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

Hi Kayla, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I knew I wanted to be my own boss and still be able to be at home with my kids. I started my business while working a full time job and being a full time student. I knew that if I wanted to be dependent on my business as my part of our household income I would need to have a rhythm and schedule going before I got pregnant or quit my corporate job. I started my business in October of 2019 and worked VERY hard to keep my business alive during the pandemic, which was not on my “be prepared for this” list. I was able to keep my business alive and it’s grown more that I thought it could in the last 2.5 years. I got pregnant in October of 2020 and have been able to have my business as my full time job, just like planned.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I make jewelry and accessories that are cute, fun, different and simple. A lot of the other jewelry shops you see have elegant, beautiful pieces of handmade jewelry but for my business I wanted to focus on the simplicity behind sprucing up your day-to-day and still having it be affordable. Starting out this business was not easy because all those my items are on the simpler side of design I still wanted them to be different and stand out from other jewelry businesses. Not all of my jewelry is handmade by me and that is something I originally planned on from the start. I curate some of my items from other USA based businesses to showcase their work too! I purposefully named my business Kayla & Co. because it is so versatile. While the business is me (Kayla) I still curate from other designers and business owners (Company). That way we are all included under and umbrella of work and they are recognized one way or another.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First place I would go is Downtown Gilbert on a Friday night. Although it is going to be jam-packed with people, that’s part of the fun. If you’ve ever seen the movie Cars, you’ll understand what I say when it’s just like Radiator Springs at night. Neon lights, hustle and bustle of people, good food and a perfect picture spot!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom. My mom has been my saving grace when it comes to this business. We always joke that she is the “Company” in Kayla & Co. because she invested in my, financially and mentally, from the very beginning. She has pushed me to be better and supported me during the low points of being a business owner. If I didn’t have my mom with me in the endeavor I can guarantee I would have closed up shop a long time ago.

Website: kaylaandcompany.com

Instagram: kaylaandcompanyy

Twitter: kaylaandcompany

Facebook: kaylaandcompanyy

Other: TikTok: kaylaandcompany Pinterest: kaylaandcompanyy

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