Check Out Kayleigh Flowers’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayleigh Flowers.

Hi Kayleigh, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Kayleigh, and I am 11 years old. When I was younger, I always loved to draw, color, and make things. I have always loved to make things with my hands, including slime (I think all kids probably made slime at one point)! In 2017, I became a Girl Scout and started selling Girl Scout cookies! This is where I learned about how to sell products, promote myself, and learn about money management (among other things). As a Girl Scout selling cookies, I was the top seller in my troop for the last four years! I have sold over 6,000 boxes of cookies and am now a member of the Girl Scouts NC coastal pines High Achievers club! This I am super proud of! Girl Scouts helped bring out the entrepreneur in me, and since then, I have always wanted to own my own business.

In 2021, I started making rubber band bracelets and sold them at a local vendor market in my neighborhood. This is where my love for making jewelry making started! I knew I wanted to learn more and teach myself how to make different kinds of jewelry for kids my age and even adults! I started by watching a YouTube video of someone making a phone charm, and I said to myself, “this would look cool as a bracelet or a necklace.” I then decided to start a TikTok account to show my creations, and people on TikTok would say, ” you should start a business.” So I did! CraftsbyKay was started and became a business in September 2022. I make gorgeous beaded earrings, necklaces, bracelets, phone charms, and more! Every day I work on making my products better, and one day wants to make my products hypoallergenic.

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?
It has been a challenging road! When I started to teach myself how to make jewelry, I had many bad “batches.” Things broke along the way, and I had to keep figuring out how to make my product beautiful and durable since I wanted my products to be kid friendly. I have figured out different techniques to ensure my products last a long time! Every day I work to make my product better for my customers!

I have learned what works for my business and have officially gotten some orders out of state. I aim to get at least one order in every 50 states within the next year! I am also working on marketing my products to more potential customers, as this has also been a struggle. I also find it challenging to manage my business while still being a great student and doing my other extracurricular activities like art class, Girl Scouts, and volleyball. I am learning how to manage my time effectively. Doing this is especially important as it is also a Girl Scout cookie season (Remember to support your local Girl Scout troop!). My mom and dad make sure that I stay on task every day!

Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I specialize in gorgeous beaded jewelry that is not only perfect for kids but adults as well! My jewelry consists of glass beads, cute charms, and crystal spacer beads. I love using colors and my knowledge of color theory to make the most beautiful jewelry that can be worn for any occasion! I make bracelets, necklaces, rings, phone charms, and earrings (to name a few). I am known for making whimsical earrings that teachers also love! I also make custom jewelry, so if there is something that you want me to make, reach out, and we can chat! What sets me apart from others is my love for my product, creativity, and determination never to give up! As an artist, I always think of fun and creative ideas for jewelry and sketch out my designs before executing them.

I am most proud of my sales at vendor fairs! My first vendor fair was at the Harvest Festival in Wendell in November 2022. I was nervous and shy about finally showcasing my product to other people. I had such a great outcome and was happy that I overcame my fear! I learned so much about selling my product and about myself. I want to teach kids that you can do anything and that the sky is the limit! I also learned that being 11 years old means I can still successfully run my own business and sell my handmade products!

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love Wendell! I love the small-town charm and the hometown feel. I can always count on my town to support me, which means the world to me! Since starting my business, I have had friends and neighbors support me.

Contact Info:

• Website: shopcraftsbykay.etsy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftsbykayshop/?igshid=YWJhMjlhZTc%3D
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/craftsbykay?lang=en