KAT Designz derives its name from the initials of its founder, Kelly Ann Traboulay, and her profound love for art and design. The name is not just a brand but a reflection of her identity and her artistic passion.
Kelly currently balances her full time job with growing KAT Designz, which is challenging; her days are dedicated to her primary job, while nights and weekends are reserved for her creative endeavors. It’s a labor of love, made possible by the unwavering support of her understanding family.
Kelly’s journey into entrepreneurship was sparked by a gift given to her by her husband, who took one of her abstract art pieces, added color, and printed it on a tote bag and cushion cover. This thoughtful gesture ignited the idea of creating functional art, turning her casual doodling into a promising business.
KAT Designz has celebrated several significant achievements:
- Compiling over 30 original, intricate designs created by hand.
- Expanding her current product line to include original canvas art, and also selling her very first piece.
- Creating a family business through the onboarding of CAT Creative TT – a new line of designs created by her niece which features animal and tribal themed designs. It was a true joy for her under the KAT Designz umbrella.
- Fulfilling her first international order, marking her designs’ global reach.
- Completing her first corporate order.
- Being featured in our local newspapers for the first time, which highlighted her unique style of art.
Kelly has learned two crucial lessons as an entrepreneur: having confidence in one’s self and talent and the importance of patience, love, and perseverance which are critical for success. She acknowledges that the journey is challenging but encourages budding entrepreneurs to pursue their dream with confidence and to believe in their creativity and vision.
At KAT Designz, the focus is on transforming everyday items into classic pieces of art. Each intricate design is handcrafted, taking between two to six hours to create, using the old fashioned methods of paper and pen. Kelly creates from the soul, allowing her feelings to guide her artistic process.
Kelly distinguishes a business as what you offer and a brand as the image you project. KAT Designz aims to be more than a business; it strives to represent a unique artistic vision.
Kelly is optimistic about the local brand community, noting a growing presence of local products in stores and at events. She appreciates the support within the community, where brands collaborate, support each other, and contribute to each other’s growth.
Pop-ups are vital for KAT Designz’s growth and Kelly frequently participates in pop-ups with Southmarket and Upmarket, among others. Her products are also available at several local retailers, providing additional exposure and growth opportunities.
Through passion, perseverance, and a supportive community, KAT Designz continues to thrive and inspire, embodying the artistic soul of its founder, Kelly Ann Traboulay.
