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Fall Collab with KRZA by Krystle Dawn

If you have been with me since the beginning of my blog you have definitely seen KRZA around! I'm so excited to be collaborating with Krystle from KRZA by Krystle Dawn! She gave me one of my first brand rep opportunities and it meant the world to me when I was first starting out that someone would take me on as a brand rep! After being a brand rep for several seasons I'm so excited that we are finally collaborating on Lifestyle with Laramie! Below you will find a Q & A with Krystle on being a business owner and girl boss extraordinaire! She's such a sweet person and I hope you all love learning more about her, as well as check out some of her current pieces! Keep scrolling there might be a surprise for you towards the end!


What made you want to make headbands?

When I was in my last semester of design school I would take scraps of fabric and my instructor said I looked great in what I was creating and that I should sell headbands. I started my business about a month later and never looked back.

How do you balance your business and personal life?

I don't think I've found the answer to this question yet. I think my idea of balance wouldn't really work for anyone else. I feel the most balanced when I'm creating or at my sewing machine. So I guess my personal life is my business. Of course I love a good comedy show every now and then. And I take Sunday's off for football. That's my balance lol!

How do you go about choosing the colors and prints for your pieces?

I create about 90% of my prints. I found an artist who speaks to my brand. When I have a print idea I text her and we work on the prints until it's what I envisioned and then I have it printed for my shop. As far as colors I took color theory and textiles in college so I get to put all of that knowledge to use every season when choosing solids.

What advice would you give fellow girl bosses and creatives?

Work hard. Don't compare yourself to anyone else. Always just focus on your shop and you'll come out on top. I'm not suggesting to be mean or selfish, but sometimes there's a lot of drama in the small shop community and some people can let it bring them down and nothing good can come of that.

What is your favorite style and print personally?

I wear the faux turban the most. I have a big head so it really narrows my head. My favorite print ever is my Quartz print. I'm really into crystals, the moon, and space so I went to my artist and asked if she could paint me some crystals and she did such an amazing job. I don't think I'll ever not carry the Quartz print. My logo is also a crystal which is a play on my name. So it fits my shop perfectly.

What is the most rewarding part of your business?

Meeting awesome customers. Being a small shop owner is stressful. You're usually doing everything alone. So sometimes it can feel like you're not doing enough or you are failing, but then you get a message from a customer saying your item made their day or they feel confident wearing it and it really is the best feeling in the world.

What is the meaning behind your brand name?

KRZA doesn't stand for anything. It's not an acronym. It's actually my nickname from when I was younger. I love hip hop and Wu-Tang so my cousin nick named me KRZA since there were cousins in the group named RZA and GZA. My shop name is so close to my heart and it helps me stand behind every item I create. It's a piece of me.


Below you will find some new looks from KRZA! 

Want to shop KRZA by Krystle Dawn? Click HERE 

10/2 until 10/5 use code LWL20 to get 20% off your purchase!

Featured below is the

"Skinny Turban" in Rising Tide & "The Halo" in Rosebud Velvet


Orlando Artists To Watch!

Art...what do you think when I say that word? I have always loved art and studied art in school, granted I don't have much talent when it comes to painting or drawing. My art is photography, but I have always been super inspired by artists, whether it be a painter, a photographer, or a writer, in a way everyone is there own artist right? Well I am very inspired by two awesome artists in particular that I want to share with you, Genna Sweetnam and Peterson Guerrier. I want to thank these two fabulous souls for opening up their studios and allowing me to capture their art and them at work! You both are SUPER AWESOME!


Genna

Genna and I met in a drawing class in college and we were instant friends! This girl loves everything art and everything art loves her....she is so talented in all art forms! It's inspiring to know someone that doesn't want to limit themselves to just one art form but do their very best at every art form they try! She is a fabulous painter and creator, her pieces have a great sense of adventure and whimsy that bring such joy to everyone that sees them! Make sure to check out her IG @giggerbug and show her some love!


Peterson

Peterson and I met at my first job out of college at an art gallery. He quickly became one of my favorite people at work and another inspiring artist! Peterson is also super talented at all art forms! Not only is he a great photographer but painter as well! I love that he blends these forms together capturing his subjects through his lens as well as his paint brush! Probably my favorite thing about Peterson's work is that it is expressive and takes you to a place with true emotions. Peterson is super fun to be around and watch take on the art scene, truly inspiring! Make sure to check out his IG @mr_guerrier and his website HERE