able to be with my family at the same time. It’s so fulfilling.
Has it been a smooth road?
In the begging, the struggle was finding out what I wanted to do. I liked so many things and it was hard finding “one thing.” So, I made the decision to follow the things I loved and just do it! I am a great designer, creator, photographer, dancer (on the dancefloor I think), swimmer, and gardener. I realized at an early age that I am not defined by one thing and that my talents all can be used to make me the best me! So, after spending many years as a great photographer, I left that profession and used that skills in photographing my own product which I design. I use a lot of my color pallets from the gardening I do and the flowers I see. I am a goofball at heart and like creating fun whimsical items like the crazy dancing I love. I use the calmness I learn from swimming I think?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. I failed many times in the process. If I look back at my sewing projects from three years ago the craftsmanship wasn’t there, but I pursued and believed in myself to get where I am today. I had no money starting out doing both of my businesses, so I improvised, I made do with what I had and used any or little money I had to put it back in my business. I didn’t really make excuses, and I have always thought, bigger, better, and that just do and things will come.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in designing and creating handmade, luxury felt decor for home, kids room, and birthday parties. I am known for my original whimsical designs, simplicity, and quality.
My creative designs set me apart, and also the ability to make custom items.
I am most proud of my overall shop with many customized products to supply a special niche for mom’s and family’s for special events, gifts, and heirloom products to be cherished a lifetime.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Find what you love, and just go for it. Find others whom you admire and contact them and see if they would trade your help for mentoring. I have been an apprentice many times, and have also have mentored others and love both. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a mentor. They will be complimented from it and can always use the help. Don’t expect handouts, and that if you really want something you need to work hard for it. It will be so worth it in the end and you won’t have to pay the cost of education from a school that won’t teach you more valued hands-on learning.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cloudenvydecor.etsy.com
- Phone: 213 446 5220
- Email: kimgrisco@sbcglobal.net
- Instagram: @cloudenvydecor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CloudEnvyDecor?ref=tn_tnmn
- Other: www.kimgrisco.com
Image Credit:
Kimberly Kessler
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