Meet Kala Vanstone | Amateur artist and a Dietitian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kala Vanstone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kala, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Initially, it was a way to relieve stress from the onset of the pandemic. I’m a full time Dietitian working within the public health sector. Needless to say, the news of a pandemic reaching the United States brought with it high levels of stress. Creating art pieces for friends and family is how I honed my skills, learning how to use new tools and techniques. With every project, I ensured to post pictures/videos on all social media platforms. One of my posts was reposted by Cricut’s official Instagram page and in that moment I realized my art could be a potential business avenue.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art’s purpose is to give people a personalized piece that is truly meaningful. The moment they open it and a smile crosses their face, that moment is my favorite. I was able to get where I am today by listening to my customers and offering a truly tailored art piece. One of my most recent pieces was a portrait commissioned to celebrate a 10th wedding anniversary. To really highlight this huge milestone, a “10th” was slipped into the piece as an Easter egg. launching a small business during the rise of a global pandemic has been less than ideal. Delayed shipping times, out of stock replacement machines parts and forever increasing material prices have all been hard lessons learned. Yet, only through these unique lessons is where new strategies are born. I would love the world to know that my art/portraits are for you. For you to reflect on and reminisce about moments you shared with your family. To gift you with that moment in time once more.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would walk the Gilbert farmers market and check out the dog park with my too pups Roo and Koda. Finishing off the day with a slice of pizza from Sal’s Pizza in Gilbert. A typical weekend, I enjoy the community with my girlfriends. We have a monthly brunch where we try out different local restaurants in the Gilbert Chandler area.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband has been enormous source of encouragement in my small business endeavor. From long conversations over what color pallet I should use, to multiple Home Depot trips in one weekend. He’s the foundation to all my progress and spark to my success. My parents have also been amazingly supportive. Both encouraging me to chase my passion. So supportive in fact, my mother on many occasions has helped me glue together numerous project into the night. Lastly, my best friends continuously show their support by recommending me to their friends and family for custom pieces. Without all these amazing people surrounding me I’m not sure that my dreams would feel within reach. So grateful for their love and support.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plaidberry_handcrafted

Facebook: @PlaidberryHandcrafted

Other: TikTok: Plaidberry_Handcrafted