Field Interview:
Kayla Colson, Ivy & Kay Creations
Today's interview is with Kayla of Ivy & Kay Creations. With the passionate way Kayla talks about entrepreneurship, it’s no wonder she recently made the jump to focus on Ivy & Kay full time. Her work reflects the enthusiasm it takes to own a small business. Her offerings are colorful, cheerful and relatable!
1. What does your name, Ivy and Kay mean and how did you come up with it for your business?
I started Ivy and Kay in 2016 with my friend who's name is Ivy. She's moved on since, but I've always kept the name the same!
2. Ivy and Kay consists of graphic apparel and accessories with fun sayings and playful images. Do you have core pieces or collections that you are always creating and have readily available?
Yes! My general Ivy and Kay Collection is available year round in my shop and is customizable! That means you can select the design you like and select the color and apparel type it goes on!
3. The messages and words on your pieces really connect with people. Do you come up with them? If so, how do you find inspiration for unique sayings that are still relatable?
I come up with all of them! I have a few people who I bounce my ideas off of, but ultimately it has to be something I would wear!
4. What do you look for in material and fit when selecting apparel to pair with your graphics?
My rule is that it has to be soft and make people feel good. I love Comfort Colors for my tees, they are SO soft, durable, and have that oversized look that everyone loves. As a bonus, Comfort Colors tees come in so many great colors! Being in RI, people need winter options as well, I have recently grown into selling a lot more hoodies and crewnecks. I always shoot for sweatshirts that are warm but not super bulky!
5. Do you have any apparel offerings that are a fan favorite for all ages?
Yes! Any of my sponge fleece hoodies are a crowd favorite for kids and adults alike! Both of my grandmothers wear theirs all the time!!
6. What's your most popular non apparel product?
Online, my most popular non apparel item is my Lead Her Ship Mug. They make great gifts for people! At in person shows, my notepads have become sought after! People will come back out to events to buy them again and again!
7. On Instagram you've given some insight into your rebrand. What made you decide to rebrand? What makes this new look reflect Ivy and Kay better?
I have been sitting on the Ivy and Kay rebrand for a long time. A few years ago, I made a shift in my products. I began creating only items that I would wear or use which really brought my business to a new level. In 2023 I have made the jump to a full time entrepreneur and I knew that made the time right for a rebrand! The new look matches the colorful tees I use, the fun nature of my products and is a lot more me!
8. I see that you do a lot of custom work for sororities. What other types of custom work do you offer?
Sorority Tees have been a big part of my business' success on Etsy, which most people who meet me at in person events don't know! I offer custom apparel for sororities, businesses, schools, sports teams, and of course anyone who just needs a custom tee! I have made some wonderful connections in my community and outside through this! Please reach out to me if you are interested in custom work and we can get started!
9. Your website says you've shipped to all 50 states! That's impressive! What is your advice to small business owners who want to expand their reach outside of their base location?
My advice is to just start. With platforms like Etsy, shoppers from all over can find your shop, but you have to have something they're looking for! Get as many different items as possible up on your shop and keep up with the trends. Things like rose gold and cow print have been in high demand as trends and brought my shop along with them! As part of becoming a full time entrepreneur I will be offering small business growth consulting, send me a message if you'd like me to dive a little deeper on helping you grow!
10. Dream collaboration? Can be a specific person, general person, company, etc. What would you create together?!
My dream collaboration would be to work with Disney! I am a huge Disney Parks girl and would love to create apparel for the parks!
See more of Kayla's work through her Instagram!
Shop Ivy & Kay through the website